The Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) will be replaced by the end of the year, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price has revealed.
The CDIC was subject to a government review released last year, which recommended strengthening the alignment between Defence, defence industry and the CDIC by relocating it to the Department of Defence rather than resting in the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources with Defence secondees.
Minister Price told ADM in January that the subsequent restructure was 'progressing well'.
However, in recent comments to AIDN, Minister Price revealed that the CDIC would be replaced with a 'new organisation'.
"Finally, before the end of the year, I will also launch a new organisation that replaces the Centre for Defence Industry Capability as the one-stop shop for defence industry support and guidance," Minister Price said. "It will work with industry associations, state and territory officials, SMEs and primes to deliver the capability our ADF needs to keep Australians safe and secure.
"I look forward to launching this organisation and the system that will be put in place to support each state and territory across the country."
Shadow Minister for Defence Industry Matt Keogh said more certainty was needed in defence industry following the cancellation of Sea 1000.
"New branding is not enough," Minister Keogh said. "At a time where the futures of many defence SMEs and workers remains uncertain due to the scrapping of the ‘Future Submarine’ contract, it’s more important than ever that our local defence industry is supported."
Defence acknowledged ADM's request for comment but did not provide a response by deadline.