Latest News from ADA-Vic

Yesterday, the Government released a master plan that defines the strategic rationale for a sovereign defence industrial base and sets out pathways for maximising support for Australian industry and its critical contribution to national security.

The Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) articulates for the first time the defence industrial base needed in the face of the changing strategic circumstances outlined in the Defence Strategic Review. This landmark strategy details the actions the Government will take to grow that industrial base, which employs more than 100,000 Australians, and deliver a greater partnership between Defence and industry.

In addition to critical procurement reforms within Defence, the Albanese Government is today announcing increased funding for defence industry grants programs, taking the total investment to $183.8 million, in alignment with the DIDS.

The Government said in its response to the Defence Strategic Review that Australia requires strong defence capabilities of our own and a fully integrated Australian Defence Force to contribute to the strategic balance of power that keeps the peace in our region.

Defence industry is critical to delivering on this key objective. Together, Defence and industry create, maintain and sustain vital capabilities that offer Australia a competitive advantage and contribute to regional stability.

With the release of the DIDS, industry will have clarity on the priorities for Defence through the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs). The SDIPs provide detail, certainty and timelines that Australian industry needs to invest and was sorely missing under the former Government.

This new level of detail provides industry with information they need to prepare, invest and deliver on development, production and sustainment of Defence capabilities.

The seven Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities are:

Maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade of Australian Defence Force aircraft.
Continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment.
Sustainment and enhancement of the combined arms land system.
Domestic manufacture of guided weapons, explosive ordnance and munitions.
Development and integration of autonomous systems.
Integration and enhancement of battlespace awareness and management systems.
Test and evaluation, certification and systems assurance.

Access a copy of the Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) and other related resources here.

Consultation now open on Veterans’ Legislation Reform

On Wednesday the government released exposure draft legislation which will simplify and harmonise the century old veterans’ entitlements, compensation and rehabilitation system.

The current system is difficult to understand and complex to administer. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide found the system was “so complicated that it adversely affects the mental health of some veterans and can be a contributing factor to suicidality.”

Following consultation, the draft legislation will simplify the veteran compensation system, with all claims to be considered under a single Act. Under the new system:

All new claims for compensation and rehabilitation from the date of commencement would be assessed under a single Act, an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA)
The Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 would be closed to new claims following commencement of the new arrangements
All benefits being received under existing schemes will continue unaffected under grand-parenting arrangements. Any new claims after the commencement date (including claims for worsening of pre-existing conditions) will be assessed under the improved MRCA.

There will also be a number of improvements including:

introduction of a new Additional Disablement Amount to provide similar benefits as the Extreme Disablement Adjustment for those post retirement age
making the higher travel allowance under MRCA available to all veterans and for all kilometres travelled
providing a pathway for veterans only covered by DRCA to qualify for Special Rate Disability Pension and a Gold Card under MRCA if they have a new claim accepted or material deterioration of an accepted condition accepted under MRCA post commencement
increasing the general funeral allowance to $3,000 with the amount previously set at $2,000.

Today’s release of draft legislation follows the Government’s earlier consultation on a pathway to simplify the veterans’ legislative framework, and provide better support to veterans and their families. Feedback from that consultation has guided the proposed changes announced today.

The government welcomes feedback and submissions from the veteran community and general public on the draft Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, submissions close on 28 April 2024.

More information on the proposed legislation changes, and opportunities to provide feedback can be found here – www.dva.gov.au/legislationreform.

HMAS Cerberus Open Day 3rd March

Join ADF Careers at the upcoming HMAS Cerberus Open Day.

Explore the idea of a Navy career working with advanced vessels, aircraft and weaponry. Life in the Navy offers unrivalled opportunity to explore the world while you grow your career. You'll have a great work/life balance and get to work with your mates every day.

Speak with current serving members about their own experiences and advice and discover how the Navy can shape your career.

On the day you will have the chance to check out:

Aircraft fly overs
Interactive VR simulators
ADF vehicles and weapons on display
Precision drills and demonstrations
Navy band performances and more

This is a FREE event open to all ages but you need book as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Register >

The Capability Symposium will provide an overview of the Government and Defence’s capability priorities for the year ahead, the strategic context and approaches to capability planning and development. You will hear from the hear from Vice Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, along with members of the Senior Leadership Group, Subject Matter Experts, and capability practitioners.

Live chat and polling features will provide you with the opportunity to be part of the conversation and engage with your colleagues, strengthening your relationships and networks.

To read the Symposium Program, click here.

Date: Wednesday 13 March 2024
Time: 0830 (for 0900 start) – 1700 AEST
Location: Virtual (a link to the event’s livestreaming platform will be provided via your registered email)

More Info >

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.

Industry Growth Program Grants will open in 2024.

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.

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!