Doing Business with Defence

Project Officer with Regional Development Australia - Northern Inland (NSW), Shaun O’Sullivan

Regional Development Australia - Northern Inland (RDA-NI) is hosting a regional forum in Tamworth to help connect key Department of Defence representatives with the region’s business sector.

Chair of the Regional Development Australia - Northern Inland Committee, Kevin Abey, has urged local businesses to make the most of the chance to learn more about doing business with Defence, from the opportunities that exist to the contractual issues and obligations.

The forum will take place on Thursday 1st October, in “Dawson Room 1” in the Best Western Sanctuary Inn, Marius Street, Tamworth. Business representatives are asked to arrive at 4:45pm, with the Briefing by the Defence Materiel Organisation’s Business Access Office about how to do business with Defence running until 6:30pm. The forum is completely free, however registration is requested.

The Defence representatives heading to the regional forum have described it as “a preliminary briefing, aimed at business operators who want to find out about the business opportunities available from the Defence sector. Learn where Defence and the DMO sit within the Federal Government, the basics of Government Procurement, the best ways to engage with Defence and how to prepare your company to take advantage of potential business opportunities. We are interested in talking to businesses from all industries.”

Representatives from the Defence Materiel Organisation will also be available for private appointments the following day to discuss, in more detail any opportunities identified for individual businesses.

The Regional Development Australia - Northern Inland Committee considers increasing Defence business in the region to be a priority. Organiser of the forum is RDA-NI’s Project Officer, Shaun O’Sullivan. “Increasing defence business across regional areas, particularly northern inland NSW could have considerable economic impact and stimulate regional development,” he said.

Interim RDA-NI Committee Executive Officer, Don Tydd explained that opportunities, like the region‘s business, can range in size and nature. “We are not necessarily talking about the provision of complete units and national defence contracts. Smaller businesses can compete for sub-contracts in many areas, on local, regional and national fronts. On a national level we could, for example, be talking about the provision or manufacturing of individual components.”

“A few local companies have already advanced their business operations with Defence contracts. Capital Body Works in Tamworth is making components for troop carriers; UNE Partnerships is providing tailored training; and Moonbi based Andromeda Industries is manufacturing precision components,” he continued. “We’d particularly like to see businesses associated with training, information technology, electronics, fabrication and other specialist services come along to this forum and hear the Defence Briefing first-hand.”

Business representatives wishing to register for the briefing or a private appointment on 2nd October, should email dmobao.nswact@defence.gov.au or phone Melanee Lacey on (02) 9393 2357 by 30th September, 2009.