• NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, the Central Coast and the Hunter Scot MacDonald says the state’s defence sector has an exciting future.
    NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, the Central Coast and the Hunter Scot MacDonald says the state’s defence sector has an exciting future.
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The NSW Government will work closely with the Australian Industry Defence Network (AIDN) to maximise opportunities for NSW small to medium-sized enterprises to capitalise on opportunities in the defence industry sector.

Speaking at the AIDN NSW 23rd anniversary dinner, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, the Central Coast and the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC said the future for the state’s defence sector was exciting.

“The NSW Government is committed to creating new high-tech jobs, growing the advanced manufacturing sector, supporting innovation and collaboration in research, and driving economic growth in our regions,” he said.

"With the Australian Government’s Defence White Paper outlining spending of more than $195 billion over the decade to 2026, we will work closely with organisations like AIDN to help our companies take advantage of the significant opportunities.

“As the industry association for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) doing business in the defence and security sectors, we recognises the central role played by AIDN.

“Working together with AIDN through close collaboration with Defence NSW, we can help maximise SME participation while supporting federal Defence priorities.”

MacDonald said the NSW Defence and Industry Strategy: Strong, Smart and Connected is focusing on a number of areas.

“First, Defence NSW is supporting defence companies, primes and SMEs to access procurement and supply chain opportunities,” he said.

“Second, we’re targeting Commonwealth procurement projects with a coordinated approach to leverage NSW strengths in critical defence capability areas, particularly complex systems integration.

“Third, we’re working to boost STEM skills to bring more people into fields like engineering, ICT, and advanced manufacturing.

“Fourth, to strengthen R&D and innovation, we’re building networks to bring defence industry, universities and researchers closer together.

 “Importantly, we’re supporting regional defence precincts – like our recent work with Thales to upgrade the Carrington slipway to support the maritime sustainment industry.”

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