Government commits to defence-industry partnership

Federal government ministers have committed the government to supporting the development of Australian defence industries and to collaboration between government and industry.

The commitment was made by Minister for defence Richard Marles and minister for defence industry Pat Conroy at a defence industry roundtable event in Adelaide today.

Marles, who is also deputy prime minister, said the Australian Government was taking a collaborative approach to working with defence industry in order to develop, build, and sustain defence capability at the required pace.

Marles said: “Australia’s geo-strategic environment underscores the need for a robust, sovereign and internationally competitive defence industry base.

“That is why the Australian government is committed to building a genuine, long-term partnership with defence industry, large and small, both locally and internationally.”

Minister Conroy said the government was focused on strengthening Australia’s sovereign capabilities, bolstering local manufacturing, and creating new jobs.

Conroy said: “The defence industry partnership is essential to developing the sovereign industrial base to provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) the capabilities it needs, in the areas of greatest criticality, when it needs it.

“The Australian Government seeks to maximise opportunities and remove barriers for Australian industry participation in Defence procurement.”

The ministers gave a commitment to maximising Australian industrial participation within Defence capability acquisition and sustainment projects.

“Our defence industry plan is not only about our nation’s security – it’s about economic prosperity as well,” said Marles.

Picture: Minister for defence industry, Pat Conroy

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