Victorian defence supply chain businesses will have access to funding to help secure contracts and create new jobs under a new initiative announced by the Andrews Labor Government.
The $2 million Victorian Defence Industry Supply Chain Program will give businesses across Victoria the best possible opportunity to secure work in defence and national security. In particular, the program will help local businesses gain relevant accreditations, prepare tenders and meet industry specific compliance requirements.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan said supply chain businesses play a particularly critical role in delivering the country’s biggest defence projects.
“This program will put these companies in the best possible position to capitalise on future defence contracts.”
According to the State Government, this will ensure local defence supply chain companies are locally and internationally competitive and are tender ready.
The funding is available to Victoria’s small to medium enterprises that are currently supplying to defence or national
security related supply chains and those looking to enter the market.
Grants of up to $50,000 are available to businesses under the program which requires applicants to provide matched funding cash co-contribution.
Recently, the Labor Government reappointed former federal minister for Defence Materiel and Science Greg Combet as Victoria’s Defence
Industry Advocate to promote its defence credentials.
Victoria's defence sector contributes up to $8 billion to the state's economy annually and is made up of more than 300 businesses, employing around 7,000 people.
For more information about this program, visit http://www.business.vic.gov.au/defence-support