New group put in capable hands
Andrew Stackpool profiles LTGEN David Hurley, the chief of the new Capability Development Group (CDG).

LTGEN David Hurley, centre, in a meeting with other members of the ADF Capability Development Group: LCDR Brian Lawlor, CAPT Adam Rankin, Cinthia Perez and SQNLDR Antony Martin.

ADF men and women at the front line will be provided with the appropriate capabilities to do the job that Government requires of them.

That is the succinct message from Lieutenant General David Hurley, chief of the new Capability Development Group (CDG).

“Future capabilities will come with all the
necessary ‘bits and pieces’ included and be adequately resourced, sustainable and maintainable,” he said.

Formidable task
LTGEN Hurley, the former Land Commander, has a formidable task in front of him. The creation of the CDG is one of the reforms in the Kinnaird Report into Defence procurement procedures.

The reforms are a major package of measures intended to make the Defence procurement process more streamlined, business-like and accountable.

The CDG was formed to better ensure that the ADF’s capabilities match the Government’s strategic objectives. It stood up on February 16.

The CDG will be responsible for taking capability proposals from initial identification of future capability requirements to final government approval for acquisition.

Improving the process
“Kinnaird directed us to improve the analysis that links strategic guidance to the capabilities we deliver and to improve the process by which projects are brought to the Government for approval,” LTGEN Hurley said.

“This is best done by grouping a number of the areas that dealt with capability development together under one head, giving him or her accountability and responsibility for the whole capability development process"

Six-month time frame
LTGEN Hurley said that the group had been given six months to be up and running.

“What the Government wants from us is better quality decision-making information to support capital investment decisions,” he said.

Much to do
“There is a lot of work to do and much of this will be shaped by the changes that occur in DMO. Our linkage with DMO is critical so we have to work together making sure we are in step together as the process changes.”

LTGEN Hurley will be Chief of CDG for three years. The Secretary and CDF selected him, but the position can be filled by either a civilian or uniformed officer.

CDG in profile

• Capability Systems Division (Air Vice-Marshal Kerry Clarke). Comprises maritime, land, air and information branches that deal with specific capability development.
• Capability Investment and Resources Division (Dr Ralph Neumann). Conducts independent analysis of the capability systems division’s work; the department’s independent check on the work that’s being done.
• Capability and Plans Branch (Brigadier John Cantwell). Reports on current capability, looks at the implications for the future capability of Defence and writes the capability strategy.
• Director Trials Transferred from DSTO. Incorporates test and evaluation roles. These will now be firmly integrated into the whole process.

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