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Following recent upheaval with the creation of the Australian Defence Alliance (ADA), AIDN National has announced a sweeping range of reform to ensure its continued value to Australian SMEs operating in the defence and dual-use industries.
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AIDN National and its chapters have announced significant agreements that will alter the future of AIDN National and improve upon its ability to represent the interests of the Australian defence industry.
These changes were conceptually agreed in May and following formal proposals in the time since, have subsequently been adopted, including:
1. Amendments to the constitution to improve governance structures: The structure has been altered to create a smaller board designed to best represent the national interests of all AIDN Chapter members and to optimise performance. The mechanisms by which the board is elected ensures that the chapters all retain influence over the composition of the board and the ongoing evaluation of their performance in meeting the national interests.
2. The appointment of a transition leader: Alongside this constitutional change are a series of actions and time frames designed to modernise AIDN National and improve its ability to meet the future demands in representing member interests.
A transition leader has been appointed for a period of six months, with a defined list of actions to achieve, as agreed by the national committee. Following discussions among the committee, and given consideration to several key criteria, it was determined that the transition leader for the AIDN National Reform Action Plan is Gary Bettcher. Gary has experience at both AIDN chapter and National level, and combined with his professional experience, is well positioned to immediately commence the reform actions.
Transition Leader, Gary Bettcher said, "We will be working closely with SMEs, both members and non-members, to sharpen our focus to represent Industry and work collaboratively with Defence, Government and Industry stakeholders, to benefit all SMEs and the National interests."
AIDN National president Rob Forbes welcomed these changes, saying, "Reform of AIDN National has been an agenda item of interest for some time as we continue to strive to support Australian defence industry. Conceptual agreement in May was a significant step in this process, and I would like to thank and congratulate all chapters for their contributions in reaching agreement on the changes and actions.
"AIDN is now positioned to continue its critical role as the voice for SMEs in defence industry, while creating a structure that enhances decision making, responsiveness and governance into the future," said Forbes.
