The Government is investing $270 billion to modernise Australia’s defence capability. Some of the high profile and important new capabilities include:
- a continuous naval shipbuilding program beginning with 9 frigates, nuclear-powered submarines and 12 offshore patrol vessels, all built in Australia
- the next generation of armoured fighting vehicles and protected mobility vehicles
- a more potent air combat and air strike capability to support the future air combat fleet, including the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter
- enhanced capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space, electronic warfare and cyber
- advanced training, modern equipment, and health care and logistics systems to support Australian Defence Force personnel.
Capability requirements
Defence is making its requirements clearer so Australian business and academic and research organisations can understand what Defence needs, and invest in their own capabilities. While there’s no standard definition of 'Defence Ready', your company must have an Australian business number (ABN) and may need:
- a history of supply performance (on schedule, on budget and to specification)
- a broad customer base, which demonstrates supply capacity
- a broad supplier base to ensure supply continuity
- an appropriate quality assurance program (such as ISO9001 certification)
- ownership of intellectual property or authorised re-seller rights with authority to offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) warranty
- compliance with security requirements, including cyber security
- compliance with relevant legislation and codes of conduct
- Australian and international certifications and accreditations
Security requirements
To work in the defence industry your business will need to meet the Department of Defence’s security requirements. The Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) prepares industry to align their security practices. Your business will need an appropriate level of membership in the DISP when it:
- works on sensitive or classified information or assets
- stores or transports Defence weapons or explosive ordnance
- provides security services for Defence bases and facilities
- joins a Defence supply chain