JLL has been selected by the Department of Defence to provide National Program Services for the Defence Estate Works Program.
“This contract represents an important evolution in how Defence’s estate works are delivered,” Managing Director of Project Development Services ANZ at JLL, Alan McKay, said.
“After more than a decade working closely with Defence, we understand the critical role infrastructure plays in supporting capability. Our focus is on ensuring value from day one, improving speed to outcomes, and helping ensure the Australian Department of Defence has safe and fit-for-purpose estate to live, work, train and operate from.”
Under the initial six-year contract, JLL will manage and coordinate Defence’s portfolio of estate projects, while providing advice on risk management, investment prioritisation, and project development to deliver a safe, secure, compliant and operationally effective network of bases and assets.
“Our national presence allows us to combine centralised expertise with local delivery,” Defence Vertical Lead for Work Dynamics at JLL, Geoff Camp, stated.
“We’ve established teams across Australia structured to reflect Defence’s unique operational requirements at each location.”
Defence’s estate portfolio includes bases, training areas, and operational facilities across all states and territories, presenting complex challenges due to geographic scale, security considerations, and the specialised nature of military infrastructure.
As part of its Defence Industry Participation Plan, JLL has influenced and executed Defence investments in ways that allegedly benefit regional communities, including SMEs and Indigenous enterprises. Since 2020, according to the company, it has supported over $200 million in Defence investment with 105 Indigenous businesses across its national operations.
JLL also operates a Veterans Engagement Program, creating employment pathways for ex-Defence personnel and their families, using the ex-Defence personnel's unique insights to enhance service delivery.
The contract comes as Defence continues implementing recommendations from the 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR), which reinforced the critical role of well-managed estate and infrastructure in supporting national defence posture and operational readiness.