Defence has reinforced its commitment to work more closely with industry in the new Navy Industry Engagement Strategy.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price launched the Strategy with the Chief of the RAN Vice Admiral Michael Noonan at the Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2019 in Sydney.
Minister Price said Australian businesses were crucial to the success of the government’s $90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan, which is creating 15,000 Australian jobs and greatly enhancing our sovereign shipbuilding capability.
“Engaging our defence industry ensures our investments are contributing to the long-term viability of our shipbuilding industry and leveraging Aussie innovation,” she said.
“I am also making engagement with small business a top priority as they will be helping the major defence industries to deliver on our major investment plan. I made the case for our defence industries in Washington and London in recent weeks.”
Vice Admiral Noonan reaffirmed his strong commitment to partnering with defence industry to deliver Navy’s capability needs.
“Without industry we don’t go to sea, we don’t fly our aircraft, and ultimately we are unable to defend Australia and our national interests.”
“My vision is for Navy, industry and academia to become better partners that focus on transformational relationships and shared awareness to enable the best possible outcomes for Australia,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.
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