Ombudsman appointment to support small business in Defence industry capability

The Minister for Defence Industry, Senator Linda Reynolds has appointed Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell as co-chair of the Advisory Board for the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC).

“My role on the Advisory Board of the CDIC will help to make sure small to medium enterprises (SMEs) working with Defence get to participate in strategic partnerships that will allow them to innovate and grow their businesses,” Ms Carnell said.

“There are many millions of dollars’ worth of Defence procurement contracts in Australia that SMEs should be able to capitalise on.

“It is important the needs and ambitions of SMEs are considered in the development of policy and projects and in procurement.

“SMEs tell us every day they don’t want handouts, they want work; so it is important that tendering processes do not have requirements that make it difficult for SMEs to compete.

“We also need all Defence contracts, from prime contractor to subcontractors, to contain the same payment terms and conditions.

“I look forward to working with CDIC to help build a strong, sustainable, globally competitive Australian defence industry built on the innovation of our SMEs.

“I am pleased to accept this appointment and look forward to co-chairing the Advisory Board with Mr Tony Fraser, Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Department of Defence.”