Latest News from ADA-Vic

Hi Juanita,

Early this week the government announced Australia’s long-term plan to acquire, operate and build nuclear-powered submarines.

Australia, the UK and the US have agreed a staged approach that provides significant, long-term strategic benefits for all three countries.

For Australia, the three key elements are:

Increased visits of US submarines commencing in 2023 and UK submarines from 2026, and, beginning in 2027, rotations of UK and US submarines to Australia – this will be key to Australian jobs, infrastructure, technology and our ability to be sovereign ready.
From as early as the 2030s, delivery of three US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia – ensuring there is no capability gap.
Australia and the UK will deliver SSN-AUKUS, a new conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarine, based on a UK design, incorporating cutting edge Australian, UK and US technologies. The UK will deliver its own first SSN-AUKUS in the late 2030s, with the first SSN-AUKUS built in Australia delivered in the early 2040s.

On Wednesday, the Victorian Government attended a briefing from Industry Capability Planning representatives from the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce. They were provided with open source, publicly available information about the Optimal Pathway to deliver a nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia. They are sharing this with you in the hope that that this industry specific information is useful for businesses seeking to participate in this inter-generational technical endeavour.

Information sources & references:

Optimal Pathway decision & Final Report both available at the AUKUS landing page: AUKUS landing page
At the bottom of the AUKUS landing page there is a link for industry to register their interest in the program portal on the Industry Capability Network.
Factsheets:

There has also been advice that there will be follow on briefings delivered by Defence to be held each of the State and Territory locations. These will be circulated and forwarded just as soon as the dates, times and venues are confirmed.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Government Developing AUKUS Submarine Workforce and Industry Strategy

The Government is developing a comprehensive AUKUS Submarine Workforce and Industry Strategy to support delivery of advanced conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines to the Australian Defence Force.

The AUKUS submarine program will be the most transformative industrial endeavour in Australian history – exceeding in scale, complexity and economic significance the creation of an Australian automotive manufacturing sector and the construction of the Snowy Scheme in the post-war decades.

Australia’s industrial base will be just the second in history to be granted access to highly sensitive US nuclear propulsion capability and afforded the ability to access, handle, build and sustain this sensitive technology.

The program will create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years across industry, the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Public Service including trades workers, operators, technicians, engineers, scientists, submariners and project managers.

At its peak, building and sustaining nuclear-powered submarines in Australia will create up to 8,500 direct jobs in the industrial workforce.

With hundreds of thousands of components, nuclear-powered submarines will present a unique opportunity for Australian companies to contribute not only to the construction and sustainment of Australia’s new fleet but to the supply chains of partner nations.

2023 HMAS Cerberus Open Day - Sunday, 19th March 2023

Looking for something to do this weekend! We will be there!

HMAS Cerberus is the Royal Australian Navy's premier training establishment and has been for over 100 years.

The Open Day will highlight Naval training, activities for the family and lots more.

To assist with the management of entry into HMAS Cerberus on the Open Day 2023, entry will be staggered in 1 hour groups. Once on the base, guests are invited to remain up until closing at 4pm.

Entry is free, however, ticketing is required for entry onto HMAS Cerberus on the day.

An allocation of tickets will be available for each time slot - once a time slots allocation has been exhausted, entry will be available at the next indicated time slot.

Open Day Entry Times on to the base will be:

Session #1 - 1000-1100

Session #2 - 1115-1215

Session #3 - 1230-1330

Session #4 - from 1345

Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program

The Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program supports small and medium sized manufacturers to introduce new technologies, expand operations, improve productivity and enhance sovereign manufacturing.

The grants available will support businesses to improve productivity and competitiveness in local and global supply chains, create new jobs and upskill and reskill workers.

Grants of between $50,000 to $250,000 are available. All grants must be matched by a minimum cash co-contribution of $2 for every $1 granted.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the program:

be an eligible legal entity1
hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
be an employing business registered for WorkCover insurance with WorkSafe Victoria
agree to meet any co-contribution requirements with eligible cash expenditure
be currently engaged in manufacturing or the manufacturing supply chain or demonstrate a genuine commercial connection to the manufacturing supply chain in Victoria
employ at least 20 FTE (full-time equivalent) staff or have an annual turnover of greater than $1.5 million (preference will be given to applicants that have less than 200 employees and turnover of less than $100 million)2 attest that they:

agree to conduct the proposed activities in Victoria
have met all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards
will participate in future program evaluation activity
will provide financial reports for the last three financial years to enable the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (the department) to conduct a Financial Risk Assessment (FRA).

Closing date for applications is the 6th of April 2023.

Land Forces to Move to Melbourne for 2024 and Beyond

The LAND FORCES International Land Defence Exposition, Australia’s premier land defence industry event, will move to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for 2024 and beyond, as the event continues to grow.

Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2021 and 2022, LAND FORCES is the region’s largest land defence exposition, hosting 810 participating exhibitor companies and more than 20,000 trade visits over its three days in October 2022.

LAND FORCES has continued to grow with each presentation, selling out all available exhibition space in 2022 and prompting the move to Melbourne’s MCEC to accommodate growing interest in the planned LAND FORCES 2024. The first MCEC event is set for 11-13 September 2024.

Lockheed Martin to Invest In Victorian Victoria's Space Sector

On the 28th of February Lockheed Martin Australia announced its intent to work with the Victorian Government to establish Victoria as the engineering and technical hub for its proposed JP9102 solution. This investment would create over 200 advanced space industry jobs in Victoria.

Under its proposal, Lockheed Martin Australia would invest in infrastructure and programs in Victoria to support the delivery of a Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) solution for Defence.

Victoria’s Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty, the Hon Ben Carroll MP, welcomed Lockheed Martin Australia’s JP9102 proposal, acknowledging its potential to accelerate the growth of the State’s space sector.

Mr Carroll today joined Lockheed Martin Australia representatives as they made their announcement at the Avalon 2023: Australian International Airshow.

Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive, Warren McDonald, commented on Lockheed Martin Australia’s commitment to Victoria and the relationship with the Victorian Government.

Government to Reform Defence Legislation to Meet Australia's Strategic Needs

On the 9th March the government called for public feedback on key reforms to Defence legislation.

The Defence Act 1903, and related legislation, will be amended to better position the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as an agile, integrated, warfighting enterprise.

The proposed reforms to the legal framework will address the full range of modern military capabilities and operational domains, including cyber and space.

The reforms will help to enable and reinforce future capability in the ADF to protect the Australian community and Australia’s national interests.

Individuals and organisations now have the opportunity to provide comment and make a submission.

The Government is committed to reforming defence legislation to ensure the ADF can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing strategic environment and the realities of modern competition and conflict.

Further information on how to make a submission is available on the Department of Defence website at www.defence.gov.au.

Melbourne Forum - 29th March 2023

The Melbourne ODIS Forum will provide you with the opportunity to hear from defence industry leaders, key defence contractors, government and business experts around the theme 'Cyber and Security'.

Date and time
Wed., 29 March 2023, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm AEDT

Location
Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Avenue Melbourne, VIC 3002 Australia

From Defence:      

The Defence Innovation Hub, in collaboration with the Australian Army are now seeking innovative Submissions from industry for a Special Notice relating to Counter Robotic and Autonomous Systems (C-RAS) for the Land Force. Submissions close 18 April 2023. See more here and here.
The Office of Defence Industry Support will hold its 2023 Cyber and Security Forum 29 March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. See more here.

Nominations are open for Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment awards. These Awards recognise organisations that employ and support veterans and partners of current and former serving Australian Defence Force personnel. Nominations close 14 April 2023. See more here.
Defence has signed contracts worth a combined $1.746 million with Deakin University and the University of South Australia to develop AI capabilities. The research projects form part of the Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Network Phase II call out. See more here.
Defence Industry Minister and Boeing announced commitment to expand Apache opportunities for Australia. Victorian-based Cablex is one of four Australian companies selected to supply wire harnesses, electrical panels, vertical spar box, machined parts, fairings and composites. See more here.
The Commonwealth is calling for feedback on reform of the Defence Act 1903 as part of the broader defence and national security realignment. The proposed reforms will address the full range of modern military capabilities and operational domains, including cyber and space. See more here.
Former UK Royal Navy Vice Admiral Sir Nick Hine has been appointed to lead an AUKUS and international division for Babcock. Sir Nick will deliver key capabilities using government and industry knowledge from his previous experience as the Second Sea Lord of the Royal Navy. See more here.
Attached is the TDA 2023 Calendar.

Other News:  

The LAND FORCES International Land Defence Exposition, Australia’s premier land defence industry event, will move to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 2024. The next Land Forces will be held 11-13 September 2024, Melbourne. See more here.
Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) announced its intent to work with the Victorian Government to establish Victoria as the engineering and technical hub for its proposed JP9102 solution. This investment would create over 200 advanced space industry jobs in Victoria. See more here.

The Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program has been announced. The Program provides grants of $50,000 - $250,000 to support SMEs to improve productivity and competitiveness in local and global supply chains, create new jobs and upskill and reskill workers. See more here.
After a four-year hiatus, the Australian International Airshow (AVALON 2023) has returned to Avalon, Victoria. Countries south as Germany, Papua New Guinea and South Korea sent aircraft to Avalon for the first time and others – such as France, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand. See more here.
Melbourne-based 1MILLIKELVIN was named winner of both the AVALON 2023 National Innovation Award and SME Innovation Award for its stress imaging camera system. The system provides a full-colour representation of the stress on a mechanical structure under loads, such as the airframes of crewed and uncrewed aircraft and helicopters. See more here.
Marand has received a contract from Kongsberg Defence Australia to produce Launch Ramp Systems for the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile. Under this contract, Marand will manufacture the units at its Geelong site, securing and growing jobs in the region. See more here.
Melbourne-based critical communications SME, C4i, has been awarded a nationwide voice communication control system contract. C4i’s secure VCCS, the VOICE C2 system, offers unparalleled operational flexibility, allowing operators to control any radio from anywhere at any time. See more here.

SYPAQ Systems announced it is delivering sovereign Australian autonomous systems to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces thanks to Defence investment. Developed in Melbourne in partnership with Army, SYPAQ has delivered Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. See more here.
Honeywell announced agreements with Victorian-based company, Rosebank Engineering and BAE Systems Australia at the AVALON 2023, to support the maintenance and supply of military aircraft parts. Rosebank will be appointed as a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul Authorised Service Centre for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Wheels and Brakes program in the Asia-Pacific region. See more here.
Melbourne-based Arkeus launched its next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensor system, combining the capabilities of uncrewed and crewed aircraft to revolutionise the situational awareness environment. See more here.
CGI, Swinburne University of Technology and RMIT have been awarded a SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre project to develop a space domain awareness technology demonstrator. to develop a space domain awareness technology demonstrator. See more here.
Thales Australia and Swinburne University of Technology’s AIRHub have entered a MOU to explore the development of new operational concepts to support evolving aviation concepts including Advanced Air Mobility for next generation aerostructures. See more here.

Latrobe City Council and Swinburne University collaborate on the future of clean, green air mobility. The project will explore how advanced air mobility can be established at the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct to drive economic growth in the region. See more here.
LMA and New Zealand announced partnerships with Marand, Survitec and TR Calibration to provide instrumentation, calibration and repair services for its aircraft ground support equipment as part of Lockheed Martin’s Product Support Provider network. See more here.
LMA Space has entered into its first-ever international Long-Term Agreement with Melbourne-based manufacturer Ronson Gears under its Global Supply Chain Program agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia. See more here.
BAE Systems Australia has become the first defence prime to enter a partnership with innovative technologies Advanced Fibre Cluster (AFC) consortium. Led by companies located in the Geelong region, the AFC provides is pioneering sovereign capability. See more here.

BAE Australia has teamed with local industry to present Australia’s first domestically designed, manufactured and armed Vertical Take-Off and Landing Uncrewed Air System. See more here.
Melbourne technology company, Bodd and uniform provider ADA Apparel New Zealand announced a new partnership. The innovative technology has been developed in collaboration with leading academic institutions, including RMIT, Swinburne and Deakin University. See more here.
Melbourne-based engineering consultancy company, Ascent has secured an Australia-first deal to perform key certification work on the RAAF’s new MC-55A Peregrine electronic warfare aircraft. See more here.
The winners of Avalon 2023 Innovation PitchFest were announced. 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.

21 March 2023 - ADM Western Australian Defence Forum. See more here.
22 March 2023 – Digital Jobs Information session. See more here.
29 March 2023 - ODIS Forum 2023 Cyber and Security. See more here.
9 – 12 May 2023 – Australian Manufacturing Week. See more here.
17 May 2023 - Australian Space Summit. See more here.
1 June 2023 - Cyber Security Summit and Awards. See more here.
21 June 2023 - ADM Congress. See more here.

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 viccufbookings.gr-eo@lmco.com

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.