Defence Role in COVID-19 Economic Recovery

The defence industry is playing a key role in supporting Australia’s economic recovery during COVID-19.

During the peak of the crisis, the DTC was called upon weekly to report to Defence and Government on the impacts isolation was having on industry.

The DTC now meets with Defence and the Minister each month to report how the defence industry sector is recovering.

“This highlights the invaluable role the DTC plays as an industry advocate for Australia’s defence industry with dedicated staff,” said DTC CEO, Audra McCarthy.

“During this time, Defence and Government suddenly realised the true definition of sovereign industrial capability.

“Even industry are now beginning to consider their industrial capability as less about the products they make, but more about the capability they have and the many and varied ways this could be deployed if required.

“DTC member Axiom transitioned into making PPE at the height of the crisis. This is an excellent demonstration of the agility of SMEs and their adaptability; two very important traits when considering sovereign industrial capability.”

The sentiment of defence assisting in economic recovery was also the focus of a statement from BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Charles Woodburn.

“… if we continue working closely with our partners to use the lessons we’ve learned in 2020, particularly regarding our agility, resilience and efficiency, this industry can play an increasingly important role in restoring our battered economies, while keeping citizens safe and economies prosperous,” he said.

“Collaborative partnership with our customers has been essential to the defence industry’s ability to press ahead over the past year. It remains essential as we move forward into 2021 and face an uncertain global environment with complex threats.

“It’s only by industry and government working closely, understanding each other and maintaining trust that we’ll be able to innovate quickly to outpace the threats. As governments commit to increased spending on defence in countries such as Australia, the UK and a number of European nations, the defence industry must rise to the challenge.

“Our sector not only provides critical capability for a nation’s security, we deliver real benefits to the economy by sustaining and creating highly skilled jobs, through investment in research and technology and through exports. I strongly believe we can have a key role to play in restoring the economies of the countries in which we operate.

“For our part in 2021, we’ll continue to invest in skills and in new technologies that are vital to maintaining our strong positions on next-generation capabilities across the air, maritime, land and cyber domains.”