New inquiry launched as part of Defence Annual Report 2022–23

The past 12 months have been full of up and downs for the nation’s Defence portfolio, seemingly with more bad news than good news, particularly as it relates to the state of the nation’s defence capability procurement capacity, processes and outcomes.

In particular, continued revelations about high-profile projects like the contentious, troubled, multi-billion Hunter Class frigate program, the addition of the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel program to the “Projects of Concern” list, and the permanent grounding of the maligned and troubled MRH-90 Taipan fleet following a fatal crash are but a few examples of this.

There has been a few glimmers of hope, with the release of the long-awaited Defence Strategic Review and the findings which herald the major restructuring and reprioritisation of the Australian Defence Force to better respond to the deteriorating threat environment we face, and, perhaps most importantly, signal a major change in the nation’s methods of procurement to meet these challenges.

Accordingly, the Defence subcommittee of the joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, has announced it will conduct a new inquiry with a specific focus on a number of key topics identified in the Department of Defence’s Annual Report 2022–23, including:

• Australia’s assistance to Ukraine.
• The Defence health system.
• Capability assurance mechanism.
• Artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons-related issues.
• Armaments manufacture, procurement, and inventory.
• Other issues as communicated to Defence.

Chair of the subcommittee, Julian Hill MP, explained the important role the committee plays in providing an important oversight capacity on behalf of the Australian taxpayer, saying, “The committee has decided to exercise its oversight powers and conduct a public review of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23.”

Hill detailed the emphasis on the aforementioned topics, leading with Australia’s continued support and assistance to Ukraine’s resistance as part of Operation Kudu to Putin’s invasion stating, “The subcommittee is interested in examining Australia’s response to this crisis; specifically, the facilitation of military aid focused on platforms, munitions, and the contribution to Operation Kudu which is the ADF commitment to the training of armed forces of Ukraine recruits in the United Kingdom.”

Shifting his focus to the ADF’s health care system, Hill said, “A comprehensive and well-equipped health care system for our serving personnel remains a critical enabler to ensure the ADF’s warfighting preparedness. Defence is currently undergoing structural change based on the force posture requirements as detailed within the Defence Strategic Review.

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Unpacking the focus further, Hill added, “This is occurring at a time of significant workforce challenges, and it is through this lens that the subcommittee is interested in analysing Defence’s approach to health care, considering the recent report by the auditor-general and current performance issues. The focus for this line of inquiry will include the general architecture of its uniformed and contracted health related capabilities, supporting both current personnel and the recruitment function, and the interrelationship with external providers."

In light of the mounting delays and costly project cancellations, the inquiry will also investigate the complexities surrounding Defence’s capability acquisition and sustainment procedures and practices, and the importance of test and evaluation for capabilities as they’re introduced.

Hill stated, “It is imperative that Defence can effectively identify and manage the complexities associated with material procurement and sustainment including the acceptance of new capability into service. The subcommittee is interested in reviewing Defence’s approach to capability assurance including ‘test and evaluation’ and how that impacts and informs accountability and risk identification considering case studies to identify potential systemic issues for attention.”

Additionally, given the Defence Strategic Review’s emphasis on new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems, along with the urgent need for Australia to develop a robust, sustainable, and competitive guided weapons and explosive ordnance industry in country, Hill explained the two focal points for the inquiry, stating: “The subcommittee is interested in examining the role of artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons within the ADF and the requisite policy settings that need to account for and address relevant moral, legal, ethical, and regulatory matters within Australia and internationally. This may be informed by a case study to be identified,” Hill said.

“The Defence Strategic Review references the importance that Australia possesses a diverse array of munitions capable of long-range strike across the sea, land, and air domains. The government has announced plans for the rapid procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and Precision Strike Missiles, as well as the creation of a newly appointed Head of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance. The subcommittee is interested in examining the plans and process for the acquisition of specific munitions from coalition partners, the requirements to enable domestic manufacturing and storage, and the comparison of current stock holdings vice what is required during high intensity conflict,” Hill added.

The subcommittee is now inviting written submissions by Monday, 5 February 2024, which can be submitted via: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..