Media Release

New Voice for Industry in Defence Policy

A new dialogue between the private sector and the Australian Defence Organisation has opened with the formation of the Industry Policy Consultative Forum (IPCF).

The forum involves the private sector in the development and implementation of Defence policies for industry and is a key outcome of the Government's 1998 Defence and Industry Strategic Policy Statement.

The new consultative body will be chaired jointly by Mr Peter Rowland, from British Aerospace Australia, and Mr Alan Tebb, the Director General of Industry Policy and Programs in the Defence Acquisition Organisation. Membership includes representatives of all three tiers of business dealing with Defence – prime contractors, major sub-contractors and small to medium enterprises.

"The IPCF is one of the most representative fora possible because it involves people from the wide range of industries that deal with Defence, most States and Territories, and other Government agencies," Mr Tebb said.

"It is not an exclusive club – unlike other fora there will be regular changeover in membership, and many people in industry will have the opportunity to contribute to Defence industry policy," he added.

Mr Rowland said: "Speaking for industry, I welcome the formation of the IPCF. I believe we can provide quality input into further developing Defence policy for industry. I also see it as a further commitment by Defence to the 'Team Australia' concept."

Defence now has a range of fora for dialogue with industry. These include the Defence Exporters Council (DEC), Contracting Consultative Forum (CCF), Commercial Support Program Consultative Forum (CSPCF), and the newly created Capability Development Advisory Forum (CDAF). A peak body, the Defence and Industry Advisory Council (DIAC), will be formed in the near future to complete this network of fora.

The IPCF aims to:

• Guide the development and implementation of key Defence industry programs;

• Communicate with key parties on industry policy issues;

• Collect, analyse and provide information to stakeholders on defence industry activity in Australia; and

• Work with the DIAC as required.

The IPCF welcomes contributions from the wider Defence and industry community and encourages people to contact members directly. Email addresses can be found on the IPCF website temporarily located on the Industry and Procurement Infrastructure website at http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/.

A preliminary meeting was held in Canberra on February 19. The first formal meeting of the IPCF is scheduled for April.

Further information:

Ainslie Barron: ainslie.barron@dao.defence.gov.au or (02) 6266 2019

Industry membership of the IPCF comprises:

Peter Rowland – British Aerospace Australia;
Nigel Hennessy – Adacel Technologies;
John McMahon - ADI Ltd;
Bob Weight – Defence Liaison Services representing CelsiusTech Australia;
James Kilazoglou – CSC Defence;
Robin Pink – Darwin Ship Repair and Engineering;
Chris Edwards – Moonraker Australia;
Ross Stuart – Nautronix;
Geoff Barnsley – P&O Services; Brian Weston – Australian Business; and
Tom Watts – Spantech representing Australian Industry Defence Network.

Forum membership also includes the following Defence Department, Ministerial and wider Government representatives:

Alan Tebb – Industry and Procurement Infrastructure Division of the Defence Acquisition Organisation;
John Fitzgerald – also of IPI Division of DAO;
Brigadier Doug Tyers – National Support Division of Australian Defence Headquarters;
Karen Nagle – Defence Science and Technology Organisation;
Air Commodore Jon Pike – Support Command Australia;
Patricia Kelly – Department of Industry, Science and Resources;
Linda Richardson – Australian Government Solicitor's Office; and
Aldo Borgu – Advisor to the Minister for Defence.

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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