February 2024 newsletter

Welcome to 2024! This year has the potential to be brimming with opportunities and advancements for Defence and industry partners in the Territory.

Next week, we will be launching the third annual NT Defence Week, a cornerstone event that bolsters engagement across the Territory's defence industry. NT Defence Week will, again, include the ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit, a key gathering for industry leaders and stakeholders. With early bird rates concluding soon for SMEs, now is the perfect time to secure your attendance.

Following the recent publication of outcomes from the Navy Surface Fleet Review, the Navy is looking at an expansion of capabilities. This development has the potential to not only strengthen our defence force posture in the North but also to create industry growth and development opportunities.

This issue also has a number of training, business development and grant funding opportunities to consider. These include 2024 Capability Symposium, Reservist Employer Support Awards and Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry Grants Program. Details can be found below.

The recent commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin on Monday, February 19th, provided an opportunity for Territorians to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who defended our nation 82 years ago. Gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre, attendees paid tribute to the individuals who courageously assisted others, navigated the aftermath, and tragically lost their lives during this pivotal moment in history.
The bombing, which commenced on February 19, 1942, marked the first of at least 64 air raids on the Top End of Australia, lasting for 21 months and leaving a profound impact on Darwin's landscape and its people.
Despite the passage of time, the significance of this event remains palpable, with remnants of World War II still visible from Darwin to Katherine, and beyond. These sites serve as poignant reminders of the resilience and multicultural unity displayed during those tumultuous years. The commemoration featured moving speeches from esteemed figures including the Chief Minister, the Administrator, and federal representatives from veteran’s affairs, highlighting the enduring spirit and resilience of the Territory in the face of adversity.
The Federal Government released the Defence Industry Development Strategy 2024 (DIDS) today (29 February). This strategy outlines the government's vision for building a robust defence industrial base and sets out pathways for maximising support for Australian industry and its critical contribution to national security.
The 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 (DSR). The DIDS also details the actions the Federal Government will take to grow that industrial base and deliver a greater partnership between Defence and industry. In addition to critical procurement reforms within Defence, the Federal Government has announced increased funding for defence industry grants programs, taking the total investment to $183.8 million, in alignment with the DIDS.
The DIDS has also introduced 7 Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs) to provide detail, certainty and timelines that Australian industry needs to prepare, invest and deliver on development, production and sustainment of Defence capabilities.
The SDIPs focus on seven key areas, including:
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.
The strategy emphasises the importance of collaboration between Defence and industry. By working together, they can ensure Australia's readiness to tackle future challenges.
To learn more about the Defence Industry Development Strategy and its impact, go to the Australian Government’s Defence website.
In 2023 the Australian Government released the National Defence Strategic Review (the Review), outlining reform for Defence’s posture and structure. The Review also positioned the Northern Territory as central to meeting the nations evolving security challenges of the next decade and beyond.
As a result of the Review, the Federal Government had initiated an independent analysis of the Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet capability. In February 2024, the independent analysis resulted in a number of recommendations affecting the future composition of Navy’s fleet being accepted, including:
26 major surface combatants consisting of:
- Three Hobart class air warfare destroyers with upgraded air defence and strike capabilities
- Six Hunter class frigates to boost Navy’s undersea warfare and strike capabilities
- 11 new general purpose frigates that will provide maritime and land strike, air defence and escort capabilities
- Six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSVs) that will significantly increase Navy’s long-range strike capacity
There will also be up to 25 minor naval vessels to compliment the surface combatants, many of which will operate across Northern Australia.
While the basing and maintenance arrangements for Navy’s future fleet are yet to be confirmed, DefenceNT is working to understand the implications for the Territory.
A beneficiary of the expanded fleet will be Regional Maintenance Centre North (RMC North), established in Darwin to support the Navy’s future maritime sustainment model. RMC North will be able to sustain multiple classes of Royal Australian Navy surface ships and is expected to inject about $150 million into the local economy and create about 90 jobs in the region.
Earlier this month, DefenceNT hosted their annual industry roundtable session. The roundtable was an opportunity to provide an overview of current priorities and an outlook of the year ahead leading up to the release of the National Defence Strategy and revised Integrated Investment Program.
The roundtable also provided opportunity for the DefenceNT Veterans team to provide an overview of the implementation plan for the NT Veterans Strategy (Operation Thrive), and receive some feedback on the Plan’s listed priorities.
Operation Thrive is an initiative to support veterans and their families, and delivers a range of projects in the NT focusing on:
- employment, education and transition
- health and wellbeing
- respect and recognition.
For more information on Operation Thrive or the NT Veterans Strategy, go to the Northern Territory Government website.
NT Defence Week 2024 marks an essential milestone in showcasing the Northern Territory's burgeoning role in Australia's defence landscape. Now in its third year, this week-long event serves as a pivotal platform for fostering engagement within the defence industry, spanning across Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs.
Amidst the backdrop of the recently released Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and the impending National Defence Strategy, the Northern Territory assumes a pivotal position in upholding regional stability and bolstering Australia's national security.
Central to this year's program is the Northern Australia Defence Summit, an esteemed gathering attracting ADF decision-makers, industry leaders, and strategic analysts from across the nation. Discussions during the summit will delve into ADF capability requirements, infrastructure investment, and the role of Defence in catalysing local economic prosperity.
The early bird rate for local SME’s to attend the Summit has been extended to 31 March.
Book via Northern Australia Defence Summit 2024.
Beyond the Summit, NT Defence Week boasts a diverse line up of events, including a Meet the Buyer Showcase, regional roadshows, and networking opportunities, and a prestigious awards gala. Notably, this year's edition extends its focus to honouring veterans and their families, emphasizing employment, training opportunities, and recognizing the contributions of veteran employers.
As anticipation builds for the release of the National Defence Strategy, NT Defence Week stands as a testament to the Territory's unwavering commitment to bolstering national security and fostering collaborative endeavours within the defence sector.
2024 Capability Symposium
The 2024 Capability Symposium, slated for March 13, is poised to be a pivotal event for professionals engaged in capability-related roles across Defence, central agencies, contractors, and industry partners. This one-day virtual gathering will offer a comprehensive overview of Defence and Government's capability priorities for the upcoming year, delving into strategic contexts and innovative approaches to planning and implementing capability enhancements.
Attendees will benefit from insights shared by speakers including Vice Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, and other senior leaders, subject matter experts, and capability practitioners.
The Symposium's agenda will feature presentations, live panel discussions, VCDF Capability Awards, and a compelling three-part visual case study exploring the future of long-range strike capability across various domains.
Register your attendance on 2024 Capability Symposium.
Team Defence Australia is inviting Expressions of Interest from companies to participate in the Australian industry delegation to Eurosatory 2024, held in Paris, France from 17 to 21 June 2024.
Interested companies can apply by completing the EOI form by 11:59pm AEST on Friday, 15 March 2024, through the ICN website. Team Defence Australia also lists other future opportunities on this site.
As part of the TDA delegation, companies will receive free space on the custom-built national pavilion, providing a platform to showcase and demonstrate capabilities to foreign delegations and industry partners.
TDA, as part of the Australian Defence Export Office, is the national platform for Australian defence industry to showcase goods, services, technologies, and solutions at international trade events. For companies selected to attend, TDA provides free space on the custom-built TDA pavilion, exhibitor passes, pre-event support and advice, senior military support and advocacy, access to facilities and meeting rooms, briefings, networking, business-to-business matching, and on-site support from TDA representatives.
For further information, contact teamdefence.australia@defence.gov.au.
Reservist Employer Support Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Northern Territory/Kimberley Employer Support Awards, an awards program that recognises employers who demonstrate support for ADF reservists in the workplace.
Hosted annually by ADF Reserves and Employer Support, these awards provide a formal platform to acknowledge employers who go above and beyond to facilitate reservist duties.
Nominate your employer
Reservists are encouraged to nominate employers who have shown unwavering commitment and understanding, highlighting their invaluable contribution to balancing military service with professional responsibilities.
Nominate on the Australian Defence Force website.
Is your business an ADFRES Supportive Employer?
ADFRES Supportive Employer Program is a new initiative aimed at recognising employers who demonstrate exceptional support for their ADF reservist employees.
The program, structured into three tiers (Bronze, Silver, and Gold), acknowledges organisations that prioritise and go above and beyond to facilitate their employees' roles as reservists in Australia's national interest.
Apply for your business
Employers from all sectors and sizes are encouraged to apply, regardless of your business size or current employment of ADF reservists.
To apply, go to the Australian Defence Force website .
For further enquiries
email: adfres.nt@defence.gov.au Through this initiative, both employers and reservists alike contribute to fostering a supportive and understanding workplace environment.
The Defence & National Security Workforce Awards provides businesses in the defence and national security sector an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of their rising stars, shine a spotlight on their innovative workforce programs, and showcase why they are the industry’s employer of choice.
The awards program recognises up-and-comers and initiatives from across the industry – from the best technical, operations, and communications specialists under 35 – through to the nation’s leading Reserve support and training development programs.
The awards are open to all businesses operating in Australia’s defence and national security supply chain.
For more information on the awards program, go to the Defence National Security Workforce Awards website.
The Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry Grants Program offers businesses servicing the defence sector opportunities for upskilling and training, aiming to bolster skills capacity and capability to meet current and future Defence needs.
Over a three-year period, the program provides grants to support the development of defence sector skills, human resources practices, and training plans, particularly targeting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) facing barriers in upskilling their staff.
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 are available for various defence skills training activities, with the flexibility to apply for multiple grants or group eligible activities into a single application. Eligible recipients include SMEs with current or prospective Defence contracts, subcontractors to defence primes, as well as Defence Industry Associations facilitating training for their own staff or representing eligible businesses.
For further details, go to the Skilling Australia's Defence Industry Grants Program website.
Projects in contract:
Service Stream – Base Services Transformation (BST) Program
Service Stream, an Australian company, is seeking expressions of interest for the Defence Base Services Transformation (BST) program. They aim to provide property and asset services nationally, starting in early 2025. Interested parties, including local, small, medium, Indigenous, and veteran organizations, are invited to partner with Service Stream in bidding for facilities maintenance, land management, aerodrome operations, and training area management services.
Visit their website for more information and register your interest via the ICN Gateway page.
Defence Infrastructure Panel
The Department of Defence is seeking additional consultants to join the Building Surveying Advisory service category under the Defence Infrastructure Panel – Environment, Heritage and Estate Engineering 2020-2025. Consultants must demonstrate capability, skills, qualifications, resources, and experience to provide ongoing services to Commonwealth projects and locations on an "as needs" basis.
The objective is to support the Commonwealth in developing, delivering, operating, and maintaining facilities and infrastructure. This tender process is not open to consultants already appointed to the Building Surveying Advisory service category under the Panel. Full details are available at tenders.gov.au.
Tongan Police Maritime vessels
The Tongan Ministry of Police is conducting an international competitive bidding procurement process to acquire new maritime vessels for use by the ministry. For further details, please contact Iain Forrest, TradeStart Advisor, at iain.forrest@nt.gov.au or Michael Crossman, Senior Advisor – Defence at Michael.crossman@austrade.gov.au.