Login
iscover
Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne has confirmed multiple government defence policies will be released in the first half of 2018.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Speaking to the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) in Singapore, Minister Pyne said the release of the Defence Export Strategy, which was previously due to be released by Christmas last year, is imminent along with more policies.
"I will soon release the Defence Export Strategy, which will provide a comprehensive approach to supporting our defence industry to enjoy greater success overseas," the minister told AustCham.
The minister said the strategy, and a suite of others, will address the government's investment in innovation and support to industry.
"We are investing in innovation, increasing the support available to industry and keeping our investment program on track," he said.
"We want clarity for both industry and the Australian community to enable investment in defence industry."
Minister Pyne met with around 20 of Australia’s Asia-based defence representatives in Singapore on Thursday, 18 January, to discuss their role in promoting Australian defence exports and regional industry collaboration.
Defence Attachés are posted to Australia’s Embassies and High Commissions across the region and form a critical part of our defence capability and presence overseas.
"Defence exports contribute to building the sustainable, innovative and internationally competitive industrial base we need in Australia to support our defence capability needs," he said.
"While I am today in Singapore advocating for Australia’s defence industry, our regional Defence Attaché network provides a permanent international presence for promoting our defence industry interests abroad."
The minister also confirmed three other Defence policies are also due for release in the first half of the year, according to Minister Pyne.
"In the first half of 2018, the government will release a suite of policies that will put in place further mechanisms to support industry and help us shape and guide our defence industry," Minister Pyne said.
"This will include the first ever Defence Industrial Capability Plan, including our sovereign industrial capabilities, a defence industry skilling and STEM strategy, and a defence industry participation policy."
