Defence launches small business advocacy team

Defence has launched a Small Business Advocacy Team dedicated to helping Australian defence SMEs win a greater share of critical Defence projects.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the establishment of the new team within the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) reinforces the Government’s commitment to building up sovereign capability among Australia’s SMEs.

“Defence is currently responsible for more than 170 projects at an approved value of more than $120 billion,” Minister Price said. “The Advocacy Team has been established to support SMEs to take advantage of these opportunities and grow in the defence industry sector.

“The team will elevate understanding and awareness of commonly reported issues and challenges facing SMEs, and will remove barriers to increase their participation in Defence supply chains.”

The Small Business Advocacy Team will develop specific policies and programs to provide more opportunities for SMEs and support improved communication and delivery of critical services from Defence to businesses of all sizes.

“The team will work with those areas of Defence that impact SMEs through the procurement of goods or services, the provision of services or the development of policy,” Minister Price said.

Small to medium enterprises can contact the Small Business Advocacy Team directly to raise specific issues of concern: Smallbusiness.advocacy@defence.gov.au

For more information visit www.defence.gov.au/sbat