30 May 2025
A rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at bases across Australia is helping Defence move towards its targets for Indigenous procurement and reducing emissions.
The charging stations are part of a program delivering EV charging infrastructure across the Defence estate.
This will enable Defence to transition its white fleet of vehicles (non-warfighting vehicles) to EVs, where appropriate, as part of the Defence Net Zero Strategy.
Bennelong Energy Services, a majority Indigenous-owned enterprise, undertook the recent installations of the charging stations at Joint Logistics Unit – East, in Moorebank, NSW.
Bennelong managing director Gaven Sheehan said leveraging the Indigenous apprentices in his company’s program benefitted Defence and Bennelong.
“Bennelong Energy Services helping support Defence to eliminate carbon pollution is a positive step,” Mr Sheehan said.
“Using our Indigenous apprentices is also a step in the right direction for both Defence and Bennelong to support their education and growth within the Indigenous apprenticeship program we manage internally.”
Director of the Directorate of the Clean Energy Transition Stephen Priest said leveraging Bennelong’s experience had delivered a positive outcome for Defence.
“These two EV chargers at the Joint Logistics Unit – East, Moorebank, are a great milestone," Mr Priest said.
"Defence is transitioning to low-emissions vehicles where we can, as required under the Commonwealth Fleet Vehicle Selection Policy. Having the infrastructure in place on Defence bases to support this transition is vital.
“We’re rolling out over 70 charge points across 12 Defence bases over the coming year in support of this. And supporting Indigenous employment opportunities while we do so is a shared opportunity.”
