The Defence Teaming Centre (DTC), AIDN-Victoria and the Henderson Alliance have announced the Australian Defence Alliance (ADA), a nationally focused membership organisation representing close to 1,000 small to medium enterprises in defence and dual-use industries.
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The ADA has been formed through collaboration between AIDN-Vic, DTC, and WA’s Henderson Alliance to offer professionally managed advocacy, strategic governance and policy support. Each of the founding bodies will still operate independently.
"Australian SMEs have much to offer the defence industry in acquisition, sustainment and exporters," AIDN-Vic chief executive Claire Willette said.
"The ADA’s collaborative approach is designed to connect supply chain opportunities to local capability and capacity, the ADA encourages participation from relevant industry bodies that would like to contribute."
DTC CEO Margot Forster said the need for strategic and professional representation for SME’s drove the formation of the ADA.
"Unprecedented investments in Australian defence programs are leading to incredible growth in the sector. The ADA is here to help bring the required dedicated representation to members," she said.
Additionally, the ADA will facilitate positive collaboration between its members across Australia to support the Commonwealth’s defence agenda.
"ADA will be a collective voice to government on behalf of SMEs," Foster said.
Henderson Alliance chair Rohan Green said, "ADA recognises that all defence programs are there to serve the national interest and we will reinforce this at every turn.
"In each of the regions our members are in, there will be differences of opinion, but defence policy will always be made with national considerations in mind."
To reinforce its approach, the ADA will apply the principles and best practices of ISO 44001-2016, the Management of Collaborative Business Relationships, in its interactions with members, stakeholders and between the interstate bodies.