Latest News from ADA-Vic

Welcome to the ADA Defence update for this week!

With the holidays quickly approaching we would like to wish all our members and their families a happy and safe Festive Season. We hope that 2025 brings you success and we look forward to assisting and supporting our members with some great networking opportunities in the new year.

We would also like to extend our Season's Greetings to ADF personnel especially those deployed away from home. We thank them for their dedication and service in 2024.

Australian Government and Industry Partners Reach SSN-AUKUS Agreement

The Australian and UK Governments have announced a significant milestone between the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) and industry partners that will support the delivery of the SSN-AUKUS fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

The ASA, BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd have signed a Tasking Statement, a contractual agreement that supports the joint development of build strategy, supply chain management plans and a workforce development strategy.

Over the past eight months, government and industry partners have made progress across a number of areas for delivery of the SSN-AUKUS. In November, the ASA, BAE Systems and ASC signed an AUKUS Mobilisation Deed, which provides a framework to contract with the Australian Government through the ASA. That followed the Heads of Agreement and the tri-lateral announcement of the Commonwealth of Australia’s shipbuilders in March.

Integrated Project Teams are now working to oversee tasks such as nuclear stewardship, infrastructure functional requirements, business enablement and build preparation. Underpinning business functions, such nuclear safety and assurance, engineering and build operations have also been established.

Read full ASC press release >

Collins Class Sustainment Listed as a Product Of Concern

Following a recommendation from Defence, Collins class submarine sustainment has been listed as a Product of Concern to enable enhanced ministerial oversight of this critical capability.

The Collins class sustainment program has experienced challenges in recent years. With the submarines required to operate beyond their original design life, it is essential that increased sustainment requirements are met to ensure the Collins class remains an effective and formidable capability until it is withdrawn from service.

Defence will now develop a remediation plan as a priority, to allow a Product of Concern Summit to be held in early 2025.

The Government is committed to investing in priority capability enhancements and fleet sustainment for the Collins class to ensure it remains a potent and credible capability to conduct operations to safeguard Australia’s maritime approaches and sea lines of communication.

This includes a $4 to $5 billion commitment over the next decade to extend the life of the Collins class and ensure there is no capability gap until Australia transitions to its future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

Read full press release >

Changes for Businesses from
1 January 2025

Criminalising intentional wage underpayments

From 1 January 2025, intentional underpayment of wages by employers will become a criminal offence.

Employers will commit an offence if:

they’re required to pay an amount to an employee (such as wages), or on behalf of or for the benefit of an employee (such as superannuation) under the Fair Work Act, or an industrial instrument
they intentionally engage in conduct that results in their failure to pay those amounts to or for the employee on or before the day they’re due to be paid.

Changes to entry-level classifications in awards

Some awards will have new definitions and minimum pay rates for entry-level classifications from 2025.

The key changes happening for some awards include:

introductory classifications can only apply for a limited time
new rules and minimum pay apply for introductory rates.

Mandatory climate reporting

From 1 January 2025, many large Australian businesses and financial institutions will need to prepare annual sustainability reports containing mandatory climate-related financial disclosures.

Unsolicited Project Pathways -

Current Focus: Kinetic Capabilities

Throughout the year, the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office will be accepting unsolicited project submissions from DIBC members for key focus areas of interest under specific critical sectors.

Key Points for Consideration:

Must be a https://www.dibconsortium.org/how-to-join/membership-application/DIBC member in order to submit.
All submissions may not be reviewed, although every effort will be made to review and evaluate all submissions under the critical sector focus area.

Current Focus: Kinetic Capabilities (closes January 30 at 5:00pm ET)

Kinetic Capabilities (UPP-KIN-25-01): Includes current missile and munition systems; advanced and developing missile capabilities, including hypersonic weapons technology; as well as Counter- Unmanned Aerial/Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and Directed Energy (DE) weapons.

ICAM and DPAP have interest in hypersonic weapons technology for the boost glide as well as air-breathing cruise missile systems. Areas of interest includes systems, subsystems, components and subcomponents, or constituent materials for hypersonic systems, to include composite materials and fibers related to missiles, munitions, and hypersonic weapons.
ICAM has an interest in Counter- Unmanned Aerial/Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and Directed Energy (DE) weapons, to include systems, subsystems, components, and sub-components. Submissions in these two areas should be focused on the IBAS priorities described in section 1.3 of the UPP Guidance.
Additional DPAP areas of interest for missiles and munitions include:

Control Actuation Systems (CAS) to precisely position control surfaces to provide flight control in response to guidance commands
Antennas includes those used in. guidance, navigation, control, tracking, and critical flight termination processes
Precision Ball Bearings used for a variety of systems for missiles and munitions
Specialty steel manufacturing that is used for precision ball bearings for missiles and munitions components and subcomponents (M50, 52100, 440C, BG-42, as well as 4340, M50 Nil, M62, and XD-15 steels).
Submissions in these areas should be focused on the DPA Title III criteria described in section 1.3 of the UPP Guidance.

Kinetic Capabilities (UPP-KIN-25-02): Includes critical chemicals and their precursors, polymeric materials, metals and minerals used in defense applications, as is or as part of energetic formulations that go into explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics.

More info >

Round 2 Opening 15th January 2025

Round 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program will open for applications 15 January 2025 and will close on 26 February 2025.

Grants from $100,000 to $500,000 for a Stage 1 Feasibility project are available. If your Stage 1 Feasibility project is successful, you may receive up to $5 million for a Stage 2 Demonstrator project.

The grants are for consortia that include at least one Australian industry-based partner and one Australian research organisation.

The program provides consortia with funding to develop quantum technology solutions or a component(s) that contributes to a solution for market-led challenges of national significance. Solutions may also involve the use of other advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

The challenges are:

Challenge 1: Improve biosecurity outcomes by enhancing the detection of invasive pests or diseases, and cargo inspection processes.
Challenge 2: Improve life expectancy, health outcomes and access to health technology for First Nations peoples.
Challenge 3: Optimise transport routes, logistics and supply chain operations.
Challenge 4: Optimise the performance, sustainability, and security of energy networks.

There will be two grant opportunities as part of this program.

Stage 1 – Feasibility grant opportunity

The purpose of the Stage 1 Feasibility grant is to test and demonstrate the technical viability of your proposed solution or component(s) of a solution.

Stage 2 – Demonstrator grant opportunity

The purpose of the Stage 2 Demonstrator grant is to support you to build on your Stage 1 Feasibility project and produce working prototypes or demonstrations.

Only applicants that complete a Stage 1 Feasibility project will be invited to submit an application for Stage 2 Demonstrator funding.

More info >

Defence is delivering targeted outreach sessions in preparation for the end of the compliance transition period on 1 March 2025 for the new controls . These include:

Virtual drop-ins: A series of weekly 30 minute webinars focused on key topics and with opportunity for questions.
Information sessions: Virtual deep dives tailored by sector (industry, higher education/research, and Defence).
In-focus roadshows: A series of in-person events across Australia targeted to persons responsible for compliance. Events will be arranged according to demand and an invitation with session times will be sent closer to the date.

The EMDG program provides grants to Australian small and medium enterprises and their representative bodies to:

market and promote their goods and services globally
undertake export training

Round 4 applications open for Tiers 1, 3 and representative bodies

The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) online portal remains open for the following grant categories:

Tier 1 – ready to export
Tier 3 - exporting to new key markets
Representative bodies.

It will remain open until all funds are allocated. This may happen quickly, so don't delay. Even if you lodge your application prior to the closure of the online portal, you may not be successful. This is because the grant funding may have been already fully allocated to other applicants.

EMDG Round 4 is closed for Tier 2

EMDG funding has been fully allocated for Tier 2 – exporting within existing markets. We have closed the online portal for applications for this tier.

If you missed out on applying for Tier 2, you may consider Tier 3 provided you meet all eligibility requirements.

Remember, you must submit your Export Market Development Grant application through the EMDG online portal. Make sure you have your information ready when you apply.

Once funding is fully allocated for Tiers 1, 3 and representative bodies, we will close the online portal for these applications too.

Please check the EMDG online portal for the funding allocation status for each tier. Make sure you follow the IT tips under the heading 'Improve your portal experience' to help you with a smooth lodgement process.

More info >

AUKUS Licence Free Environment

Under the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024 (DTC Amendment Act), Australia has established a licence-free environment to promote strategic collaborations with our Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) partners.

The licence-free environment exempts certain Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) goods technology, services from permit requirements when transferring between Australia, the United States and/or the United Kingdom.

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 until funds have been exhausted.

Defence Industry Development Grants Program

The Defence Industry Development Grants Program (the program) will award grants over four years from 2024-25 to 2027-28. The program was announced as part of the Defence Industry Development Strategy.

The objective of the program is to build the industrial base Australia needs to achieve Defence outcomes in areas of strategic priority.

The Defence Industry Development Grants Program funds four distinct grant opportunity streams tailored to address the program outcomes:

Sovereign Industrial Priorities
Skilling
Exports
Security.

These four grants opportunities will be assessed in batches. We will regularly update the closing dates for each batch on this page. You can apply at any time.

All projects are due to be completed by 31 Mar 2028.

About the streams

The Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream will assist eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to purchase manufacturing plant and equipment which is used directly to develop and/or deliver programs that are in line with the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs) described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.

The Skilling stream helps Australian defence industry to upskill and train in priority trade, technical and professional skillsets to develop a workforce with the right mix of qualified and experienced personnel to meet Defence requirements. The program will enhance the capacity and capability of Australian defence industry workforce to deliver SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.

The Exports stream provides support for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to overcome export barriers and help defence industry build scale and competitiveness in defence capability priority areas as identified by the SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.

The Security stream helps Australian defence industry improve and maintain security in priority areas as identified by the SDIPs and in line with the Defence Industry Security Program.

More info >

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 >

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.

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!