November 2024 newsletter

On 28 November, Defence Security and Estate Group (SEG) hosted its bi-annual Defence Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program industry briefing. The briefing provided industry with an update on Defence estate matters including planned upcoming procurement activities across capital facilities and infrastructure projects.

The day focused on Strategic Planning, Estate Planning, Major Capital Works Program, Capital Facilities and Infrastructure, Procurement Forward Works Program, USFPI Capital Works Program, and the Estate Works Program. Importantly for industry, Defence noted that 56 projects across the country have received Parliamentary Approval in 2024, totalling more than six billion dollars.

For the Territory, additional Estate projects (unapproved) valued at $1,129m and Capability projects (unapproved) valued at $1,471m are listed in the pipeline in the forward estimates on top of the already approved $2,845m in current projects.

To learn more about the Defence Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program industry briefing, or to review the slides from the day, please visit Defence Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program industry briefing | Defence

The Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) is hosting a festive sunset cruise to celebrate the holiday season and recognize the outstanding achievements of the Young Achiever Award recipient in the NT!

This event will bring together members of the Defence and industry sectors, community leaders, and professionals to reflect on the year’s achievements, enjoy a relaxed evening of celebration, and honour a young talent who is making significant contributions to the Northern Territory's Defence industry.

To secure your spot Register here.

On a recent visit to Darwin, the Veterans Engagement team had the opportunity to catch up with Charlotte Webb, the Defence Family Advocate for Defence Families Australia (DFA). The DFA is the official Australian Defence Force (ADF) families advisory body to the Minister for Defence Personnel and Chief of the Defence Force. The organisation sits outside of Defence systems, allowing DFA independence and impartiality to act in the best interests of ADF families.

As a result of frequent postings, partners often have a lack of time to pursue career development and meaningful work. Fostering employment opportunities for partners of ADF personnel is a key aspect of Operation Thrive. One of the initiatives that has been implemented in this space is the the Veterans Business Alliance (VBA). The VBA held its second networking event on 27 November. This provided an invaluable opportunity for veteran business owners, veteran-friendly employers, transitioning Defence personnel, partners and veterans seeking employment to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities. The VBA continues to strengthen pathways for veterans and their families to thrive in civilian life.

As we approach the festive season, we acknowledge that Christmas can be a difficult time. It’s a time when connections matter more than ever, which is why we’re encouraging everyone to take part in the #CheckYourMates initiative.

This peer-led mental health and wellness campaign encourages veterans to reach out to five mates – whether through a phone call, a coffee, or a shared activity. It’s a simple yet powerful way to foster connection and support within the community.

Watch a powerful #CheckYourMates video created by NT veterans here.

Let’s continue to look out for each other, celebrate our achievements, and support those who may find this time of year challenging.

The Strategist, the commentary and analysis platform of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), continues to provide sharp and informed perspectives on Australia’s critical defence and strategic policy challenges. As an independent, non-partisan think tank based in Canberra, ASPI is recognised as a leading voice in both Australian and international strategic discussions, particularly within the Indo-Pacific.

With support from the Northern Territory Government, ASPI has established two dedicated programs under its Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre:

• The North
• Australia’s Security and Nation-Building in the North

These programs deliver sustained research focusing on nation-building and the security of Australia’s north, highlighting the region’s vital role in safeguarding the nation and contributing to broader security objectives.

Some of ASPI’s recent work examines pressing issues and innovative solutions for Northern Australia’s strategic and security roles:

• Northern deterrence demands full use of civilian infrastructure
• It’s not just inflation. Contracting practices are also stifling construction
• Training in Australia is a big chance for Japan. Let’s make it permanent

To explore these articles and more, visit The Strategist.

Sitting within the Australian Defence Export Office, Team Defence Australia is the premier national platform for export-capable Australian defence and dual-use companies to showcase their goods, services, technology and solutions at international trade events.

Team Defence Australia works with defence industry, the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS), Austrade and state and territory governments to help prepare Australian delegation’s attendance at overseas trade shows and ensure they maximise their international exposure.

Team Defence Australia will continue to release expressions of interest for the industry delegations for these tradeshows via the ADEO ICN Gateway page.

TDA have launched their 2025 Trade Show calendar. For more information on the preparation and costs visit the TDA website.