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Dateline
- December 8, 2006
Release of Draft Defence Industry Policy
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On
7 December, the Minister for Defence authorized the release of
the Defence and Industry Policy Draft Statement for public comment.
Over the past eight years, there have been a number of developments
which affected Australian defence industry and its role in our
defence. These have included an increase in ADF operational tempo,
an increase in the Government’s investment in defence, reform
to Defence procurement processes, and a reshaping of defence industry
world-wide in response to new technologies and the effects of
globalization. The impact of these changes makes it necessary
to review defence industry policy.
The Minister for Defence established a small team under the guidance
of the Hon Bruce Billson MP, Minister Assisting the Minister for
Defence, to conduct a broad consultation with a large number of
stakeholders. The ideas and views on defence industry policy and
how it should be implemented were heard from meetings held around
Australia with large and small defence companies, federal, state
and territory government representatives, and industry associations.
In addition, written submissions were received from almost 60
organisations and individuals.
The draft statement released today is the product of the advice
provided by the stakeholders who contributed to the review process
and the intellectual horsepower of the review team. The framework
outlined is an evolution that builds on the success of existing
Government defence industry policy – success that is evident
in the diverse and vibrant defence industry sector Australia enjoys
today.
This draft sets out the Government’s intended response to
the challenge of ensuring the cost-effective delivery of equipment
and support to the ADF in line with Australia’s strategic
circumstances. This will be achieved through nine strategies:
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*
A strategic approach to equipping and sustaining the ADF
* Maintaining priority local industry capabilities
* Securing value for money through best-practice procurement
* Creating opportunities for Australian firms
* Encouraging small and medium enterprises
* Supporting the development of skills in defence industry
* Facilitating defence exports
* Driving innovation in defence technology
* Defence and industry working together
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All
involved with the defence industry sector are invited to read
the Defence and Industry Draft Policy Statement, as it will
directly and indirectly affect the way that we do business in
the future. Comments on the draft statement can be provided
up to 21 December 2006. The draft statement is available on
the review website at:
www.defenceindustrypolicyreview.com.au
Formal
consideration by Government of this policy will occur early
next year.
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