Australia Revisiting Defence Industrial Policy

In the wake of its 2006-2007 defense budget proposal “To Defend Australia” [PDF], the Australian government announced that it would begin a comprehensive review of the country’s defense industrial policy. This is not uncommon in an industry that’s a domestic oligopoly by nature, but has some global export potential. In late 2005, Britain also undertook a review of its defense industrial policy, leading to wide-ranging recommendations and a new blueprint. Australia’s road has been slower. Initial steps were taken under a Liberal Party government in 2006, and have continued under the current Labor Party government. In June 2010, an initial blueprint was released: Updates & Key Events CEA radar delivery(click to view full) June 25/10: After over 2 years of work, Australia’s Labor party government releases a new Defence Industry Policy Statement. “Building Defence Capability: A Policy For a Smarter and More Agile Defence Industry Base.” The government will begin a number of related programs under this umbrella, totaling A$ 445 million from 2010-2019. They include A$ 104.8 million announced in the Defence White Paper 2009, and announced initiatives include: A$ 292.8 million to build skills, innovation and productivity in the Australian defence industry. This includes the Skilling Australia and […]