Page 136 - Australian Defence Magazine Dec21-Jan22

136 FROM THE SOURCE MELISSA PRICE
DECEMBER 2021-JANUARY 2022 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
LEFT: Boeing’s Melbourne facility recently commenced construction of the fifth Boeing Airpower Teaming System aircraft
clear – we needed an organisation that was a one-stop shop for Defence industry support and guidance. That is what we will have with ODIS.
It’s important that it’s home will be within the Australian Industry Capability vision of CASG as opposed to previ- ously sitting within the Department of Industry. ODIS will work with state and territory agencies, industry associa- tions, small to medium businesses and also the primes to give our defence industry the very best opportunity to deliv- er the capability we need to equip and sustain the men and women of our ADF. This will be about providing refocused support for defence industry. It will be the trusted link for businesses looking to get into or to expand their footprint in the defence industry.
As a regional Member of Parliament, I am also very deter-
mined to offer greater support and opportunities for those businesses in the regions, and that’s why this new organisa- tion will also have a dedicated regional Australia team within the new structure. There will also be engagement opportuni- ties in all states and territories targeting businesses through- out the states or territories making sure access is made avail- able to indigenous and also veteran owned businesses.
Defence is currently exploring the development of a pro- gram to engage more indigenous businesses in defence industry, including culturally appropriate outreach and engagement activities and also the implementation of ini- tiatives to facilitate indigenous business participation.
ADM: What concerns you the most across your defence industry portfolio?
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