MIN 109/97 Tuesday, 26 August, 1997
MINISTER OPENS DEFENCE PROCUREMENT '97, LAUNCHES NEW INTERNET SITE
The Minister for Defence Industry, Science and Personnel, Bronwyn Bishop, opened the Department of Defence's annual procurement seminar in Canberra this afternoon.
"When the Government came into office, we set about building the climate for a sustained period of economic growth, low interests and labour market reform - and the benefits of those initiatives are now starting to emerge for business," Mrs Bishop said.
The Minister conceded that "we have a lot more to do yet before we liberate the full potential of private enterprise in this country after thirteen years of business-bashing by Labor." However, using a metaphor from her portfolio, she said: "we have identified our targets and we are 'locked on'."
The Minister announced that she would be delivering a new statement on strategic defence policy for industry early in the new year. "The statement will provide a policy framework for the Defence/industry relationship for the first time," Mrs Bishop said.
"It will build on the new momentum generated by Coalition Government initiatives such as the Defence Efficiency Review and the Defence Strategic Review."
As part of the Federal Government's push to dramatically improve the country's defence exports, Mrs Bishop would lead Australia's largest ever defence industry mission to the United Kingdom next week, and another to South East Asia later this year.
Mrs Bishop also identified the need for a cultural change in the bureaucracy. "Outdated attitudes and processes in the Department of Defence will have to disappear," she said. "I expect to see a culture develop in Defence that fosters Australian industry, particularly Small and Medium Size Enterprises, as an integral aspect of all capabilities of the Australian Defence Force."
Earlier today, Mrs Bishop launched Price Waterhouse's new Top 100 Australian Defence Projects Internet Service. This was the Minister's second internet launch in a week.
Mrs Bishop, who has her own home page on the web, pointed out that "During its term in office, Labor buried its head in the sand when it came to Information Technology. By contrast, we now have one of the most rapid take ups of internet in the world, and, to quote the Prime Minister, this Government recognises that part of our future depends on exploiting Australia's comparative advantage in the information sector."
Contact : Russ Street 0419 696 033
Internet Addresses:
Minister Bishop http://www.defence.gov.au/mdisp
Defence Organisation http://www.defence.gov.au/dodhmpgn.html
Price Waterhouse Top 100 Australian Defence Projects Service http://defence.pw.com.au
| Minister Bishop | http://www.defence.gov.au/mdisp |
| Defence Organisation | http://www.defence.gov.au/dodhmpgn.html |
| Price Waterhouse Top 100 Australian Defence Projects Service | http://defence.pw.com.au |