• the ongoing economic strategic and military shift to the Indo-Pacific;
• the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) operational drawdown from Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands;
• the United States’ re-balance to the Asia-Pacific;
• Australia’s substantially enhanced practical cooperation with the United States pursuant to our Alliance relationship; and
• the ongoing adverse effects of the Global Financial Crisis, which have continued to have a significant deleterious impact on the global economy, domestic fiscal circumstances and Defence funding.  

"We have a truly global supply chain strategy for the F135 engine, and Levett Engineering is a key supplier for the program in Australia," said Howie Chandler, vice president, Military Engines, Business Development at Pratt & Whitney. "The success of the F135 program relies on companies like Levett Engineering to provide high quality products at competitive prices."

 "We are only in the early stages of our partnership with Pratt & Whitney, but we're looking forward to a relationship that will extend well into the future," said Paul Levett, managing director, Levett Engineering. "Our contribution to the F135 engine helps ensure jobs and technology-know how remain an essential part of our local industry, and a key support to the needs of the Australian Defence Force."

The installation of the first Australian-manufactured F135 engine components marks a significant milestone in the program. Australia is an international partner in the F-35 Lightning II program. Delivery of the first Australian F-35 aircraft is anticipated in 2014 with the first engine delivery to Lockheed Martin planned for later this year.

The F-35 will replace aging fourth-generation aircraft for Australia and partner countries with an affordable, sustainable, and highly capable fifth-generation aircraft. The F-35 program includes partners from nine countries – Australia, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States – as well as two foreign military sales – Israel and Japan.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies Corporation, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

Increasing the number and seniority of women in leadership roles is a key focus for defence companies based in South Australia.

Prime contractors ASC and BAE Systems have jointly convened a high level workshop held yesterday in Adelaide to examine gender equity and strategies to tackle the relatively small numbers of women executives in SA’s defence industry.

Major contractors including Raytheon, SAAB Systems, Lockheed Martin and Cobham, and the Defence Teaming Centre representing SMEs, attended the meeting.

The group has agreed to share best practice in two key areas – development and promotion of more flexible working options and recruitment strategies to retain current and attract new female employees.

In September, ASC CEO Steve Ludlam will also present an action plan on behalf of the defence industry to the state’s Chiefs for Gender Equity Roundtable which was established by SA Equal Opportunity Commissioner Anne Burgess.

The Roundtable, which also includes leaders from Elders, Santos, KPMG, ANZ and ETSA Utilities, shares tactics for improving diversity and acts as advocates for further change in their industry networks.

Mr Ludlam said, “Being a member of the roundtable has given me valuable insight to the challenges faced by other industries, and they are no different to ours.

“To highlight our industry’s commitment to diversity, I approached Christine Zeitz from BAE Systems to discuss ways we could work together to increase female representation, particularly at a senior level.

“The result was this workshop, which has given us the opportunity to bring together key industry players to see if we can make a difference.”

Mrs Zeitz, BAE Systems Business Development Director, said, “Our company is delighted to collaborate with ASC and other contractors about such an important issue. 

“The challenge now is to build on these outcomes and work together to ensure we attract and retain the best possible talent in our industry.”

• the Team Australia stand at Indo Defence 2012 will be open plan
• two (2) participation packages for Indo Defence 2012 are available - Exhibitor (4 sq m Standard Pod, access to common use facilities on the stand and inclusion in Team Australia events) and Non-Exhibiting Participant (access to common use facilities on the stand and inclusion in Team Australia events with no exhibition space)
• for those companies selected to participate on the Team Australia stand and the trademission, places will be made available free of charge (a charge will apply for display requirements outside the scope of what is included in the Standard Pod. Participants will be responsible for flights, accommodation and freight costs.)
• the trade mission to Brunei will have a tri-Service focus  
• Team Australia companies will be supported byone of our 2-Star Officers both at the exhibition and during the trade mission
• If the number of applications exceeds the number of positions available for Indo Defence 2012 and the mission, a competitive assessment process will be followed using the criteria outlined in the attached flyer.

March 22-24, 2012

Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon, Mumbai

Engineering sector in India has done considerably well and now need to move up the value addition chain for high value precision engineering both for domestic production and exports on a sustainable basis.

Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India for the 1^st time is organizing Engineering Sourcing Show in India which will be an annual mega international event in future. Canada has been declared as the “Partner Country” and Government of Maharashtra will be hosting the event as “Partner State”.

The event will be organized by EEPC India (formerly Engineering Export Promotion Council) with support from various Indian and Overseas Associations and Govt. Agencies. EEPC India is a premier Trade Promotion Body of India with focus on engineering & technology trade is set up & sponsored by Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. EEPC India is an ISO 9001-2008 organization and has been serving over 13,000 Indian engineering member companies consisting of large Corporate Houses, Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs). EEPC India have been organizing various trade promotional activities in engineering sector in & outside India with the aim of promoting bilateral trade including joint venture, technology collaboration and investment.

300 + exhibitors from India and abroad and several international business delegates from USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, ASEAN, Africa, CIS and LAC will be part of the March mega show. Other activities of the show include:

Following focus areas have been identified for collaborative opportunities:

• FACTORY AUTOMATION - Automation Tools and Mechanism
• TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS - Industrial Machinery & equipments
• CLEANTECH - Alternate Energy Solutions
• INNOVATION - Science & Technology, R&D, Technical partnerships
• INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES – Major supplies for manufacturing sector
• IESS GLOBAL SOURCING 2012 –Technology Procurement in Government

The Indian Government has also created an iincentive scheme which international delegates can apply for. For details about this scheme, click here

Please visit www.iesshow.in for more information on the event, or contact stuart.hodge@dtc.org.au

The Farnborough International Airshow is one of world’s premier defence and civilian aerospace exhibitions - a globally renowned showcase of aerospace equipment and technology for the world’s military and civil aerospace sectors.

The Farnborough International Airshow will be held 9 - 13 July 2012. A pre-Farnborough mission will be organised for the week before [2 - 6 July 2012] in conjunction with Team Australia’s participation at the Airshow.

The Department of Defence is inviting Australian defence companies who wish to be part of a Department of Defence supported Team Australia mission to Farnborough to register their participation by 5.00 pm Wednesday 14 March 2012. Membership of the Team Australia mission to Farnborough 2012 is open to any Australian company promoting Australian products and technologies in the aerospace security and/or defence aerospace sectors.

Team Australia will be led by the Defence Export Unit’s Aerospace Specialist. The Department of Defence will provide additional support to mission members by:

• identifying aerospace opportunities in Europe
• facilitating meetings between mission members and UK and European companies and industry associations, and a trade mission prior to Farnborough
• arranging briefings in relation to winning work in the UK and Europe
• organising seminars on the European defence industry policy

The pre-Farnborough trade mission will be shaped following consultation with State Governments and Farnborough 2012 missioners.

Participation as a member of Team Australia mission offers considerable advantages for Australian defence companies. Australian defence companies will work with Defence Materiel Organisation Staff London, the Department’s Defence Attaches in Europe and the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science Research and Tertiary Education and State Governments personnel to maximise the success of the mission.

Team Australia participation will be free of charge. Missioners will be responsible for the consignment costs of promotional material and the travel, accommodation and subsistence costs of their staff. Applications forms and Terms and Conditions for the Farnborough Airshow are attached to this flyer and also available on the Team Australia website.

The number of companies joining the Farnborough mission may have to be restricted to ensure an appropriate mission focus and level of support to missioners.

Enquiries should be directed to linus.ryrie@defence.gov.au or telephone (02) 6144 2773.

Registration of participation should be emailed to teamaustralia@defence.gov.au

Further information on Team Australia see http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/teamaustralia/ or contact us at teamaustralia@defence.gov.au .

The Defence Export Unit will be leading a mission for interested companies to Turkey, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Oman from 23 April to 8 May 2012.

Expressions of interest to participate in the mission are now being sought from relevant Australian defence companies, particularly companies providing surveillance, electronics, communications equipment, specialized engineering, systems integration, and training.

The Defence Export Unit is implementing an export campaign plan for the Middle East. This plan includes a regular Team Australia presence at several major industry expositions, and the conduct of regular, targeted trade missions to the region. The strategy is to build relationships with potential customers and demonstrate that Australian companies have integrity, are competitive, innovative, flexible and reliable.

Turkey has been included in the itinerary on this occasion following advice that there may currently be significant opportunities for niche Australian defence companies in that region.

The timing of the mission will coincide with ANZAC Day Commemoration activities and will build on the heightened awareness of Australia at that time in Turkey. The Mission will then proceed to KSA and Oman. The mission will include briefings and meetings with government and industry representatives in those countries.

Defence will provide a senior two star officer to lead the mission, meet the costs of facilitating the program and Team Australia-hosted receptions and some surface transport. Companies will be required to meet their own travel and accommodation costs and individual passport and visas.

Companies seeking inclusion in the Mission can apply by completing the application form and returning it by the closing date 24 February 2012. 

Enquiries and applications should be directed to robert.barlin@defence.gov.au or telephone (02) 6144 2777. For more information on Team Australia see http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/teamaustralia/ January 2012

The department is committed to providing the best possible processing times for all our clients. This additional funding will ensure that processing times remain low as the program grows with improving business conditions.  Decision-ready applications significantly help us to process applications quickly and efficiently.

Lodging Applications Online

Applications should be lodged online unless a legislative requirement restricts applications from being lodged online.  Only 457 visa applicants onshore not holding a substantive visa and overseas business sponsors are required to lodge paper applications, all other 457 sponsorship, nomination and visa applications can be submitted through the department’s online visa service.

See:

http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/employer-sponsored.htm

Documents must be attached to a lodged online application.

See: 

http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/457-sponsor-attachments.htm

http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/457-applicant-attachments.htm

In cases where it is not possible to attach documents to online applications, the documentation should be immediately sent to the relevant e457 mailbox to support a decision-ready application:

Brisbane 457 Centre of Excellence – e457.brisbane@immi.gov.au

Melbourne 457 Centre of Excellence – e457.melbourne@immi.gov.au

Parramatta 457 Centre of Excellence – e457.parramatta@immi.gov.au

Perth 457 Centre of Excellence – e457.perth@immi.gov.au

Sydney 457 Centre of Excellence – e457.sydney@immi.gov.au

Providing Supporting Evidence

Registered Migration Agents, 457 sponsors and 457 visa applicants are asked to use the appropriate checklists to ensure that all required information and documentation is included to support an application.  Submissions which explain the relevance of information and documentation included in the application will assist case officers processing the application and increase the likelihood of a timely decision.

457 application checklists and further information in relation to eligibility requirements is available from the department website:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/books9.pdf

Clients wanting to further discuss the eligibility requirements of the 457 program outlined on the website are encouraged to contact the department’s Service Centres on 131881.

More information about the 457 decision-ready initiative

The Melbourne, Perth and Sydney 457 Centres of Excellence have designated assistant managers to coordinate stakeholder engagement and receive feedback about the initiative.

Belinda Castle – Sydney 457 Centre of Excellence

Enquiries relating to ACT and New South Wales 457 applications

(02) 8862 6412 or email: belinda.castle@immi.gov.au

Uwe Harnisch – Perth 457 Centre of Excellence

Enquiries relating to South Australia and Western Australia 457 applications

(08) 9415 9238 or email: uwe.harnisch@immi.gov.au

Ian Parry – Melbourne 457 Centre of Excellence

Enquiries relating to Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria 457 applications

(03) 8682 2153 or email: ian.parry@immi.gov.au

For any other visa related matter, you may contact Mr Jan Schmortte, Industry & Regional Outreach Officer for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in South Australia by phone (0434 076 437) or email (jan.schmortte@immi.gov.au)

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that two more keel blocks had been delivered to Adelaide to construct Australia’s first Air Warfare Destroyer.

This follows the delivery of the first keel block last month.

The blocks were constructed at the Williamstown shipyard in Melbourne.

They were loaded on to barges last week and transported to Adelaide over the weekend.

Mr Clare said this was another step forward in the $8 billion project to construct three new warships for the Royal Australian Navy.

“This is Australia’s biggest shipbuilding project,” Mr Clare said.

“90 separate blocks will be constructed to build the three most powerful warships the Royal Australian Navy has ever operated.

“About 70 blocks like this will be shipped to Adelaide over the next four years to be consolidated into Air Warfare Destroyers.

“These blocks weigh approximately 190 tonnes each. They are about 19 metres long, 17 metres wide and five metres high and will form part of the keel of the first warship – HMAS Hobart.”

The steel blocks are being built at shipyards in Adelaide (ASC), Melbourne (BAE Systems), Newcastle (Forgacs) and Ferrol, Spain (Navantia).

Three sonar blocks are being constructed in Spain and the United Kingdom.

The blocks will now be removed from the barge and transported by a large multi-wheeled vehicle to the pre-fit-out facility.

Further work on the blocks will then be completed including blast and paint, fitting pipes, installing communications and electrical cables and fitting internal walls.

Construction has begun on all main blocks for the first ship and work has also begun on blocks for the second ship, HMAS Brisbane.

Next year work will begin on blocks for the third ship, HMAS Sydney and the first ship will start to be consolidated in Adelaide.

Mr Clare thanked the more than 1,000 people currently working on the ships across the three Australian shipyards.

“The workers constructing these blocks are doing important work – building new warships for the Royal Australian Navy,” Mr Clare said.

“They’re working hard and I thank them for their efforts.”

On 5 September, Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare announced the Defence Engineering Internship Program (EIP) which will commence at the start of the 2012 academic year.

It is expected that the program will fund the placement of between 20-25 third year engineering students with defence small to medium sized enterprises nationwide for a twelve week period, with a view to exposing students to the defence industry sector, thereby increasing the likelihood that they will pursue future employment in the Australian defence industry.

As announced, the Engineering Internship Program will provide engineering students with around $500 per week for the industry placement component of their degree and will also provide a financial incentive of around $700 per week for defence SMEs to host the student.

DMO is in the process of finalising the program detail and corresponding administrative arrangements.

Until such time as arrangements have been agreed and finalised, DMO will not accept or register expressions of interest or preliminary applications in respect of the Engineering Internship Program.

Further information about the Engineering Internship Program will be made available via the e-Portal, the DMO website and through various defence industry association communication tools such as newsletters, forums, and publications.

The Department of Immigration (DIAC) has commenced a review of the Employer Sponsored permanent residence visa categories to ensure they remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the Australian labour market. Contributions of stakeholders and feedback from the Australian Public will play an important role in developing recommendations that will be provided to government. A discussion paper has been released on the DIAC website, which outlines the background of the review and issues that will be considered, and provides information about how to make a submission. Issues under consideration include, for example, pathways from temporary to permanent skilled visas, visa requirements, concessions/flexibilities to support positive economic and social outcomes in regional and low population growth areas, and visa options for semi-skilled workers.

You can find the discussion paper at the following web address:

http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/discussion-papers/skilled-visas.htm

Public consultation will close on Friday 16 September 2011.

If you require further information about the review or any other issue relating to skilled migration visas, please contact Mr Jan Schmortte, DIAC Industry & Regional Outreach Officer in South Australia, by phone (0434 076 437) or email (Jan.schmortte@dtc.org.au).

The Acquisition and Support Implementation Strategy (ASIS) Handbook is the guide that defence project teams use to define the strategy for project acquisitions. As such, it guides procurement processes, ensuring that projects will be commercially appropriate and low-risk in execution.

The DMO is currently seeking feedback on an updated ASIS handbook, to ensure that the strategy will maximise the opportunities for Australian Industry. For more information, please view the document here and provide feedback using the methods outlined.

Senator David Feeney, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, today toured Cultana Training Area in South Australia. 

The expansion of the Cultana Training Area is critical for Joint and Combined Arms training for Defence and for Army’s 1^st Brigade.  An expanded Cultana Training Area also enables future air to ground, ground to air and ship to shore training activities.

A total commitment of $59.5 million in upgrade works will be particularly important to the 7^th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), which was established at Edinburgh earlier this year. 

Among Defence’s suite of training areas, the terrain at Cultana most closely resembles that of Afghanistan.  The Training Area consists of small arms ranges, a demolition range, field and driver training areas and a mock Afghan village. 

Senator David Feeney said: “The expansion at Cultana will bring additional defence jobs to South Australia and make sure we have the best training facilities available for the Australian Defence Force.”

“Cultana is a great example of tri-service training facilities.  It’s location close to the coastline and terrain which resembles Afghanistan makes it an important site for major joint military exercises,” Senator Feeney said.

Senator Feeney also met with a number of pastoralists about the expansion.

He said: “I acknowledge that there has been a long process for a range of affected groups.  I’ll be honest, I can’t promise that all the issues will be resolved tomorrow.  There are complex legal issues to be worked through.”

“But it is really important that we reach agreements with the pastoral leaseholders and finalise the training area expansion as soon as possible. I want to make sure that the ADF have the best training facilities available and more local defence jobs come to South Australia,” Senator Feeney said.

• The Collins Obsolescence Management Phase (Phase 3.1) will replace or modify the integrated submarine control system, to bring the system up to modern standards. This phase of the project is a strategic industry capability, so may preference an Australian supplier.
• The Collins Communications and Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (Phase 5B.2) will improve the communications and EW systems of the Collins class subs. This will include the creation of an on-board LAN and thermal imaging upgrades to the periscope. As both a PIC and SIC, this project could be a great opportunity for local industry.
• Collins Sonar Replacement (Phase 6) will either improve or replace the current Collins sonar system. This project phase will also include an upgrade of on-shore facilities including simulation and training.

• JP 129 Phase 4: Tier 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Year of Decision FY11-12 or 12-13. A Tier one UAV is a small system intended to support land force operations. This system will be a ‘proven’ system, but if possible an Australian design. TLS will be Australian. A PIC and a SIC.
• AIR 7000- Multi Mission Unmanned Aircraft System; first pass 2016-17. A high altitude, long range UAV designed for reconnaissance and surveillance. Currently a PIC and a SIC.
• JP 129 Phase 3: Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – Enhancements/Upgrades Year of Decision 2019-20. An upgrade to the current tactical UAVs already in use by the ADF. A PIC and a SIC.

TRANSCRIPT: DOORSTOP INTERVIEW, ADELAIDE

TRANSCRIPTION: PROOF COPY E & OE

DATE: 19 JANUARY 2011

TOPICS: Security cooperation with the United Kingdom, Defence investment in South Australia

STEPHEN SMITH: Thanks very much for turning up. We're here with the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, Liam Fox. I’m also very pleased to be with the Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann, and also joined by my colleague, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon.

Firstly, can I make some remarks about Dr Fox's visit to Australia. Yesterday we had a very successful AUKMIN ministerial meeting, the third AUKMIN meeting and the first that we've had in Australia. We welcome very much the successful outcome of that ministerial meeting.

Dr Fox and I were keen to come to South Australia because South Australia is, of course, very important to our Defence industry, our Defence procurement and our Defence capability.

One of the things that we spoke about yesterday  was we all live now in the defence arena in a time of tight fiscal restraint, and we need to make sure that the things that we do in terms of Defence procurement and Defence capability and Defence assets give taxpayers and nations value for money and value for effort.

We believe there is potential for Australia and the United Kingdom to work together on Defence capability procurement issues.

Earlier today, we visited the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. There is already very strong collaboration in the Defence science area between Australia and the United Kingdom, and we believe that that can be enhanced as well.

Yesterday, I also indicated publicly that given changed arrangements to some of the use of assets in the United Kingdom, that I was interested in talking to Dr Fox about Australia possibly acquiring, either purchase or leasing, an amphibious landing vessel, a Bay class vessel.

Dr Fox and I have agreed that our officials will now pursue that matter to see whether it's appropriate for Australia to add to its amphibious landing vessel and loading dock fleet by either leasing or acquiring such a Bay class vessel from the United Kingdom.

More generally, in terms of South Australian Defence industry, we're here at BAE, our largest defence industry contractor and we're off to ASC to see the work they're doing for naval assets. As a rule of thumb, Defence industry and Defence capability brings to the South Australian economy over $1 billion a year.

In addition to that and any other future work that comes South Australia's way, the arrival of 7RAR from Darwin to Adelaide will effectively bring an additional thousand personnel with families, and probably about 1800 to 1900 additional Defence personnel and families to Adelaide and South Australia.