Australian defence industry export opportunities

THE Department of Defence and Austrade will appear at a public hearing tomorrow of the Defence Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. The two key departments will give evidence on the accomplishments and challenges relating to Australia’s defence industry exports.

Defence is the main promoter and controller of Australian exports of defence equipment, including advanced weapon platforms, systems, components and technologies. In conjunction with Defence, the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) supports companies seeking opportunities in international defence markets.

Austrade notes that the technologies and products of the defence sector are transferable to civil applications and it has developed initiatives to highlight Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to potential customers.

Chair of the Defence Sub-Committee, Senator David Fawcett (SA), said the inquiry provides an opportunity to identify barriers to the export of defence goods and services by Australian companies.
 
“Defence industry should be seen as a fundamental input to Australia's defence capability which means we need it to be innovative and sustainable. One way to achieve this is for the Government to encourage, and where appropriate facilitate, export to suitable nations," Senator Fawcett said.

The inquiry's terms of reference include identifying barriers and impediments to the growth of Australia's defence exports; how Government can better engage and assist Australian defence industry to export its products; the operation of the Defence Export Control Office; and assessment of the export support given to defence industry by governments of comparable nations.

The inquiry's terms of reference are available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing
Date/Time:  Tuesday, 24 March 2015, 5.40 pm
Location:  Parliament House Committee Room 1R1
Organisations: Department of Defence and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)

The hearing will be audio broadcast live at www.aph.gov.au/live.

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