AllFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2 APRIL 2025
Canberra:
AIDN welcomes the Coalition’s commitment today to establish an investment watchdog to fast-track major projects if it wins the election.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor today released an Investment Australia policy which would create a new statutory office within the Treasury Department to streamline investment across government and be able to hold agencies to account for bureaucratic delays on major projects.
Mr Taylor said Investment Australia would be established within 100 days of a Coalition government taking office and involve a chair and deputy chair with strong private and public administration experience. The legislated body would be able to escalate issues to Cabinet.
Investment Australia would bring in non-sensitive functions of the FIRB, Takeovers Panel and Major Project Facilitation Agency into one structure within Treasury,
Related taskforces would also be established to slash red tape and regulation across three sectors, namely construction, financial services and resources and energy.
But Mr Taylor said these changes would have a knock-on effect on areas as diverse as AI, defence and space.
AIDN CEO Mike Johnson welcomed the announcement on Wednesday saying the establishment of Investment Australia would serve to reduce barriers and create more opportunities for industry.
“Many SME’s are diverse businesses, which operate in both the Defence sector and in related complementary sectors.
“Any change which helps fast track major projects will assist SME’s at a time when the cost of doing business is high,’’ Mr Johnson added.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT
John Kerin, Manager Government Relations, Australian Industry & Defence Network.
M: 0400 906 545
ABOUT AIDN
Established in 1995, the Australian Industry & Defence Network Limited (AIDN) is the peak industry association representing small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Department of Defence (DoD).
AIDN proudly represents nearly 1,000 Australian SMEs, collectively employing approximately 61,000 Australians nationwide. In the 2021-22 financial year, these dedicated businesses contributed $10.6 billion to the national economy through sovereign supply chains, advanced manufacturing, research and innovation, skills development, and regional and veteran employment.
In an environment of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, AIDN’s agile membership is well-positioned to support the Australian Government’s urgent capability needs. However, clear guidance on specific priorities is essential to unlock the full potential of Australia’s Defence industry.
Through advocacy, representation, and tailored member services, AIDN champions the interests of Australian SMEs within the Defence and national security sectors. AIDN remains committed to partnering with the Australian Government to build a resilient and self-reliant Defence industrial base, driven by the evolving operational needs of the ADF.
The Australian Industry & Defence Network Incorporated (AIDN) is the peak industry association for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) who support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Department of Defence (DoD).
