• Credit: Jon Kline
    Credit: Jon Kline
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Following the departure of branches in SA and Victoria, Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) National has agreed on a number of changes that it hopes will "alter the future" of the organisation.

The move comes as the national organisation's influence has been weakened by the depature of state branches. In March, SA's Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) withdrew from the national body during the annual general meeting in Canberra. "We have found that DTC’s role as the SA based chapter of AIDN conflicts with the DTC’s national focus and reach," DTC CEO Margot Forster said.

The SA body was followed in August by the Victorian branch. AIDN Victoria CEO Claire Willette said the decision to part ways with AIDN National was made to address increasingly divergent outlooks on how to support SMEs in the defence industry and dual-use sectors.

Now, AIDN National and its remaining chapters have reached agreements that will "improve upon its ongoing desire and ability to represent the interests of the Australian Defence Industry."

First, the body has amended its constitution to improve governance structures. According to AIDN, "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."

Second, the body has appointed Gary Bettcher as transition leader for six months with a mandate to enact further reform.

"Reform of AIDN National has been an agenda item of interest for some time as we continue to strive to support Australian Defence Industry," AIDN National President Rob Forbes said.

"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."

 

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