September 2023 newsletter

The NT Government hosted Lieutenant General (retired) Shigeki Muto of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in Darwin, Katherine and Canberra last week. Most recently serving as Commander - Air Defence Command, General Muto held one of the highest offices in the JASDF. Now as a member of the NT Government’s National Security Advisory Group, General Muto provides insight and advice to the NT, and continues to have influence with the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

The Northern Territory recognises that Japan is an increasingly significant strategic partner for Australia, and the visit was aimed at influencing Japanese perceptions of the Northern Territory as a potential location for joint training activities.

With the Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) recently coming into effect, the NT Government is ambitious in its endeavours to promote the advantages of the Northern Territory to support greater Japanese Self-Defense Force training across the north. We have already seen the first rotation of Japanese F-35A through RAAF Base Tindal under the RAA, and the Territory is keen to see these rotations grow in coming years and the scope of Japanese military training in the NT expand.

The Defence and Industry Study Course (DISC), conducted by the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) within the Department of Defence (Defence), aims to promote a better understanding and engagement between Defence and industry in order to improve Australia's defence industry capability.

DISC exposes participants to key aspects of the environment in which Defence, government and industry are required to navigate in order to successfully deliver and sustain capability for the ADF. This year’s cohort is comprised on 52 participants made up of members of the ADF, Defence, other Federal and State agencies, and industry executives.

The NT module of DISC took place on 14-15 August 2023, and presented an opportunity to showcase the NT’s defence industry capability while providing networking opportunities for local businesses.

DefenceNT would like to thank North Track Machinery, Crowley and NT Indigenous Business Network for hosting sessions of the NT module. These sessions provided an excellent opportunity for a broad and influential cohort to better understand the unique capability the Northern Territory has to offer to Defence.

Local industry representatives are encouraged to consider the DISC and can monitor the CASG website for 2024 nomination procedures.

Veterans' Health week is an important opportunity for Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifices of veterans and veteran families, and acknowledge that sometimes, this service can take its toll on their health and wellbeing.

This year, Veterans’ Health Week 2023 is focused on 'Mental Wellness Matters', encouraging veterans and veteran families to renew their focus on maintaining good mental health and seeking support when it’s needed.

Australian veterans have led the way in enhancing our understanding of mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is because of the work of veterans and organisations like Open Arms that Australia is leading the way in treating and supporting mental health conditions.

Ex-service and community organisations all over the country are encouraged to apply for $720 towards hosting an event during Veterans’ Health Week.

Applications for funding close on 8 September. A kitbag to support event organisers plan and deliver their event is available on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

For more information, go to the Veteran' Affairs website.

Austrade– the Australian Trade and Investment Commission – helps grow Australia’s prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses and leading growth in the visitor economy.

In the defence sector, Austrade and the Australian Defence Export Office work together under a Memorandum of Understanding here in Australia and overseas to help Australian defence industry companies grow through export. Using its network covering 108 locations, including 66 locations overseas, Austrade:

• connects export-ready Australian businesses to overseas opportunities and works with them to achieve commercial outcomes;
• provides authoritative commercial insights and information to help businesses make informed export and investment-related decisions; and
• provides 1-1 assistance with international market selection and market entry/expansion strategies, identifying partners and arranging tailored introductions.

Austrade has appointed specialist Defence and Security Sector Directors to enhance support for Australian defence exporters. Directors are located in Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. We also support Australian companies that take part in Team Defence Australia’s international program of defence trade events each year.

If you are interested in growing your business globally, visit Austrade’s Going Global Toolkit at www.export.business.gov.au to get started. The Toolkit has a range of resources and information so that you can make sound decisions about your business strategy.

Connect with Austrade

Website:  www.austrade.gov.au.

A member of Austrade’s Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space team, Michael Crossman (pictured), is located in Darwin and can be contacted for more information via defence@austrade.gov.au

Projects in contract:

• Darwin Ship Lift Project
• EST00346 Tindal Redevelopment / EST00347 KC-30A Facilities
• Halikos - Robertson Barracks Base Improvements Program
• RAAF Darwin Refresh Program
• USFPI Northern Territory Training Areas & Ranges Project 
• US Bulk Fuel Storage Facility
• Ventia Defence Base Services NT

Bid Stage Industry Engagement

• Australian Defence Export Office (Team Defence Australia tradeshows)
• HMAS Coonawarra - NCIS 6B
• Base Services Transformation Program - Flour 
• Base Services Transofrmation Program - Downer
• Regional Maintenance Provider North - NORSTA 
• Regional Maintenance Provider North - Ventia 

Opportunities

Estate Works Program Update

The latest forward schedule of planned tender releases for the Defence Estate Works Program has been released. The Estate Works Program (EWP) delivers facilities and infrastructure maintenance projects aimed at restoring or sustaining capability. EWP projects are valued from $10,000 to $15 million and focus on addressing safety and compliance requirements on the Defence estate. All EWP opportunities are published on AusTender. For more information, go to the Defence website.

Market Sounding Process - Defence Capital Works Projects

Following the release of the Defence Strategic review (DSR) in April 2023, there is anticipated to be a range of construction related opportunities across northern Australia. For the Commonwealth to consider the potential delivery of Anticipated Works a Market Sounding Process has been initiated for Design Services and the Construction industry.

The Anticipated Works are likely to be primarily delivered north of the Tropic of Capricorn and may comprise, at a high level, the following scope:

• roads, car parking, hardstands, pavements, and taxiways to support aircraft
• replacement of existing office accommodation, living in accommodation, range control facilities, etc.
• large scale civil/Range systems
• ancillary external facilities
• external infrastructure (above and below ground) to support new facilities.

Market Sounding Process

• construction sector – Defence Capital Facilities and Infrastructure. View on the AusTender website
• design Services – Defence Capital Facilities and Infrastructure. View on the AusTender website.

EST02044 Berrimah Redevelopment Project Market Sounding (and Industry Briefing)

Defence is in the planning process of the Defence Establishment Berrimah Redevelopment project.

Defence is seeking input from the construction services sector, particularly in the Northern Territory, about its proposed delivery methodology and the capability and capacity of industry to supply design and construction services in the relevant work packages and seeking additional advice from this sector.

A summary of the proposed project scope at the time of this market sounding may be as follows: Base wide upgrade of in-ground:

1. infrastructure:
   1. electrical network
   2. potable water network (separate from fire water network)
   3. fire water network
   4. sewer network
   5. stormwater network
   6. ICT networks.
2. internal road network improvements and upgrades
3. a new Base entry precinct including new Pass Office
4. construction of a multi-story office and working accommodation building
5. construction of three deployable Precincts including hardstands, messing, ablutions and grassed/recreational area.

Government approval of the project is planned for Quarter 4 2024. Construction services are expected to be delivered from late 2024 to late 2027.

A market sounding industry briefing is scheduled for 2pm to 4pm ACST on 12 September 2023, the Litchfield Room, DoubleTree by Hilton, 116 Darwin Esplanade.

For more information and industry briefing registrations, go to the AusTender website.

AMGC Robotics in Defence webinar, 28 September

Hosted by Charmaine Phillips, NT Director, AMGC, Charmaine will be speaking to Kevin Hernan, Director Defence at ARM Hub about how ARM Hub can help industry with speed to deliver to warfighters’ hands.

Are you, or do you want to work on manufacturing projects for Defence? In this sector, speed to capability is critical. ARM Hub is helping companies use advanced manufacturing technologies (robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality) to deliver products into the hands of warfighters at a faster rate. Hear about real examples of how this is happening and how it may help you.

Learn how ARM Hub can support your manufacturing business in the Defence sector during this lunchtime webinar!

For more information and to register, go to the AMGC website.

October Business Month: Defence 101, 10 October, Darwin

This year’s OBM program will feature a panel discussion from NT defence industry support organisations who will discuss the defence market, identifying opportunities and enhancing defence readiness.

For more information and to register, go to the OBM website.

ODIS Forum 2023, 17 October, Darwin

The Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) aims to help smaller businesses bolster their market presence and expand their defence footprint. This year’s ODIS Forum will include briefings and updates from Government and industry stakeholders and small and medium enterprises.

• Regional Maintenance Centre North
• Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise
• Indigenous Procurement Policy
• Cyber and Security.

On the day:

• registrations open at 8:00am for a 9:00am start
• the forum closes at 3:00pm
• morning tea and a networking lunch will be provided.

The morning session will consist of key presentations and updates on the range of services provided to support SMEs and their development. The afternoon networking session will provide SMEs with the opportunity to:

• meet with Government representatives and key stakeholders
• participate in a Business to Business (B2B) networking session
• attend a one-on-one session with an ODIS Defence Industry Adviser.

For more information and to register, go to the Defence website.

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) has been fired in Australia for the first time, demonstrating the type of capability Australia will need to defend its northern borders. The ATACMS, fired as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre, is a US-made long-range tactical precision surface-to-surface missile, combining advanced technology and intelligence-driven targeting.

The DSR and the Government’s National Defence Statement response identified the importance of defending Australia and its immediate region, and to deter through denial any adversary’s attempts to project power through its northern approaches.

Far-reaching capabilities such as the ATACMS, which are able to hit a land-based target with speed and precision over long distances, will be needed to meet the challenge of denying access to such a vast region. Government direction in response to DSR recommendations supports the accelerated acquisition of HIMARS and associated missiles to contribute to enhanced combat power through long-range fires.

The live firing was conducted from an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher from the Delamere Air Weapons Range during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. The Talisman Sabre shoot was dynamic and brought several pieces together to deliver the ATACMS missile on target in the Bradshaw Field Training Area.

The exercise demonstrated the strength of the combined capability shared between joint forces in northern Australia. The Northern Territory has impressive capability to host these firing exercises, and presents an opportunity for other allied partners looking to enhance their joint firing capability. This is particularly the case noting that the Northern Territory is a key military training hub, with regionally superior training areas, ranges and significant Australian Defence Force and allied infrastructure.