The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, and the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Mr Greg Combet, have announced the launch of the $21.2 million Defence Industry Innovation Centre.

The new Enterprise Connect Defence Industry Innovation Centre, based in Dandenong, Victoria, but with national reach, will support businesses in the defence sector to respond to the unique challenges they face, including the very high demand for technological innovation.

“The Government recognises that businesses in Australia, including Small to Medium Enterprises operate in an increasingly integrated international marketplace and global community. A key challenge in responding to this, is the capacity of businesses to develop strategies to become more competitive,” Senator Carr said.

“To this end the Department of Defence in consultation with the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has worked collaboratively towards the creation of a new Enterprise Connect Defence Industry Innovation Centre,” Mr Combet said.

The new Centre offers a range of hands-on services to Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the defence industry sector including free business reviews and supporting grants, to help boost productivity and increase their ability to compete in international markets.

“The Australian Government is giving defence industry businesses the tools and advice they need to be more productive, more innovative and more dynamic,” Senator Carr said.

This is a major initiative which will help grow defence productivity, skills and capability through the expansion of the Enterprise Connect program to include the Defence Industry Innovation Centre.

“Total DMO investment for this initiative is $21.2 million. This is clear recognition that the Government identifies the need to support SMEs in the defence sector,” Mr Combet said.

For more information on the opportunities available call the Enterprise Connect Hotline on 131791 or visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au