The Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) has welcomed the principle espoused in the government’s Defence Strategic Review for a more self-reliant and a sovereign industrial base.

However the organisation representing the $10.6 billion sector said there was a need for a comprehensive policy and procurement framework to be put in place to achieve this intent.

AIDN said: “The DSR does not affirm this position.

“The references to defence Industry appear cursory at best. Of concern is the statement that Australian industry content and domestic production should be balanced against timely capability acquisition.”

AIDN said the federal government needed to clearly articulate what ‘timely’ acquisition is, and articulate what the industrial plan for Australian industry is to be.

“AIDN can accept that the requirement for a capability may mean that Defence proceeds offshore to
purchase that capability.

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