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A new organisation has been set up to generate work opportunities for SMEs across the local defence industry.
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The Commonwealth government has announced the launch of the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) — a new organisation established to foster engagement between Defence, major contractors and local SMEs.
The new organisation — which replaces the Centre for Defence Industry Capability — aims to serve as a ‘one-stop shop’, facilitating stakeholder access to local SMEs with the capability to support defence projects.
This is expected to help smaller businesses bolster their market presence and expand their defence footprint.
The Office of Defence Industry Support will be represented by stakeholders from the Air Force, Navy, Army and the commercial sector.
“ODIS is a new organisation with a redefined purpose that will be a trusted link between Defence and Australian SMEs,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said following the announcement.
“This new organisation will work directly with state and territory agencies, industry associations, SMEs, and major contractors to build greater sovereign capability, so that our men and women in uniform get what they need to keep Australia safe.
“ODIS will employ a proactive strategy to support businesses, because we need to start dragging the right SMEs through the door with the ability to provide local solutions to Defence’s capability requirements.”
Defence is expected to regularly review key services offered by the ODIS over the first 12 months, to ensure the organisation is meeting its stated objectives.
A dedicated regional support team will also be established to identify regional SMEs with the capability to enter the Defence market.
ODIS staff will be based in locations across the country, housed within local defence precincts.
“I am determined to have a greater focus on increasing opportunities in our defence industry for regional Australia,” Minister Price continued.
“As the member for an electorate taking in much of regional WA, I know there is potential in regional Australia that needs to be unlocked.
“ODIS will have a presence in each state and territory, with industry engagement teams providing expert advice to assist businesses to integrate into supply chains and grow to become more competitive defence providers.”
In addition to facilitating access to work opportunities, the ODIS will partner with industry associations and registered training providers to deliver ‘Defence Readiness’ training.
“These training programs will help businesses position themselves to win Defence contracts,” Minister Price added.
“Through targeted partnerships, ODIS will be able to engage with a broader group of businesses capable of supporting the Australian Defence Force.
“I invite businesses to contact our industry engagement specialists and together we can build a stronger, more sustainable, and globally competitive Australian defence industry.”
[Related: New defence contracts issued under critical technologies plan]
