Page 34 - ADM Directory of Defence Suppliers #49

Defence Victoria
THE DEFENCE industry is a vital part of Victoria’s economy, contributing up to $8 billion every year.
20,000 men and women work across our defence sector in the defence industry and Australian Defence Organisation, and we have more than 400 businesses that make equipment and provide services for defence activities.
Victoria plays a critical role in the development and sustain- ment of Australia’s defence capacity, and is recognised interna- tionally for the depth and quality of its defence manufacturing sector, world-class research and development facilities and a highly skilled workforce.
The State has a proven track record in delivering major Australian and international defence projects, including plat- forms and capabilities for the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Victorian companies contribute 64 per cent by value of the Australian contracts to the international Joint Strike Fighter Program. Lockheed Martin will provide the Australian Defence Force’s Basic Flying Training system at the RAAF base in East Sale from 2019. The Army’s Bushmaster vehicle, manufactured by Thales in Bendigo, is renowned for saving Australian lives in combat. Thales is also manufacturing 1,100 Hawkei vehicles (pictured above) and trailers.
A robust and responsive local supply chain network plays a vital role in building and sustaining multiple defence platforms. These businesses are ready to participate in the future subma- rines, surface ship and other Defence procurement programs.
Victoria has significant capabilities in the design, develop- ment and manufacture of land equipment, products, systems and services to the Australian Defence Force. The engineering and development capabilities of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles and Supacat Australia are based in Melbourne. Victoria is home to the Land Systems Division of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the principal buyer of military vehicles and other land-based systems.
Victoria is Australia’s leader in innovation, new technolo- gies, R&D and advanced manufacturing. The state has world renowned research institutes and organisations supported
by a world class tertiary education sector. It is home to the Defence Science Institute and the Defence Materials Technology Centre. Elements of the Commonwealth’s Defence Science and Technology Group are also based in Melbourne.
Defence technology research is undertaken by Victoria’s tertiary institutions, often in collaboration with Defence, indus- try and other national and international institutions. Victoria receives approximately 28 per cent ($2.8 billion) of national university R&D spend and approximately 32 per cent ($19.5 million) of national university defence R&D spend.
The Victorian Government purchased the former General Motors Holden site at Fishermans Bend in 2016 and is transform- ing it into a new Precinct of Excellence for advanced manufactur- ing, design and engineering. Our vision is for it to be a world class advanced manufacturing and engineering hub with a focus on the defence and transport industries.
Boeing Aerostructures Australia, Supacat, and elements
of the Defence Science and Technology Group are all located
in Fishermans Bend. The University of Melbourne’s School of Engineering will also move to Fishermans Bend, which will see more than 1,000 new engineering and IT students and academics collaborate there with industry leaders.
The Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is responsible for defence industry investment support and trade facilitation. It promotes Victorian defence capabilities to the Australian Government, Australian and international prime contractors and the broader market. It delivers a range of programs to support manufacturing and the growth of priority sectors, including defence industry.
The Victorian Government works closely with the Australian Industry & Defence Network – Victoria, the Victorian Defence Alliances, and the Defence Science Institute to support Victoria’s defence industry.
For more information about Victoria’s defence capabilities and investment opportunities, contact the Victorian Defence Sector Development team on (03) 9651 8053, by email on defence@ecodev.vic.gov.au or visit www.defence.vic.gov.au.
The Thales Hawkei is manufactured in Bendigo,
the centre of Defence vehicle manufacturing.
PAGE 34 ADM’s Directory of Defence Suppliers 2018 | Edition 49 | www.defencesuppliers.com.au
Thales
DEFENCE BY STATE