Latest News from ADA-Vic

The defence of Australia, its people and its interests is a government’s most important responsibility. Australians should be assured that their Parliament has an important role in debating matters of national importance, including Australia’s involvement in international armed conflict.

The most consequential decision for a government is to deploy the Australian Defence Force into an international armed conflict and is never taken lightly.

The Government has today released its response to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s inquiry into international armed conflict decision making.

The response agrees, agrees-in-principle or broadly agrees with the report’s seven recommendations.

The Government welcomes the principal finding that decisions regarding armed conflict are fundamentally a prerogative of the Executive.

The Government also reaffirms its commitment to improving openness and accountability, and ensuring Parliament has effective mechanisms to examine and debate such decisions.

In recognition of this and balancing transparency with timely decision-making, the Government has agreed to codify practices relating to informing the Parliament about these decisions.

Read more >

The Report was released in March 2023

Applications for Veterans' Health Week 2023 Funding Open

Veterans' Health week is an important opportunity for Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifices of veterans and veteran families, and acknowledge that sometimes, this service can take its toll on their health and wellbeing.

This year, Veterans’ Health Week 2023 is focused on “Mental Wellness Matters”, encouraging veterans and veteran families to renew their focus on maintaining good mental health and seeking support when it’s needed.

Australian veterans have led the way in enhancing our understanding of mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s because of the work of our veterans, and organisations like Open Arms, that Australia is leading the way in treating and supporting mental health conditions.

Mental wellness does matter. That’s the long and the short of it.

It’s also ok to ask for help.

Veterans' Health Week will run from 8 – 15 October,and will focus on the importance of maintaining good mental health and seeking support when it’s needed.

This year ex-service and community organisations all over the country are encouraged to apply for a $720 payment to host an event during Veterans’ Health Week.

Applications for funding close on 8 September. A kitbag to support event organisers plan and deliver their event is available on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

For more information visit www.dva.gov.au/vhw

National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) Board Announced

The Australian Government has announced a chair and 7 board members for the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).

The announcement marks another step towards the establishment of the NRF.

Chair of the NRF Board

Martijn Wilder AM has been announced as Chair of the independent NRF Board, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience to the role. Mr Wilder will work with the board to progress the important work to establish the corporation.

Board members

The board members bring extensive experience across the priority areas of the NRF.

They are:

Ahmed Fahour AO
Dr Katharine Giles
The Hon Kelly O’Dwyer
Daniel Petre AO
Kathryn Presser AM
Karen Smith-Pomeroy
Daniel Walton.

Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants - CRC-P Round 15 is now open!

CRC-P Round 15 was opened by The Hon Ed Husic MP, Minster for Industry and Science on 3 August 2023 and will close at 17:00 AEST on 14 September 2023.

The Round is open to all industry sectors however will have a focus on supporting projects in line with Government priorities, including the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority areas and the Science and Research priorities. Applications that have a focus on the circular economy are also particularly encouraged.

Funding will be available from January 2024.

Read more >

Defence Trade Mission & Symposium to Seoul ADEX 2023

The Australian Department of Defence in partnership with Austrade and the Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA) will host a Defence Trade Mission & Symposium, to Seoul ADEX 2023 from 17 – 19 October 2023. Registration for this event is available via the ICN website, we encourage all members from your organisation to register if their capabilities align with those focus areas below.

Event Description

The three day trade mission will serve to advance industrial cooperation, discuss future projects, identify business and mutual investment opportunities and reinforce the strategic objectives of our military cooperation. The program will involve:

half day Republic of Korea (ROK)-Australia industry symposium
official government and industry networking function
targeted business to business (B2B) industry meetings

The ROK-Australian symposium will also involve keynote speakers from both governments and industry, focused on targeted capabilities of interest to promote industrial cooperation and build a closer defence industry relationship. The trade mission will facilitate the opportunity to meet with ROK government officials, defence insiders and industry representatives that represent foreign defence industry. This audience will provide Australian participants the opportunity to present their capabilities and technologies to influential figures in the ROK defence procurement process, and conduct discussions with potential industry partners.

Reasons for attending

Seoul ADEX is one of the world's top five aerospace and defence exhibitions, making it a significant platform for attracting investments, meeting potential partners, displaying Australia's capabilities, and showcasing technological expertise. A targeted trade mission to ADEX 2023 will explore new areas of collaboration and strengthen existing relationships.

Capability focus

The ROK are looking to invest in cutting-edge technologies across the below areas. Australian industry with capabilities across these technology areas are encouraged to register for this mission. The mission looks to support an industry delegation of under 20 Australian organisations. Successful companies are responsible for sponsoring their own travel and accommodation costs.

Additive Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence
Autonomy Systems
Big Data Analytics
Manned and Unmanned Teaming
Unmanned robotics
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capability

Action

Please register via the ICN website, successful companies will be required to submit their capability information. Confirmed schedule of events inclusive of key timelines, deadlines and industry engagements will be provided to successful companies. Opportunities to register close on 06 AUG 2023.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact:

Adam Sandilands - Assistant Director

Department Of Defence

E: adam.sandilands@defence.gov.au | T: +61 2 5108 4796

The Defence and the
Private Sector: Working with Integrity Document Released

Are you a current or upcoming Defence stakeholder?

Did you know Defence has released the expected standards for ethical conduct and probity?

The Defence and the Private Sector: Working with Integrity document advocates that all engagement between Defence and the private sector be conducted in a way that fosters public confidence.

The document covers a range of ethical and integrity-related issues including:

Declaration and management of conflicts of interest;
Management of Defence post separation and secondary employment (including that of reservists);
Promoting integrity in Defence procurement processes; and
Protecting ‘Official’ information.

More info >

Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) Request for Information (RFI)

Dear Innovators,

The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) is calling on Australian industry and research providers to submit responses to a Request for Information (RFI) regarding sovereign un-crewed aerial systems (UAS) and trusted autonomy capabilities. Defence seeks to support this sovereign industrial capability, particularly focussing on small, general-purpose systems that can be produced at scale.

Responses to this RFI will inform Defence’s approach to developing this capability. You can access the AusTender listing here to access and lodge an RFI.

The RFI will close 21 August 2023 at 4:30pm AEST.

For further information regarding ASCA please visit www.defence.gov.au/asca. For any enquiries, please contact ASCA at ASCA.Enquiries@defence.gov.au

From Defence:

Defence formally revealed LAND 400 Phase 3 program which will transform the Army's combined arms combat capabilities. The win will support thousands of high-skilled jobs, provide a significant economic boost to industry and support Australia’s strategic imperative to develop sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities. See more here.
Defence has announced intention to accelerate Boeing Australia sovereign MQ-28A Ghost Bat autonomous air vehicle program, instructing the company to forward options to develop the program. See more here.
Space Command formally shifted operating within the Air Force to the ADF’s Joint Capabilities Group. The move forms part of the Defence Strategic Review recommendation that will see the Space Surveillance Unit assume operation of Defence’s space domain awareness capabilities. See more here.
Defence will purchase 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force for $9.8 billion. The new acquisitions will replace and expand upon the 12 Hercules aircraft currently operated by Air Force with delivery of the first aircraft expected from late 2027. See more here.
Defence Science Institute call for EOI: Indo Pacific Innovation Pitchfest Wednesday 8 November 2023. See more here.
Attached is the TDA 2023 Calendar.

Other News

IFV cooperation tapped as cornerstone for upgrading Australia-South Korea strategic alliance. See more here.
The Monash University-led research received nearly $600,000 in funding from the National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants Program to further develop AI capabilities. See more here.
ManuFutures 2 expands Geelong’s manufacturing credentials. The new facility, which received $10 million in funding from the Victorian State Government, is an extension to the original ManuFutures hub which opened in 2018. See more here.
The Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs is calling for tenders to provide a Secure G Connectivity Test Lab. The successful provider will design, establish and run the test lab over an initial operating period of 2 years. Tenders are due 14 August 2023. See more here.
The UK Department of Business and Trade has released an EOI for an investment/trade mission to the UK Space Conference 2023 in November 2023. EOIs close 1 September 2023. To further discuss contact Kirsten.busteed@space.gov.au and see more here.
Aquaterro has secured its first sidearm weapon system purchase order as part of LAND 159, valued at $30 million. See more here.
Australian Defence Apparel is expanding their existing Defence Industry Security Program membership to their Bendigo Factory. See more here.
The Victorian Government is supporting manufacturers across the state to equip their workers with the cutting-edge digital skills needed to boost competitiveness and create more jobs of the future through the Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program. See more here
KBR Australia, located in Melbourne, launches Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan honours the principles of reconciliation by contributing to the empowerment and advancement of Indigenous communities. See more here.
Exail has deepened its strategic partnership with local defence industry leaders including Victorian-based UGL, through CEO Dominique Giannoni’s recent visit to Australia with the aim of securing the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA 1905. See more here.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre issued a critical alert after detecting a vulnerability in networking firmware commonly used on Australian networks. Vulnerability CVE-2023-3519 had been found affecting the Citrix NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway. See more here.
Global cloud risk and threat detection provider Rapid7 has released its Executive Risk View solution, enabling security leaders to assess risk and collaborate with teams across a business. See more here.
3 things for businesses to know about supply chain attacks. See more here.
Applications are now open for 2024 Westpac Scholar Research Fellowships, closing 4 September 2023. To apply and see more here.
EOI are open for both Business and Education Partners in Victoria to participate in SummerTech LIVE 2023-24. See more here.
Attached is the ADM’s list of Defence tenders.

Defence Industry Support Tools

The Office of Defence Industry Support has several tools to support defence SMEs. The Defence Business Readiness Tool, the Digital Readiness Assessment Tool, and the Cyber Security Assessment Tool.

Upcoming Domestic Events:

Reoccurring 2023 - Soldier On Coffee Catch Up Victoria. See more here.
10 August 2023 – Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards. See more here.
10 August 2023 – Veteran Housing Australia Charity Golf Day. See more here.

17 August 2023 - Young AICC Cyber Panel. See more here.
29 August 2023 - Army Innovation Day. See more here.
7 September 2023 - Melbourne Space Workforce and Industry Drinks. See more here.
18 - 20 September 2023 - SIA Submarine Science, Technology and Engineering Conference. See more here.
21 September 2023 – Australian Defence Industry Awards. See more here.
8 November 2023 – Maritime Environment Working Group Conference. See more here.
7 - 9 November 2023 - 2023 Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition. See more here.
27 November 2023 - Defence Artificial Intelligence Symposium. See more here.
4 - 6 December 2023 - Defence Human Sciences Symposium. See more here.

Links to Grants and other Programs:

The Victorian Land Systems Fund – Supply Chain Uplift Program will support Victorian defence industry businesses to work with Hanwha Defense Australia (Hanwha) as part of its supply chain. The program will help build businesses’ capabilities so they can help Hanwha deliver the Commonwealth Government’s $1 billion Land 8116 Self-Propelled Howitzer program.

Funding will support eligible Victorian businesses to:

gain relevant accreditations and meet industry specific compliance requirements
prepare tenders
undertake minor facilities upgrades and equipment fit outs
develop new or enhance current defence products or services
undertake defence R&D
participate in trade missions to pursue collaboration and export opportunities.

Businesses must engage with Hanwha and receive its support before applying.

Applications to the Victorian Land Systems Fund Supply Chain Uplift Program are now open and close on 30 June 2024 or when funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first.

Australian Space Industry Capability Database

The Australian Space Industry Capability database will open for industry submissions from mid-July. Companies can upload information on their:

• Location

• Capability

• Workforce

The database has been developed by SIAA and is supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the Australian Space Agency, the Office of Defence Industry Support and SmartSat CRC.

In partnership with the Victorian State Government, Lockheed Martin Australia manages a secure facility designed to enable Victoria’s innovation community to better engage with classified Defence and National Security programs. The first facility of its type in Australia, the Victorian Common User Facility is a key initiative in creating new business opportunities for Victoria’s innovation sector.

For more information or to make CUF bookings, please email amod.joshi@lmco.com

Australia Partner Network

Leidos Australia is focused on working with Australian Industry for delivery of all of our projects. We know the importance of supporting the growth of sovereign capability and would like to work with more Australian businesses at all stages of our delivery lifecycle.

We encourage Australian companies, who are interested in working with us on the opportunities identified above or on other business requirements as they arise, to complete the following registration form.

In your submission, you should highlight your experience with any relevant Defence, Intelligence, ICT and cyber capabilities and technologies. Our team will then be in touch to identify potential next steps.

Australian Defence Export Office Pitch Training Program

The ADEO, in partnership with Marketing Entourage, have created a five week online pitch training program specifically for businesses looking to export defence and dual use goods and services. This training is fully subsidised for Australian Defence Industry businesses.

The program is specifically designed to improve the chances of success for Australian defence industry companies when engaging with opportunities to pitch their capabilities to foreign military and military suppliers. The training is delivered through a series of webinars, online modules and one-to-one pitch practice sessions.

Australian Defence Industry businesses are encouraged to apply by registering their interest at the link below. Multiple people from the same business can be included as a single application. Limited spaces are available on each cohort and the ADEO will prioritise businesses who have recently participated in an industry delegation with TDA.

Click here to learn more about the Online Pitch Training Program and to register your interest.

ODIS provides a range of grants to support defence industry businesses. These grants help Australian small and medium enterprises grow to meet Defence capability needs and join global defence industry supply chains.

Click here to learn more about available grants

The ODIS Defence Business Readiness Tool (DBRT) is a platform used by our Industry Engagement Team to assess the Defence Readiness of Australian Small and Medium Enterprises. The DBRT is the first step in the journey to becoming a supplier to Defence.

To use this secure tool you must have an account. You can either sign in with an existing account or create a new one. You will need to provide your Australian Business Number (ABN) when registering your account.

Get Defence Ready with DBRT 2.0 and unlock the true potential of your SME within the Defence industry!