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The Government is delivering on its commitment to grow Australia’s thriving defence industry, through a new $150 million industry grant program.

The Defence Industry Development Grant (DIDG) program, announced in the Defence Industry Development Strategy, will soon be open for applications.

The new grant program will provide over $150 million over four years dedicated to supporting Australian small to medium-sized business in areas of sovereign industrial priorities, exports, skilling and security. Each of the four program streams will begin to receive applications later this month.

This is in addition to over $30m that has been allocated under the previous grant programs this financial year.

The DIDG program replaces and expands previous defence industry grant programs. Nine businesses have been selected as the final recipients under the previous Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority and Defence Global Competitiveness Grant programs, receiving a total of $2.9 million in funding.

The final recipients are:

R&I Instrument & Gear Co (VIC) receiving $676,737
Kerr Engineering (WA) receiving $575,350
Rud Chains (QLD) receiving $491,787
Aerobond (SA) receiving $354,053
NDE Solutions (SA) receiving $252,221
Armor Australia (NSW) receiving $150,000
Masters & Young (QLD) receiving $150,000
Gilmour Space Technologies (QLD) receiving $148,862
Mack Valves (VIC) receiving $136,753

Grant opportunity guidelines and the sample application form which describe the application requirements for the DIDG program, have been published at www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs and on GrantConnect.

More information on industry grant programs can be found at:

https://www.defence.gov.au/business-industry/resources-support/industry…

Read full press release >

D+I Conference 2024 - Registrations Open!

We’re happy to announce that the 2024 Defence + Industry (D+I) Conference website is now live.

To access the conference program, preview the speakers and their biographies and to register your attendance at this premier event - please visit our conference website located at https://defence.eventsair.com/defence-industry-conference-2024

Registrations will close on Wednesday 18 July 2024. Please ensure you are registered to avoid disappointment in attempting to register after this date.

We look forward to seeing you back in the Nation’s Capital at this important Defence + Industry engagement event, the 2024 D+I Conference.

A Couple of Changes to Law Affecting Businesses Coming into Effect Soon
Changes to casual employment

There are multiple changes to casual employment laws coming into effect this year, including a new definition of a casual employee and a new pathway for converting from casual to permanent employment.

The right to disconnect

The new 'right to disconnect' means that eligible employees will have the right to refuse contact outside of working hours. This change starts on 26 August 2024 for non-small business employers and 26 August 2025 for small business employers.

Inaugural Australian AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Dialogue on 26 June 2024 in Canberra

The Department of Defence looks forward to hosting the inaugural Australian AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Dialogue on 26 June 2024 in Canberra.

The Dialogue will provide Australian organisations with more detail on AUKUS Advanced Capabilities (Pillar II), progress to date and information on where future opportunities may be available. Mr Stephen Moore, First Assistant Secretary AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, will discuss the AUKUS Pillar II narrative, and Mr David Nockels, First Assistant Secretary Defence Industry Policy, will update on trilateral export control reform.

Express your interest in attending this event by filling out the Registration Form by 16 June 2024. Please note there is limited seating capacity.

Following the unclassified Dialogue, Mr Moore and Mr Nockels will be facilitating a classified (SECRET) briefing. Express interest in attending the classified briefing by using the Registration Form. Please note that the classified briefing will be by invitation only, and you must attend the unclassified Dialogue and hold appropriate security clearances.

The JOSCAR-AU system was established following an initiative led by a growing number of prime contractors as registered buyers together with the Commonwealth Government.

JOSCAR-AU is a cross-sector collaborative solution that reduces the time, cost, resources and duplication currently needed to provide information to major prime customers. Holding common supplier information in a central system, the JOSCAR-AU accreditation system allows information to be accessed by all participating buying organisations.

JOSCAR-AU is designed to make the process of pre-qualification or accreditation as efficient as possible – saving your company a significant amount of the time, effort and cost associated with working for multiple clients.

Hellios enables more effective compliance with client requirements for business through a single process. Your initial registration will determine the level of pre-qualification or accreditation that your clients require, based on an automated risk profile.

Expert advice is provided throughout the process to guide you including identifying potential business improvement opportunities that may increase your competitive advantage.

Registration on JOSCAR-AU is either by invitation from your registered JOSCAR-AU buyer or via self nomination. If your buyer has asked you to complete the JOSCAR-AU questionnaire, they will contact Hellios directly on your behalf. Hellios will then process this request and send a link to the questionnaire for you to complete. If you would like to self nominate, please reach out at joscar@hellios.com.au.

BAESA/GAP Industry Training: Estimating For Defence

BAE Systems Australia and the Global Access Program are pleased to once again offer Estimating & Pricing Industry Training during 2024.

Delivering competitive and defendable proposals for Defence requires a variety of estimating techniques to build robust, credible and defendable Basis of Estimates. Learn how to challenge your cost base, supplier quotes, estimates and price, and submit a compliant proposal that meets customer requirements, represents value for money, and can survive a cost investigation.

Estimating For Defence is a two day course developed by Estimating & Pricing (E&P) at BAE Systems Australia, and delivered in partnership with the Global Access Program (GAP).

To register, please click on the BAE Systems supplier portal link now - http://BAESystemsSupplierPortal.icn.org.au

If you require any further information, please contact Megan Allan directly on megan.allan@baesystems.au.

Open to Industry partners Based in Australia, Canada, and the UK

The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) aims to coalesce and expand the defense industrial base (DIB) in support of the Manufacturing, Capability Expansion, and Investment Prioritization Directorate (MCEIP) critical sectors and additional areas of interest. To align with the recent modification to the definition of Domestic Source for Title III of the Defense Production Act, and in keeping with the MCEIP vision of delivering a resilient U.S. supply chain and workforce able to respond in times of national security crisis, DIBC is excited to announce that we are opening membership to Industry partners in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This increased level of collaboration will aid the DIBC in achieving MCEIP’s mission and vision.

The application to become a DIBC member can be found here. International members will need to apply for a NCAGE Code and UEI prior to joining DIBC. To apply for a NCAGE code, each organization will need to register at https://sam.gov/. Instructions on how to register can be found here.

If you have questions about the application process, please feel free to reach out to dibconsortium@ati.org.

SME Connect Programs

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has announced a $20 million investment to provide small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth.

The funding will allow CSIRO’s SME Connect team to support up to 750 SMEs through a range of programs and initiatives that provide facilitation, training, dollar-matched funding and support to start-ups and SMEs seeking to engage in company-led research projects.

One of the programs being supported is SME Connects flagship program, CSIRO Kick-Start. Since its inception in 2017, the Kick-Start program has facilitated over 280 company-led R&D projects, with alumni companies collectively holding a market value exceeding $2 billion.

Dr Doug Hilton, CSIRO’s Chief Executive, emphasised the significance of this investment and the transformative impact it would have for Australia’s critical SME sector.

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.

Industry Growth Program - Support for Innovative SMEs to Commercialise and Grow their Business

The program supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas through advisory services and opportunities for matched grant funding. Minor changes or improvements to existing products or services are not considered innovative.

You will be connected to an Industry Growth Program Adviser who will provide tailored advice to support your commercialisation and/or growth project.

Once you have received this advice, you may also be able to apply for:

grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to support early-stage commercialisation projects
grants of $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.

More info >

Strategic Policy Grants Program

The Defence Strategic Policy Grants Program (SPGP) funds independent work to deepen public debate on strategic issues relevant to Australia and inform the development of Australia’s defence policy and strategy.

The SPGP is an annual, open and competitive grant opportunity that funds independent strategic policy-focused research and related activities, such as conferences, dialogues, simulations and seminars.

For SPGP 2024, a total of $3.5 million is available over the period between 2024 and 2027, with total funding spread across multiple grants.

The objectives of the program are to support the achievement of Defence’s purpose, mission and purpose by:

deepening public debate about Australia’s strategic and defence policy choices
informing the development of Australia’s defence policy and strategy
strengthening Defence’s international and domestic partnerships
broadening participation in Australia’s strategic and defence policy debate.

The intended outcomes of the program are:

the publication of original, well-informed and policy-relevant research
engagements between Defence and leading non-government experts
events and activities involving Defence’s international and domestic counterparts
participation by new and emerging talent in Australia’s strategic and defence policy debate.

Applications for SPGP 2024 must be lodged by organisations holding an Australian Business Number or equivalent business registration number. Individuals with different organisational affiliations can submit a joint application to SPGP 2024. This must identify a project lead as well as a lead organisation accountable to the Australian Government, through Defence, for any agreed grant activities.

To be eligible the grant activity must:

support Defence’s purpose, mission and priorities
satisfy one or more of the program’s objectives and outcomes
align with priorities and challenges outlined in the Defence Strategic Review
be new, unfunded, and distinct from any business-as-usual activity.

More info >

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.

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.

In partnership with 25eight, the Australian Defence Export Office (ADEO) has developed the Trade Event Ready Program to help business leaders fully prepare for trade events and increase the perception of Australia’s sovereign capability in the international market.

This program is fully funded for eligible Australian businesses that are looking to export defence and dual-use goods and services.

Click here to learn more about the ADEO Trade Event Ready 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!

Defence + Industry (D+I) Conference - Save the Date

The key timings for D+I 2024 are as follows:

• Wednesday, 31 July 2024

o 1600 – 1800 – Pre registration and event badge collection

o 1800 – 2000 - Welcome reception and industry networking event

• Thursday, 1 August 2024

o 0830 – 1700 - D+I Conference

Location

• Both events will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.

Please ensure you save 31 July and 1 August 2024 in your diaries and keep an eye out for the next update which will include details on how to access the D+I 2024 registration portal to secure your seat.