Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement Greg Combet met with the executives of the Northern Territory Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) in Darwin Aug. 24 to discuss the potential for increasing local companies’ involvement in defense contracts.
“Defence is a major contributor to the Northern Territory’s economy, and local defence companies represented by AIDN play a large role in supporting the defence presence in the north,” Combet said.
Future opportunities include projects approved in the last budget such as:
(U.S.)$62.5 million for redevelopment of Robertson Barracks to provide facilities to support the Abrams tanks and the Army;
$55.6 million for facilities to support the Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft at RAAF Base Tindal;
$50.9 million for redevelopment of other facilities at RAAF Base Tindal, which will be a mixture of new facilities and refurbishment, upgrade and extensions to existing facilities; and
$43.2 million for redevelopment work at RAAF Base Darwin, including a new Logistics Headquarters, office accommodation, fuel farm, mechanical equipment workshop and vehicle wash bay.
“The basing of Patrol Boats, the arrival of the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in Darwin and ongoing maintenance of existing defense equipment and facilities also offer opportunities to local companies,” Combet said.
Combet commended AIDN Northern Territory for taking initiatives to improve the skills and qualifications of employees and managers of its member firms.