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The Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) has announced a series of organisational restructures and individual chapter membership achievements.
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Following meetings in May, AIDN National has drafted a proposed change to the structure and constitution to ensure that it remains a dynamic and decisive voice for SMEs supporting the Australian defence and dual purpose industries.
The changes are currently under consideration and refinement, and it is anticipated that the changes, if approved by members, will be implemented by 1 January 2019.
These proposed changes come as AIDN chapters Qld and NSW celebrate some significant milestones in member numbers.
AIDN Qld president and National vice president Carl Quarterman said, “We are pleased to see a significant increase in AIDN Qld membership numbers over the last 12 months, which equates to a 50 per cent increase."
Quarterman went further to explain that the organisation has been going from strength to strength with expertise delivered to the defence industry sector as well as hosting a significant percentage of the Defence Force. AIDN Qld and AIDN National continue to work closely with the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) and Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) at a state and national level.
AIDN NSW president John Brady added that the NSW chapter had reached over 150 members, saying, "AIDN NSW has been experiencing strong growth in numbers on the back of government announcements in support for Australian industry and the major new Defence projects that have been announced."
ADN National president and CEA Technologies CEO Rob Forbes congratulated the Queensland and NSW chapters on the achievements.
"It’s great to hear that both chapters have steadily been increasing their SME member numbers. It is a trend we are seeing across all our states and territory chapters. AIDN Qld and AIDN NSW are benefiting from the current environment, but the efforts of their committees to engage with and promote their member capabilities have created an increase of interest in AIDN," he said.
"The states and territories have developed key partnerships with state governments, and AIDN National supports their efforts through their strong relationships with the CDIC, CASG and government decision makers."
AIDN expects even stronger growth for the future for National and its chapters. The increase will be underpinned by new offerings in train from AIDN National including national membership; national partnerships with major prime contractors; the rollout of other national programs; and a new AIDN website. AIDN Qld will be celebrating this milestone tonight at their AIDN Qld Annual Dinner at the United Service Club in Brisbane.
These milestone achievements come after the WA chapter of AIDN conducted a WA Defence Strategy industry consultation session with Major General (Ret'd) Jeff Sengelman.
Sengelman has been engaged by the WA state government to both produce and establish the Strategic Plan, and appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with industry members.
He noted that while he has been commissioned by the WA government for this task, he is doing so as an independent adviser and in close partnership with a wide range of key stakeholders, including the federal government, the Department of Defence and related sectors. He applauded the level of interest, good will, support and constructive collaboration being extended to him at all levels both within WA and across Australia.
“The WA Defence Strategic Plan will be integral to the future of Defence-related activities in this state and consultation with industry and all other involved sectors is therefore critical to the formulation of this strategy. This will be an undertaking that accounts for our national sovereign interest; builds from the stated requirements and priorities of the federal government and Defence; promotes collaboration and innovation both nationally and internationally; and supports as a core focus, the men and women of our incredible Defence Force and the capabilities they employ,” stated Sengelman.
Further membership information for all AIDN chapters can be found here.
