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Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price has announced the rollout of a new online tutorial series to help local SMEs secure defence contracts.
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A new online information portal — Getting Defence Ready — has been launched to help business across central and north Queensland pursue contracts under the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI).
The tutorial series — developed in response to social distancing requirements and travel restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 — provides tips on how to lodge an expression of interest, to help businesses prepare high quality tenders and meet contractual obligations.
According to Defence, the ASMTI would deliver advanced military training areas through the expansion of Shoalwater Bay Training Area in central Queensland and the establishment of a new training area near Greenvale in north Queensland.
“While Defence’s primary goal is to obtain value for money to deliver defence capabilities, it remains committed to maximising the role of Australian businesses,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.
“With numerous opportunities available under the ASMTI, I want to ensure businesses have the tools they need to compete for work and participate in our defence industry.
“I am excited to see Defence innovating in the way it engages with businesses in these challenging times.”
Minister Price highlighted the importance of the role local businesses play in the development, maintenance and service of Defence training areas.
“The ASMTI is already delivering significant economic benefits for Queensland, with 23 businesses based in the Rockhampton and Livingstone Shire regions sharing close to $79 million of work,” she said.
“Recently, I announced two contracts worth more than $10 million, which were awarded for works and services on site.
“This online tutorial series is in line with the government’s intent to maximise local industry participation as part of the government’s Local Industry Capability Plan initiative.”
Federal member for Capricornia Michelle Landry welcomed the launch of the tutorial series
“Businesses in central Queensland are continually looking for opportunities to engage with Defence and take advantage of the opportunities available in relation to the ASMTI and the Shoalwater Bay Training Area Expansion,” Landry said.
“With the creation of Getting Defence Ready online tutorial series, businesses will have more clarity on how they can work with Defence to deliver projects in the area.
“Major construction works recently started on the expansion of Shoalwater Bay Training Area, which is bringing optimism and opportunities for the local and national economy during a period of economic uncertainty brought on by COVID-19.”
Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson added that the series would also help businesses in Townsville make the most of the new Greenvale training area.
“As a garrison city our local contractors are familiar with Defence projects and with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like the ASMTI, I know the online tutorial series will give them an extra edge,” he said.
Townsville-based Senator Susan McDonald said many north Queensland businesses have the capability and expertise to secure Defence contracts.
“There are so many benefits to accessing services that are not only based in Australia but in the regions closest to military training areas,” Senator McDonald said.
“Late last year, Defence convened workshops throughout the north to advise and encourage local businesses to tender for contracts, and these were very well attended.
“I believe this new online tutorial will be extremely popular and I will be encouraging businesses to make full use of it.”
