Article courtesy of Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS).

Defence is experiencing high demand for DISP accreditation. The program has over 1,400 members with that number expected to reach 2,000 before the end of 2025.

This demand growth, coupled with a change in our delivery model, has created a backlog in applications that has required Defence to focus on priority memberships. Defence is moving aggressively to tackle this backlog.

Prioritisation of membership applications and upgrades is based on several factors, including whether an entity holds or is tendering / negotiating for a Defence contract or panel, or is involved in supply chain or other government priority initiatives. For urgent requests, Defence has established a priority queue for applications endorsed by a senior Defence official (minimum Band 1 / 1 Star level).

If you believe your application is urgent we recommend that you contact your Defence Contract Manager or Prime Contractor to seek endorsement.

Priority applications are taking around 90 days to process once an officer is assigned. Entities can help streamline the process by having their security documents ready for assessment and by responding promptly to requests for information.

As additional processing resources come online, Defence will focus its capacity on processing applications for those entities with current Defence contracts (or sub-contracts), then to those applicants involved in tender processes.

Defence is also looking to increased processing automation through the DISP Membership System, and simplified policy settings to streamline the application process.

For more information please contact [email protected] or visit defence.gov.au/DISP