The Defence and Industry Study Course (DISC) for 2025 has concluded with dedicated graduates completing their final assessments.

Throughout the year, participants have examined current Australian Defence Force capabilities across the air, cyber, land, maritime and space domains, gaining insights into how industry supports innovation and capability delivery and sustainment in support of achieving Defence priorities and objectives.

DISC Director, David Welch, said it was a high-tempo program that challenged and equipped participants with skills they could apply immediately in their roles.

“The aim of the program is to enhance mutual understanding and create better business networks between Defence and industry,” Mr Welch said.  

“We continue to be impressed by the thought-provoking discussion and the important learning outcomes that are achieved by students as a result of their active participation.”

A major component of DISC was the syndicate work undertaken by participants on assigned topics, culminating with a showcase of syndicate presentations where they shared their findings ahead of finalising syndicate papers.

Topics included test and evaluation as a Sovereign Defence Industrial Priority, exploring challenges faced by industry in Australia, and identifying ways Defence could assist in transitioning innovations from concept to production.

Another syndicate examined the implementation of the Defence Digital Engineering Strategy 2024 and Modelling and Simulation Policy 2025, focusing on the need for accurate and trusted digital models and the policy signals required for industry adoption.

Further discussions addressed mobilisation and rapid force expansion, highlighting risks in moving from peacetime to heightened readiness, and recommended changes to streamline acquisition processes.

'The Defence and Industry Study Course provides a platform for Defence and industry to work together on complex issues.'

Syndicates also considered implications for industry operating under threat in contested environments, and strategies to mitigate associated risks.

With the National Defence Strategy and the Defence Industry Development Strategy both highlighting that a strong, sovereign Australian Defence industry is central to National Defence, the final DISC syndicate presentation concluded with sighting two critical themes: 

• The importance of clear demand signals to enable industry investment and surge capacity.
• The need for utilisation of novel approaches and engagement methods to mitigate workforce challenges in a competitive labour market to achieve priorities.

It was acknowledged that addressing these challenges would require close collaboration with Defence and industry on these initiatives to achieve mission success.

Assistant Secretary, Office of Defence Industry Support, Hayley Trevitt, emphasised the value of DISC in shaping practical solutions.

“The Defence and Industry Study Course provides a platform for Defence and industry to work together on complex issues,” Ms Trevitt said.

“These connections are essential to ensuring we can deliver capability at pace and maintain a strong, sovereign Defence industrial base and support the Australian Defence Force.

“I’d like to sincerely congratulate this year’s cohort as they should be proud of their achievements and their role in supporting and shaping the future of Defence innovation and capability through close and collaborative partnerships between Defence and industry.”

In addition to the successes achieved through the delivery of their education continuum this year, the DISC team has also continued their long-standing volunteer commitment to Legacy Australia, raising more than $53,000 through their fundraising efforts to support veterans’ families.  

For further information on DISC courses in 2026, please register your interest by contacting the team via casg.disc@defence.gov.au