WA DEFENCE REVIEW Annual Publication 2018

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS PAUL PAPALIA: WA LAUNCHES INAUGURAL DEFENCE STRATEGIC PLAN VICE ADMIRAL MICHAEL NOONAN: FUTURE OF NAVY'S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

AIR MARSHAL LEO DAVIES: AIR FORCE LOOKS TO THE INDO-PACIFIC DUNCAN McINTYRE: ON THE FUTURE OF DEFENCE INDUSTRY INNOVATION

EXPERT COMMENTARY KIM BEAZLEY: WA’S DEFENCE IN THE INDO-PACIFIC ERA ANNUAL PUBLICATION – FIRST EDITION, OCTOBER 2018

DR ALEX ZELINKSY: DEFENCE SCIENCE IN THE WEST

PETER LEAHY: ON THE INDO-PACIFIC ARMY

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EDITORIAL

STATE OF WA’S DEFENCE SECTOR WRITTEN BY Serge DeSilvaRanasinghe, Managing Editor,

WA DEFENCE REVIEW

Welcome to the much-awaited launch edition of WA DEFENCE REVIEW’s Annual Publication. This publication completes the comprehensive suite of capabilities that we provide for WA’s defence sector.

The symbolic importance of the launch of the Annual Publication coincides with a historic moment for WA, with the McGowan Government also launching the State’s first defence strategic plan this month, and the inaugural launch of WA Indo Pacific Defence Conference. The plan, which was assisted by former Special Operations Commander, Australia, Major General Jeff Sengelman DSC AM CSC (Rtd), demonstrates a strong commitment to reform that promises a new era for the development of the defence sector in the West.

Arguably, it has been a long and arduous road fraught with challenges to get to this point. Upon reflection, there was a time when the WA defence sector, except for a few interested politicians, was not even on the radar and successive defence industry advocates laboured to even get so much as an audience with a Minister. Interest in anything defence was lacklustre to the point that, by late 2013, there was even talk of folding the WA chapter of the AIDN. Looking back, it is hard to believe that such was the state of affairs in the West. Clearly since then, WA has come a long way in the development of its defence sector. The last few years have seen an onrush in support.

There have been two principal reasons for this state. The first is the unanticipated and sharp downturn in the fortunes of the resources sector, which had underpinned WA’s economic success story. The second coincided with the recent revival in fortunes of the defence sector with Commonwealth Government funding commitments over the next decade and beyond worth around $195bn.

This is the largest Defence spend and recapitalisation program since

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World War II. The combination of these compelled a rethink by the powers that be, who found Defence an attractive growth area.

As the last state/territory in the Commonwealth to devise a defence strategy, the much-awaited launch of the McGowan Government’s defence strategic plan is welcome. Defence industry in the West has seen considerable activity over the last few years with a number of advocates who have lobbied for its interests.

Chief among them is Minister for Defence Issues, the Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, who after a long and distinguished ADF career, has remained a longstanding defence advocate and is respected by the local defence sector. Early in his political career, Minister Papalia had a role in the creation of the now defunct Defence Industry Skills Unit formerly located at South Metro TAFE. His background has set him up in good stead to lead WA’s first dedicated defence ministerial portfolio. The McGowan Government’s creation of the Office of Defence West and appointment of a Defence Advocate in Canberra have built a stronger base to work from.

Since it was established in May 2017, Defence West has played an active role in promoting the local defence sector. Examples include staging exhibits at the Pacific 2017 International Maritime Exposition and Conference in Sydney, and at Land Forces 2018 in Adelaide. In both instances WA SMEs were hosted at the Defence West stand. The launch of the WA Defence Industry Capability Directory in June 2018 was another milestone in promoting local defence industry. Following this, in July 2018, Defence West established two industry working groups chaired

WA HAS COME A LONG WAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS DEFENCE SECTOR. THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE SEEN AN ONRUSH IN SUPPORT. by the WA Defence Advocate.

Finally, Defence West has worked in partnership with the Perth USAsia Centre to deliver the inaugural WA Indo-Pacific Defence Conference.

The launch of the McGowan Government’s new strategic plan means we can expect to see a revitalised and strengthened Defence West being more effective in its deliberations.

Since the election defeat of former Premier Colin Barnett, the state opposition has appointed the first WA Shadow Minister for Defence Issues, the Hon Sean L’Estrange MLA, who has since handed over the role to the Hon Bill Marmion MLA. At the Federal level the Liberal Party has two WA advocates for defence issues.

Senator Dean Smith has championed the enhancement of the Army in WA and has advocated publicly and in consultations with Defence in Canberra. However, it is Senator Linda Reynolds CSC who remains the Liberal Party’s most recognised defence advocate in WA. Among her accomplishments in defence, Senator Reynold’s advocacy with the Federal Government has seen her emerge as a strong and reliable ally on matters related to defence in the West. In particular, a key lasting legacy of her advocacy prior to recently taking up a new role as Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, has been the initiation

EDITORIAL

of a Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into security and strategic importance of Australia’s position on the Indo-Pacific rim.

The Inquiry will examine: (a) the security of significant economic and resource infrastructure located in the region; (b) greater utilisation of existing ADF and civilian infrastructure and possible new infrastructure requirements, particularly north of the 26th parallel; and (c) research capacity to support Defence activity and defence-related industries.

It is also important to acknowledge the advocacy of Regional Development Australia – Perth (RDA-Perth), who have exerted a key role in WA and the Eastern States. Spearheaded by its energetic CEO, Colleen Yates, who commissioned the study, Security and Defence in Western Australia: An Economic Perspective, which provided the first comprehensive public domain scoping study on WA’s defence sector at the end of 2017. The report provided context and strategic direction to prevailing and future opportunities for WA, including at the strategic, military and political level.

A launch function for the report was also held in Canberra involving Federal politicians and government officials.

Acknowledging the report’s impact, Colleen Yates stated, “The RDA report was key to triggering a Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Defence in WA.” Subsequently, in 2018 RDA-Perth also released another report on developing the industrial potential around lithium in WA, which has major defence implications. RDA-Perth is also involved in setting up a drone hub for Perth and is working to establish an export hub in Kwinana around defence industries and energy metal.

The two key representative defence industry bodies in WA continue to grow in profile and activities that have enhanced their value to the State’s defence sector.

Despite brooding tensions nationally which led to a split in the defence peak body representing SMEs: the Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN), and the subsequent foundation of rival Australia Defence Alliance. It is to the credit of the WA chapter of AIDN representing some 90-member organisations and the Henderson Alliance with 70-member organisations (and many of whom are members of both bodies) that strong relations still exist and in fact, have been markedly strengthened in spite of precarious national developments.

To reinforce this point, both representative industry bodies have publicly pledged to collaborate amicably.

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EDITORIAL

An AIDN-WA spokesperson confirmed: “A key target for AIDNWA in the coming year is to continue to develop our unification proposal,” adding that, “This aims to bring the many committed and passionate voices for Defence in WA under the banner of one unified and harmonious group and focused around WA’s defence strategy.”

Similarly, a Henderson Alliance spokesperson also affirmed: “We have worked closely with AIDN-WA to help to develop a new whole-ofindustry structure in WA and will continue to collaborate to refine this further.” He went on to emphasise, “We have seen the fragmentation of industry representation in the Eastern States and will do everything possible to prevent anything like this from ever occurring in WA.” Finally, WA DEFENCE REVIEW has also played a key role to advancing the WA defence sector’s interests and ambitions. Since WA DEFENCE REVIEW was launched in April 2017, we have made history as WA’s first-ever dedicated defence communications and events platform. We have established a high-profile and industry leading events program.

Thus far, we have forged the way forward through our eminent speaker program on themes of interest such as future of special operations, defence and Indigenous engagement, defence and resources cooperation, defence industry innovation and start-ups.

In February 2018 we launched the Strategy, Defence & Industry Dialogue, which is a high-profile, apolitical, non-aligned Chatham House roundtable policy discussion forum to promote outcomes for WA’s defence sector. We have held three such Dialogues this year involving nearly 140 participants and chaired by RADM Raydon Gates AO CSM (Rtd), WA Defence Advocate; Paula Rogers, WA State Director for CEDA (whose organisation has hosted two major defence sector events), and former Defence and Foreign Affairs Minister, the Hon Stephen Smith respectively.

The Dialogues covered a wide array

WA DEFENCE REVIEW HAS ALSO PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN ADVANCING WA’S DEFENCE SECTOR’S INTERESTS AND AMBITIONS.

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of issues germane to WA’s defence sector and have enhanced industry cooperation and served to broaden the defence conversation by bringing into the fold new actors and voices.

This Annual Publication will come out at the end of each year and is designed to act as an annual review providing analysis, commentary and feature interviews. As such, we have secured exclusive commentary and interviews with leading industry decision-makers from across Australia. This launch edition is indicative of the quality you can reliably expect in future with the intention being to bring WA into the national defence debate at the highest levels, acting as the preeminent vehicle for defence dialogue in the West. Furthermore, WA DEFENCE REVIEW has the capacity to publish special editions throughout the year should there be sufficient industry interest and support.

In addition to the Annual Publication, the WA DEFENCE REVIEW Blog and Video Channel will provide, throughout the year, credible platforms and coverage for all matters concerning defence in the West. As mentioned, with the launch of our inaugural Annual Publication we are only just getting started.

To keep abreast of news and developments associated with WA DEFENCE REVIEW, we encourage you to also follow us on our LinkedIn company page, the LinkedIn group ‘WA Defence Sector Forum’, our Twitter account, and to register for our monthly newsletter via our website.

Once again, we hope you enjoy this launch edition and would like to thank our many supporters and sponsors for contributing to making the inaugural Annual Publication a success.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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As the Founder and Managing Editor of WA DEFENCE REVIEW I would like to thank the many people and organisations who over the years have generously provided their advice and support. They include: Ross Louthean, Penelope Williamson, Hon Paul Papalia, Senator Linda Reynolds, Hon Kim Beazley, Hon David Johnston, Hon Stephen Smith, Senator Dean Smith, Josh Wilson MP, LTGEN Peter Leahy (Rtd), Colleen Yates, Greg Salotti, Stephen Peaple, Vaughan Davies, Martin Cebis, Eman Seif, Tim Dempsey, Angelino Schintu, Mitchell Sutton, Stephen Bunce, Simon Louie, Trevor Thomas, Peter Lockwood, Colin Cairnes, Gavin Nicholls, John-Frank James, Dr Mike Evans, Mike Page, Stephanie Koorey, Terry Booth, Craig Howlett, Dr Andrew Dowse, Jahnu Russell, Lawrence Christoffelsz, John O’Hare, James McMahon, Mick McCarthy, Stephen Cain, Jonathan Smith, Pru Ayling, MAJGEN Jeff Sengelman (Rtd), Mike Deeks CSC, Rear Admiral Raydon Gates (Rtd), CDRE Brett Dowsing, Paula Rogers, Peta Magorian, John McIntosh, Professor Bob Pokrant, Professor Ben Reilly, Defence West, AIDN-WA, Henderson Alliance, RDA-Perth, AmCham and the Perth USAsia Centre.

Supporting a strong and enduring Defence presence in WA Growing the State’s Defence industry capability and contribution Developing strategic infrastructure Building research and innovation partnerships Advancing education, training and skilling Valuing our Veterans and Defence personnel

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Learn more at

defencewest.wa.gov.au

TEAM FEATURE

TERRY BOOTH Special Correspondent

SERGE DESILVA-RANASINGHE Managing Editor

© AMC Management Pty Ltd 2010.

Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe is the author of over 500 articles on topics spanning strategic policy, geo-politics, political risk, maritime security, military affairs, transnational security, military sociology and defence industry.

He has interviewed numerous senior political, government, military and industry figures, with his work featured in publications such as The Diplomat, Harvard International Review, Forbes Asia, Jane’s Defence Weekly, Jane’s Intelligence Review, Military Technology, NAVAL FORCES, The Australian, Australian Financial Review, and many more. He has appeared on radio and television, chaired dozens of events and been invited to deliver presentations for organisations such as the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), Australasian Council of Security Professionals, Australian Defence College, Special Operations Command, Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation and numerous others. Serge is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management WA, Associate of Security Professionals Australasia, and holds an honorary fellowship with the National Security Institute, the University of Canberra, and is the former President of AIDN-WA.

Cover: Collins Class Submarine undocks on the AMC Common User Facility floating dock.

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Terry Booth served in the WA public service advising on industry development, contracting with Defence and defence suppliers to supply training, and managing the former Defence Industry Skills Unit. He completed the Defence and Industry Study Course (DISC), and until recently was a member of AIDN-WA’s executive board for over 20 years.

He is currently a life member of AIDN-WA, a member of the Defence Reserves Support Council.

ANGELINO SCHINTU Senior Media Advisor, Asia Pacific Correspondent

ELEANOR CHAPPELL

VALERIE GOODREID

Events Support Coordinator

Defence Writer

Eleanor Chappell discovered her passion for event management during her 10 year career as a Police Officer in England and WA. She took on the role as Events Coordinator for the South Metropolitan District in WA Police, performing a supervisory role coordinating high-risk events and operations.

Since leaving the police force she has forged a successful career as an events management consultant active throughout the Perth business community.

WA DEFENCE REVIEW Editor and Publisher: Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe PO Box 6701, East Perth, WA 6892 For advertising enquiries: admin@wadefencereview.com.au

Valerie Goodreid has always had a passion for the written word.

Her work has appeared in a wide array of journals, publications, and magazines, and more recently for defence publications.

As an active member of a Perth-based writers circle for over a decade, she has produced a number of anthologies, and is Editor-In-Chief of a local magazine.

Angelino Schintu is a veteran radio and television journalist, broadcaster and media creator. He has covered a variety of assignments in Australia, the UK, Europe and Japan, reporting on political and economic news, natural disasters, and security events.

Angelino holds a Master of Communications degree and is based in Japan where he is the director of a full-service media production company.

TIM DEMPSEY Manager – Digital Communications Tim Dempsey advises on cyber security, online communications, IT and software engineering.

He has an avid interest in defence and has worked with AIDN-WA providing website management and support services and has undertaken defence writing work for various defence publications, including coverage of international military exercises.

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Comments & Suggestions: Please write in to WA DEFENCE REVIEW or email: admin@wadefencereview.com.au. We may not always be able to enter into correspondence. Any opinion expressed is the honest belief of the author based on all available facts, but is not necessarily the view of WA DEFENCE REVIEW or its employees. Comments and facts should not be relied upon by the reader in taking commercial, legal, financial, or other decisions. Articles are by their nature general, and readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information published within which may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The publisher regrets that it cannot accept liability for any error or omissions printed, however caused. All rights reserved. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the express permission of the publisher in writing.

Copyright © 2018 Agency Fish Pty Ltd/WA DEFENCE REVIEW 2018. E&EO.

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS

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DEVELOPING AN INDO-PACIFIC ARMY

Professor Peter Leahy AC, LTGEN (Rtd) In autumn of 2018, the then Chief of Army wrote an article titled: Preparing for the Indo-Pacific Century: Challenges for the Australian Army, about an increasingly challenging world, increased engagement in the region, adaption and technology and innovatively building a powerful land force.

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INSIDE CANBERRA: DEFENCE ADVOCATE FOR WA

Raydon W. Gates AO CSM, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Appointed as the inaugural Defence Advocate for WA by the WA Government, in recognition of its commitment to diversifying the state economy through a robust local industry capable of supporting the ADF.

DEFENCE IS DEVELOPING A PROGRAM THAT WILL INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE ROLE OF THE OFFICE AND THE SUPPORT WE PROVIDE.

36

FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN

DEFENCE EXPORTS

Hon David A. Johnston Since 2016, the Federal Government has been working to reset Australia’s defence industry policy to ensure a stronger, more resilient and internationally competitive defence industry.

IT IS PERTH (...), THAT IS OUR NATIONAL GATEWAY TO THE REGION AT LARGE. IN MANY WAYS, PERTH IS THE MINING OPERATIONS CAPITAL OF AFRICA. With a Federal election looming in the foreseeable future the interview gave an insight into the Shadow Minister’s background and suitability for his current role, the ALP approach towards matters of defence, and the importance of the Indian Ocean region to Australia’s future interests.

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34

DEFENCE SCIENCE IN THE WEST

Dr Alex Zelinksy AO Defence Science and Technology looks West.

THIS EDITION IN FULL

2 STATE OF WA’S DEFENCE SECTOR

by Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe 6 WA DEFENCE REVIEW TEAM 10 WA’S DEFENCE, A FORWARD PROJECTION

by Kim Beazley 12 DEVELOPING AN INDO-PACIFIC ARMY

by Professor Peter Leahy 14 THE INDO-PACIFIC: GEOGRAPHY IS OPPORTUNITY

by Gordon Flake 16 FUTURE OF THE ARMY IN THE NORTH: A CASE FOR THE RFSUs by Guy Duczynski 18 INSIDE CANBERRA: DEFENCE ADVOCACY ENHANCES WA’S INTERESTS

by Raydon W. Gates 24 INTERVIEW: PAUL PAPALIA HISTORY IN THE MAKING: WA LAUNCHES INAUGURAL DEFENCE STRATEGIC PLAN

by Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe 28 INTERVIEW: DUNCAN McINTYRE – THE CDIC

by Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe 34 DEFENCE SCIENCE IN THE WEST

by Dr Alex Zelinksy 36 FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE EXPORTS

by David A. Johnston INTERVIEW: VICE ADMIRAL MICHAEL NOONAN 38

by Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe INTERVIEW: AIR MARSHAL LEO DAVIES 52

by Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe IRPOWER IN THE WEST: FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS 56 A

by Dr Andrew Dowse 58 INTERVIEW: STEVEN CIOBO “I WILL WORK TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH INDUSTRY”

by Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe

64

INTERVIEW:

HON RICHARD MARLES MP

64 INTERVIEW: RICHARD MARLES WA: “A CRUCIAL SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY”

by Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe 74 WA DEFENCE REVIEW EVENTS

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COMMENTARY

WA’S DEFENCE, A FORWARD PROJECTION WRITTEN BY Hon Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia

WA’s strategic circumstances and strategic relevance is changing dramatically. Indeed, what is changing it is the speed with which military capabilities in our zones of military and strategic significance are recalibrating.

DEFENDING OUR APPROACHES

Overlaying this is shifts in the directions of major powers in these zones. Recently our 2016 Defence White Paper assigned co-equal status in force structure planning with the defence of our approaches to military contributions upholding globally and regionally the ‘rules based order’ and confidence building in our region. Increasingly this is looking inadequate – defending our approaches now is much more challenging and attitudes to the international order are much more problematic.

In all nations across the Indo-Pacific region military capabilities are changing, moving away from internal policing to force projection. More dramatically though China has rapidly evolved the maritime capacity of its military in very broadly defined approaches to its so called ‘first and second island chains’. Those geographical definitions engage Australia’s defined area of strategic significance and some close allies like Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea and close strategic friends like Japan and Indonesia. As significant, our ally in the United States under the Trump administration, has adopted a nationalist approach, spurning the liberal international order the US created.

It is axiomatic the more Australian strategy gazes forward the less we focus on our critical approaches.

The less we focus on those approaches the less we focus on the defence needs of WA. As the regional realities change however, then defending WA becomes a critical part of the national agenda.

WA IS A DEFENCE STATE INDUSTRIALLY AND MILITARILY. WHAT IT MUST BECOME IS THE FOCUS OF DEFENCE STRATEGY ITSELF

WA’S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

INTERVIEW

Watch our interviews with The Hon Kim Beazley AC, on our Video Channel

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EDITION 1 • 2018

That is not to say that WA has not been significant with the broader strategic remit. HMAS Stirling is a very busy base with constant surface fleet deployments to the Persian Gulf and surface and sub-surface deployments in the northern region. Campbell Barracks is a hive of activity with global engagements of our special forces, but heavily in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

RAAF Pearce airbase has the busiest schedule of any airport in the country in movements with the ab initio training of our air force, and that of Singapore.

Irrespective of our strategic focus we are witnessing at Henderson a logistics, repair and building hub vital for our services and allies. Austal and Civmec are constructors of our warships but most of the primes

AS THE REGIONAL REALITIES CHANGE HOWEVER, THEN DEFENDING WA BECOMES A CRITICAL PART OF THE NATIONAL AGENDA like BAE, Thales and Raytheon have a presence as well.

The lift capability is substantial. Likewise for our allies and ourselves substantial training opportunities are provided by areas such as the Kimberley’s Delaware Tracking Range, bombing and noise ranges, HMAS Stirling’s underwater tracking range and the Collins’ diesel electric war gaming.

WA is a defence state industrially and militarily.

What it must become is the focus of defence strategy itself. Australia thrives on its WA minerals province which is one of, if not, the most intensive province globally. Significantly our state contains the essential minerals of the fourth industrial revolution even as we are major suppliers of the energy and metals for the contemporary generation. Lithium, cobalt, rare earths (virtually all categories) nickel, ours is an enviable position.

In a world where liberal international order is set aside and force majeure comes to the fore, creating facts by seizing territory will become more popular.

It is evident in the South China Sea it already is.

EFFECTIVE DETERRENCE

Having an effective capacity to defeat lodgements and/or harassment is great deterrence in itself. You buy space for diplomacy. As we rethink in this more hostile and capable world we will be looking to our spending.

The types of strike capability we need is in our inventory.

The question is numbers, systems of systems and physical presence. If we are to deter effectively, forces have to be in the right place or able to move rapidly. Over the next decade the discussion which now revolves around industry will broaden to deployment and control of our forces. It is a debate we are preparing for effectively.

Hon Kim Beazley AC, dedicated almost three decades to a career in Federal Parliament. He was Defence Minister from 1984–1991, Deputy Prime Minister from 1995–1996, and ALP Leader, and Leader of the Opposition from 1996–2001, and 2005–2006. After retiring from politics, he was appointed Ambassador to the US from 2010-2016.

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COMMENTARY

DEVELOPING AN INDO-PACIFIC ARMY Professor Peter Leahy AC, LTGEN (Rtd), Director, National Security Institute, University of Canberra

Although Australia is an Indo-Pacific country, many of us here in the East do not often think of the West.

The waters of the Indian Ocean lap more than half of our coastline. Australia relies on the mineral and resource wealth of Western Australia to underpin much of our economic prosperity and stability. The resource rich North West of Australia is exposed. Without secure sea lines of communications across the Indian Ocean our almost total dependence on maritime trade would be threatened.

Under the Japanese threat of World War II there was a substantial Defence presence in WA. It was there to defend the ‘West’ from direct threat but was also an important staging, support and training base.

These lessons have largely been lost.

As an Indo-Pacific country, we should reconsider the strategic importance of WA to the defence of Australia.

A 2013 US Centre for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments report on the future of the ANZUS alliance and the US pivot proposed that Australia was in a “geographic sweet spot”.

ARE WE SERIOUS ABOUT BEING AN INDO-PACIFIC COUNTRY? IF WE ARE, WE SHOULD CONSIDER WHAT AN INDO-PACIFIC ARMY WOULD LOOK LIKE.

INTERVIEW

Watch our interviews with Professor Peter Leahy AC, LTGEN (Rtd), on our Video Channel

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EDITION 1 • 2018

Similarly, to highlight the importance of the Indian Ocean region the US Pacific Command was, this year, renamed ‘US Indo-Pacific Command’. This raises the question of the appropriate balance of the ADF in the West. The Navy have got it about right, although it is positioned well to the South. However, the RAAF and the Australian Army are in the State in limited numbers.

Indeed, there is very little by way of an Army presence – the Special Air Service Regiment (who are hardly ever there) and elements of an Army Reserve Brigade.

Are we serious about being an Indo-Pacific country?

If we are, we should consider what an Indo-Pacific Army would look like. First, to enable an Indo-Pacific Army the Australian Army should be larger. Second, it should have a greater presence in WA. Third, the force in WA should be a balanced conventional force. Fourth, it should be more evenly distributed across the state. Any increase in the size of the Army in WA should be part of a broader increase in the size of the overall Australian Army.

At around 25,000 in the early years of this century it is now around 30,000. Given the future strategic environment and increasing tasks mentioned by Angus Campbell: an Army of 30,000 is too small.

The experiences of the last 18 years of an Army at war show just how stretched and fragile the current force is. An Army of 35,000 would be more appropriate with any increase focusing on the supporting and enabling elements of the force.

An important guide to the nature of an Indo-Pacific Army can be seen in the growing operational use of the Landing Helicopter Docks. These big ships can operate as a true joint force to provide presence, range and persistence. The ADF is already using their range to move deeper into the Indian Ocean and will no doubt increase our engagement with Indian Ocean littoral nations. These ships are not just ships, they are an important element of a joint force of Navy, Army and Air Force. To operate they will need support and sustainment, which will include embarked troops.

Professor Peter Leahy AC, LTGEN (Rtd), was the Chief of the Australian Army from 2002-2008. After retiring from the Army, he accepted an appointment as the Director of the National Security Institute at the University of Canberra and remains a prominent commentator on Australian defence and national security.

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

WRITTEN BY

In the Autumn 2018 edition of the Australian Army Journal Lieutenant General Angus Campbell, the then Chief of Army wrote an article titled, Preparing for the Indo-Pacific Century: Challenges for the Australian Army. He spoke of an increasingly challenging world, increased engagement in the region, adaption and technology and innovatively building a powerful land force.

COMMENTARY

THE INDO-PACIFIC: GEOGRAPHY IS OPPORTUNITY WRITTEN BY

By Gordon Flake CEO, Perth USAsia Centre University of Western Australia

If contemporaneous rumours are to be believed, just prior to his ill-fated invasion of Russia Napoleon declared “Geography is destiny.” In contrast to the proximity that defined generations of conflict in Europe, Australia’s relative geographic remoteness led to a far different organising principle best defined by the classic 1966 book by Geoffrey Blainey: The Tyranny of Distance: How Distance Shaped Australia’s History.

As recently as the late 1980s Australia was considered, and considered itself, as residing in a region apart.

Asia was so large that regional self-identification, trade, and strategy were primarily influenced by sub-regions such as Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. For its part, Australia was grouped with New Zealand and the Pacific Islands in a mystical regional called “Oceania”, presumably floating somewhere near Atlantis.

By the early 1990s the economic powers in Northeast Asia had recognized the opportunities that lay to their South, and Australia had recognized that its future lie in Asia.

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) was launched in 1989 and held its first leaders meeting in 1993. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) security dialogue was initiated in 1994. In this process, an increasingly integrated broader region became commonly known as the ‘Asia-Pacific’.

At its core, the Asia-Pacific was a codification of already progressing North-South economic integration and an answer to the question of how to integrate Australia and its near neighbours into Asia.

In recent years, however, strategic thinkers in Australia and elsewhere in the region have begun to use the term, the ‘Indo-Pacific’. Just as the Asia-Pacific was at its core about integration, the Indo-Pacific is primarily about integrating India into the Asia-Pacific. This concept has long been advocated by leading academics such as Professor Rory Medcalf at Australian National University.

LSIS James Whittle © Commonwealth of Australia

WA’S PROXIMITY TO THE REGION AS THE FULCRUM OF THE INDO-PACIFIC, NOT ITS DISTANCE, WILL REQUIRE NEW AND FORWARD-LOOKING STRATEGIES FOR BOTH SECURITY AND ECONOMIC INTERACTION.

HMAS Maitland (right) conducts Officer of the Watch manoeuvres with Indonesian navy vessels KRI Kakap and KRI Layang during Exercise Cassowary 2018.

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It also has strong roots in WA. The first time the term was used in a formal Australian Government document was the 2013 Defence White Paper issued when West Australian Stephen Smith was Minister of Defence.

The term has now become the primary descriptor of how Australia perceives its immediate region as is made clear by the Foreign Policy White Paper issued in November of 2017, under the leadership of West Australian and then Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. In the early 1980s current West Australian Governor, and then Defence Minister, Kim Beazley greatly strengthened the positioning of Australian Defence capabilities on the West Coast, thus ensuring that Australia had a true two ocean or Indo-Pacific capability.

That such perspectives should find support among strategic thinkers in WA should not be surprising.

As Australia’s Indian Ocean capital, Perth has long looked north and west. Economically as well WA has led the way in its integration into the region.

Approximately 78% of WA’s trade is with the countries of the Indo-Pacific. More importantly, WA’s proximity to the region as the fulcrum of the Indo-Pacific, not its distance, will require new and forward-looking strategies for both security and economic interaction.

Beyond Australia, the past year has been a pivotal period for the understanding, acceptance, and use of the term Indo-Pacific. In November of 2017 the United States framed its strategy for the region as the pursuit of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ matching terminology already used by Japan. Accordingly, in May of 2018 the United States changed the name of the Pacific Command in Hawaii to the ‘Indo-Pacific Command’. In May of 2018 India and Indonesia concluded a bilateral agreement framed by the Indo-Pacific and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who used the term ‘Indo- Pacific’ 11 times in his keynote speech at the 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. We are already in the ‘Indo-Pacific Era’.

India is already a participant in the East Asia Summit (EAS) and already a party to the Regional Cooperative Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade Negotiations.

The only question is whether Australia will capitalize on these developments. There could not be a better time to launch the WA DEFENCE REVIEW Annual Publication or for the WA State Government to host a WA Indo-Pacific Defence Conference. Geography is Opportunity.

SOUTH WEST METROPOLITAN PERTH ECONOMIC GATEWAY TO THE WEST

DEFENCE INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND STRATEGIC ASSETS The South West metropolitan region covers almost 620 square kilometres housing a population that is expected to reach almost 550,000 by 2026.

The regional economy is worth over $26 billion and includes over 32,000 registered businesses with almost 215,000 workers.

The region contains significant economic assets such as: major industrial areas associated with the Western Trade Coast; high performing Ports; the largest defence facility in Australia (HMAS Stirling); a general aviation airport and commercial precinct; major public and private hospitals; universities and activity centres; as well as thriving retail, commercial and industrial centres.

The region also includes the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) – a world-class centre for excellence for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, maintenance and technology servicing the defence, marine, oil and gas, and resource industry.

South West metropolitan Perth is one of the most capable regions in Australia to support the ongoing development of the defence industry through fabrication, maintenance, refitting and operations support, particularly for maritime services.

The Department of Defence already has a major presence in the region with the HMAS Stirling naval base on Garden Island. HMAS Stirling is the largest base in the Royal Australian Navy and is home to more than 2,300 service personnel, 600 defence civilians and 500 long-term contractors.

The defence industry is worth over a billion dollars to the South West metropolitan region and supports almost 5,000 jobs. Defence contracts in the Australian Marine Complex alone were significant, with the region attracting the majority of the $700 million being spent on Navy sustainment projects.

Continued investment by the Federal Government on the upgrading of HMAS Stirling at Garden Island and the securing of work associated with major procurement programs (submarines, frigates, offshore patrol vessels etc.), together with ongoing sustainment work, ensures the region and precincts such as AMC play key roles in supporting growth of the regional defence industry and its workforce.

Access to the Indian Ocean is expected to be vital to Australia’s security and prosperity in the coming decades. Due to its wealth of strategic assets, strong population and skilled workforce, the South West metropolitan region is ideally positioned to support the development of this vital industry.

REGIONAL COLLABORATION – ABOUT THE SOUTH WEST GROUP The South West Group, formed in 1983, is a Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (VROC) comprising the following member Councils: Cockburn; East Fremantle; Fremantle; Kwinana; Melville; and Rockingham. The South West Group acts as a regional advocate for increased investment, sustainable development, employment creation, and the prosperity of the region.

We are here to help connect and support prospective investors in the region.

For more information visit www.southwestgroup.com.au or e-mail the South West Group Director Tom Griffiths at director@southwestgroup.com.au.

FEATURE COMMENTARY

A Pilbara Regiment patrol conduct reconnaissance on West Lewis Island in the Dampier Archipelago.

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There used to be a larger Army presence in Western Australia. It was never on the scale of Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney, Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane or Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. For a long-time it was known as the Fifth Military District, or 5MD for those who remember, and was a State-based entity with little regard for combat power or operational relevance. A series of capability, structure, function and basing decisions have seen the numbers steadily decline over several decades with a gradual and corresponding increase resulting in the three combat brigade structure that enables the ‘readying’, ‘ready’ and ‘reset’ model in use today.

Throughout this, the Army laydown has been one of evolution from a managed and administered collection of random elements to one of a combat force with assigned logistics under command. A single master plan did not exist, nor was one executed. Formations, brigades, groups and units within the ADF are distributed, and sometimes relocated, throughout Australia based on a variety of often competing considerations.

Although strategic thinking and common sense would suggest that national security considerations are the primary frame of reference for decision-making, this is rarely the case. Often proximity to established population centres with full infrastructure in terms of housing, schools, employment opportunities, energy, communication, health services, transportation and other life support essentials take precedence; combined sometimes with a tolerable level of political negotiation and trade–offs to accommodate a marginal seat.

Secondary to many of these considerations is available field training areas for those requiring manoeuvre, live firing and other exercise environments. Noticeably absent from these decision–making factors is any threat–based consideration. The strategic warning timeframes for defence of Australia and other existential threats are

Images © WA DEFENCE REVIEW 2017

FUTURE OF THE ARMY IN THE NORTH: A CASE FOR THE RFSUs

COMMENTARY

WRITTEN BY Guy Duczynski, Strategic Defence Advisor, Edith Cowan University

Pilbara Regiment patrolman being extracted from West Lewis Island.

Images © WA DEFENCE REVIEW 2017

ONE SUCH THREAT SOURCE THAT PROVIDES A STRONG CASE FOR A MORE ROBUST ARMY PRESENCE IN WA IS THE MOVEMENT, OFTEN IN 500KG CONSIGNMENTS, OF METHAMPHETAMINE THROUGH INTERNATIONAL WATERS TO THE IMMEDIATE NORTH WEST OF AUSTRALIA. sufficiently long to provide for full mobilisation and deployment to the area of need or vulnerability. ADF assets are, therefore, unlikely to be located as an overt strategic deterrence.

Notwithstanding the remote possibility of a state–on–state conflict the world has become a far more uncertain and volatile place where national security concerns can originate from the most unlikely sources. The downing of MH17 in Ukraine and the subsequent deployment of Australian Federal Police and other specialists to secure what was a crime scene tested the diplomacy and responsiveness of several nations in ways that were not anticipated nor rehearsed.

One such threat source that provides a strong case for a more robust Army presence in WA is the movement, often in 500kg consignments, of methamphetamine through international waters to the immediate North West of Australia, its landing on remote beaches between Broome and Geraldton, collection by distribution networks and arrival in the drug markets of each capital city. The sophistication

of these activities has exceeded the capacity and capability of law enforcement professionals.

Deeper Army involvement to counter this drug trafficking was codified in Chief of Army’s Directive 01/2017 that stated the revised role of the Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) was to provide direct support to Border Force in a permissive environment and as clandestine surveillance. The three RFSU: Pilbara Regiment in Karratha; NORFORCE in Darwin and 51st Far North Queensland Regiment in Cairns are all reserve units with minimal regular Army manning.

All operational elements deployed into the field must be drawn from the reservists.

As reserve units the three RFSU will never be able to reliably and repeatedly deploy at short notice sufficiently skilled numbers to satisfy Border Force requirements. The simple task of manning an Operation Resolute rotation is a major undertaking requiring augmentation from all three units. If the Chief of Army Directive is to deliver an operational outcome for Border Force, then it is reasonable to

consider the reassignment of these units as regular forces. 51st Far North Queensland Regiment could have an habitual relationship with Border Force for Operation Resolute in the Gulf region, Pilbara Regiment could continue to operate on the WA coastline south of Broome in a detection and reporting role and NORFORCE could assume responsibility for the coastline in between.

The indigenous aspirations of the units could be further strengthened as soldiers and officers recruited locally could serve extended periods and advance through the ranks without a requirement to post every two or three years. Under current arrangements the regular Army staff in each of the units is rotated in and out of units based in the Eastern States and have only a brief experience of direct support to Border Force in a permissive environment; clearly a different set of operational considerations.

Guy Duczynski served nearly 41 years with the Special Air Service Regiment and Special Operations Command. He was a patrol commander in a free fall troop, deployed with TAG West, and served as a liaison officer to US SOCOMD in Afghanistan. He retired from full-time service in 2018 and is now the Strategic Defence Advisor at Edith Cowan University.

WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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COMMENTARY

INSIDE CANBERRA: DEFENCE ADVOCACY ENHANCES WA’S INTERESTS WRITTEN BY Raydon W. Gates AO CSM, Rear Admiral (Rtd), Defence Advocate, Western Australia

I have been the inaugural Defence Advocate for WA for just over 12 months, being appointed by the WA Government in recognition of its commitment to diversifying the state economy through a robust local industry capability to support the ADF.

DEFENCE ADVOCACY

While reporting directly to the Minister for Defence Issues, Hon. Paul Papalia CSC, I am a member of the Office of Defence West team within the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. My role is to represent the interests of WA by leading advocacy on behalf of local industry to attract Defence opportunities to deliver projects in support of the ADF. Much like defence advocates for the all the states and territories, I am also based in Canberra with my role being part-time and my time split between duties in both Canberra and Perth.

In Canberra my time is spent engaging as appropriate with Federal Government ministers and politicians, senior ADF personnel, the Department of Defence – especially Chief Defence Scientist and Deputy Secretary Capability and Sustainment Group, industry associations, Defence primes and the other state and territory defence advocates.

It has been a busy and exciting time for Defence and defence industry over the past 12 months with the announcements of significant acquisition programs. Noting that the Pacific Patrol Boat program had already been announced with construction well under way at Henderson, since my appointment the Federal Government has also announced the Offshore Patrol Vessel program with 10 OPVS to be built in WA; the Future Frigate program which will see WA industry participation in the build, maintenance and sustainment into the future; and the Army’s Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, which again will see WA industry engagement. It is an exciting time to be involved in WA’s defence industry.

Furthermore, I am the Chair of two working groups established by Defence West, namely the WA Defence Industry Working Group and the WA Defence Research, Skills and Training Working Group. As their titles suggest, the two working groups comprise key stakeholders from the State Government and local defence and education and training sectors respectively providing a quarterly forum for stakeholder communication. Both working groups’ objectives are to identify and prioritise issues for defence industry in WA, and for the state’s defence research and development capabilities, and skills and workforce development for defence industry.

WA’S RISING PROFILE

In order to promote WA’s defence industry and education and research capability, over this past year Defence West has for the first time represented WA at major trade shows such as the Pacific 2017 International Maritime Exposition and Land Forces 2018. Presented in collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army, these industry trade shows and international expositions showcase equipment, technology and services for the navies and armies of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Both these events afforded opportunities for Western Australian SMEs to be part of the Defence West stand and as such promote their products and capabilities.

Finally, I represent WA at Commonwealth Forums such as Commonwealth, States & Territories Consultative Group on Naval Shipbuilding, Commonwealth Industry Forum and the Defence Export Forum. These meetings are conducted around Australia to share information and updates on Federal Government programs, infrastructure and policy.

In all, as I reflect on the first 12 months of my appointment it has been a busy period of building a presence and capability in WA, and in promoting at every opportunity TANGIBLE PROGRESS the State’s proven capability to the Federal Government Conversely, in WA I remain involved with my Defence West and our sister states and territories. The next 12 months colleagues in successfully building a defence focus within the will be equally as busy, especially with the launch of the State Government. This resulted in the creation of the WA new WA Government Defence Strategy, which is the State’s Defence Industry Capability Directory, effectively a detailed first overarching plan where defence industry will occupy index of companies and educational institutions involved a prominent position in WA’s future economic calculus. with Defence and defence industry. To further benefit from this directory I encourage all WA companies with a Raydon W. Gates AO CSM, Rear Admiral (Rtd), was appointed defence interest to contact Defence West to be considered as the Defence Advocate for WA in August 2017. He completed for inclusion in future editions. It is the document Minister a distinguished 37 year career and retired from the Navy in 2008.

Papalia takes with him, both interstate and overseas, when He is the former CEO of the Kokoda Foundation and Chief promoting WA’s defence industry capabilities.

Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand.

THE NEXT 12 MONTHS WILL BE EQUALLY AS BUSY, ESPECIALLY WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW WA GOVERNMENT DEFENCE STRATEGY.

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A7623 CORE Half Page Ad-Defence Review-2.indd 1

8/10/2018 2:39 PM

ADVERTORIAL

WINNING WA’S CYBER ARMS RACE Tony Campbell, Strategic Security Advisor, Kinetic IT

Furthermore, with the internet affording the safeguards of distance and anonymity, attribution is virtually impossible. For these reasons and more, cyber security has become a critical business risk that requires redress. As traditional rules for engagement are becoming increasingly obsolete, the question organisations are faced with today is ‘How can they strengthen their cyber security posture while defending against this immediate and seemingly insurmountable threat?’

The advanced and persistent threat against defence industry organisations has risen the world over. Nation states and cyber criminals are highly sophisticated adversaries, infiltrating targets and attacking organisations from the inside. Few will launch a full-scale cyber assault until they are confident of success.

In most cases, attackers will target systems for months or even years, collecting intelligence, profiling staff and probing for vulnerabilities. If an attack takes six months or two years to achieve its objectives, these actors will wait it out. Furthermore, sound defences are not just about cyber countermeasures, since attackers

20 EDITION 1 • 2018

will combine physical and digital tactics along with social engineering activities to gain access to your most sensitive data.

A worrisome trend identified from recent data breaches is the evidential maturity of adversaries in selecting their target and planning their attack. They already know which organisations hold the most valuable data and often have a buyer already lined up. Instead of bombarding organisations with hundreds of badly worded phishing emails, criminals are now crafting well-written spear phishing emails, tailored to the target profile. For example, they research their target’s staff using social media, extracting specific context for phishing emails based on their last few Facebook posts or LinkedIn profile changes.

This places them inside their target’s danger radar, leaving them prone to clicking on malicious links or opening malicious email attachments.

It is therefore crucial that organisations reassess existing digital countermeasures against the contemporary threat environment and adopt a proactive and wellrounded approach to cyber defence.

This is where Kinetic IT can assist.

Kinetic IT is one of Australia’s leading privately-owned technology service providers. Headquartered in Perth, Kinetic IT employs over 1,100 staff throughout Australia, with capabilities ranging across ICT service management, information management, cloud services, and a portfolio of professional security services, operations and consulting.

For two decades, Kinetic IT has protected some of WA’s largest government and private sector organisations. Over the past five years, our company’s security services have centralised in a

KINETIC IT’S THREAT INTELLIGENCE SERVICE PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ENABLING CUSTOMERS TO PROACTIVELY COMBAT CYBER-ATTACKS custom-built security operations centre (SOC) located in Perth’s CBD, which has the sole responsibility of monitoring and responding to cyber threats. Across the business, Kinetic IT’s cyber security team comprises dozens of highly skilled and certified security professionals including experienced incident responders, malware analysts, penetration testers and information assurance experts.

Kinetic IT’s Threat Intelligence service plays a crucial role in enabling customers to proactively combat cyber-attacks. Combining advanced tools, global intelligence and local insight, Kinetic IT provides its customers with a heightened visibility of real-time threats specific to their organisation, as well as contextual and actionable threat response information.

With an extensive portfolio of customers spanning local and federal Australian government, education, law enforcement, national critical infrastructure and private industries, each of Kinetic IT’s customers benefit from threat indicators found within the entire client-base, while tailored, localised security assurance services reveal organisational vulnerabilities and weaknesses in defences that might otherwise go unnoticed. sales@kineticit.com.au www.security.kineticit.com.au

Images © Kinetic IT 2018

WRITTEN BY

Cyber criminals are relentless in their development of sophisticated cyber weaponry and tactics. Black hats use the same virtual ordnance and battle plans employed by states, while the same states are commissioning cybercriminals to assist in digital espionage.

ADVERTORIAL

COMPANY PROFILE

ASC WEST Opened in 2008, ASC West conducted its first submarine maintenance docking in 2010 and has since conducted 27 dockings for planned and unscheduled maintenance. Over the past decade, ASC West has grown significantly in size and increased the complexity of its work. From an original workforce of 170 personnel in 2008, ASC West now employs more than 400 staff and engages with over 100 local supplier organisations providing specialised skills and products to support the Submarine Enterprise.

ASC is the only company to build and maintain submarines in Australia – formed in the 1980s to construct the Collins Class fleet – based on a design by Sweden’s Kockums – today Collins is among the world’s most capable large, conventionally powered submarines. ASC is the platform system sustainer of the Collins submarines, a role that retains much of the build and design knowledge developed during the submarines’ construction, completed in 2003.

ASC’s roles include responsibility as the design authority, which means it manages and approves platform modifications from an engineering perspective, in conjunction with the Navy, to ensure the submarines

remain ‘regionally superior’. ASC is also the supply chain manager for the Collins Class program, managing 92% of the platform inventory from a broad base of suppliers and technical partners in Australia and overseas. ASC also provides training services to the Navy’s Submarine Training and Systems Centre at Fleet Base West, providing expert staff and management to help train Australia’s newest submariners.

ASC is a member of the Australian Submarine Enterprise, which has successfully delivered international benchmark submarine availability in recent years, following reforms in the wake of the Coles Review in 2012. The Collins Class submarine program was removed from Defence’s ‘Projects of Concern’ list in November last year and is now considered an exemplar program. To meet the challenges of the Coles Review, ASC recently invested approximately $13m to improve its facility in WA and provide increased efficiency and better working conditions for its staff and contractors.

ASC’s upgraded facility was jointly opened by then-Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne and Finance Minister, Mathias Cormann in July last year (see picture).

The team at ASC West are committed to supporting operational submarines through quality and innovative submarine maintenance.

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ASC CEO and Managing Director Stuart Whiley and Commodore Training CDRE Justin Jones sign the extension to ASC’s contract to provide submarine training services to the Royal Australian Navy.

ASC IS THE ONLY COMPANY TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN SUBMARINES IN AUSTRALIA ASC Chief Executive Officer Stuart Whiley – a 28 year veteran of the Collins build era who is now guiding the company into the next phase of Australian submarine history – believes ASC’s team approach, via the Submarine Enterprise, is the best way forward for Australia. “Submarine support capability is a highly specialised, highly sought-after set of skills, experience and competencies. It is important that ASC continue to deliver benchmark performance on the Collins Class program while also contributing to the Future Submarine program in a viable way,” said Mr Whiley.

He added: “ASC has a lot to offer and is more than capable of making a significant impact today and in the years ahead, while safeguarding the Collins Class submarine program. ASC West’s more than 400 personnel and the work they do for the Navy and the nation is critical in ASC continuing to support Australia’s strategic submarine capability.”. www.asc.com.au

Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann and Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP at the opening of ASC West’s new maintenance support tower and sky bridge which reduces the time workers spend accessing submarines in maintenance, leading to improved productivity and efficiency.

Images © ASC 2018

Australia’s sovereign submarine company, ASC (with its WA operation known as ASC West) supports and maintains the Navy’s operational Collins Class submarines in WA at its purpose-built facilities in Henderson. As a member of the Submarine Enterprise, with the Capability Sustainment and Acquisition Group, the Royal Australian Navy and Raytheon, ASC is focused on delivery and performance.

IT TAKES A DEPTH OF SKILLS TO GET SUBMARINES READY FOR ACTION. At ASC West, we have a deep understanding of submarine maintenance and since 2008 our workforce has grown to over 400 staff. We’re invested in Western Australia and have been a trusted partner of the Defence and Navy, ensuring our operational submarines are serviced and fit for whatever mission lies ahead. We’ve also been an integral part of submarine training in WA since 1992. In short, we know subs from top to bottom. To see what we do in more depth visit our website.

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE

INTERVIEW

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: WA LAUNCHES INAUGURAL DEFENCE STRATEGIC PLAN The WA Government is moving to diversify the State’s economy and strengthen its future prospects. Speaking exclusively to WA DEFENCE REVIEW, in October 2018, the WA Minister for Defence Issues, Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, explains how the launch of his Government’s new WA Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan will augur a new era of development and growth for the State’s expanding defence sector.

What do you believe your Government has achieved for WA’s defence sector since coming into office and why is the launch of the new Strategic Plan an important precedent?

The McGowan Government has always acknowledged the WA defence industry as crucial asset to not only support the ADF but also assist in diversifying the State’s economy and creating jobs.

Since coming into office, we have created a Defence Issues Portfolio and established the Office of Defence West, which have been crucial to building a good working relationship with the Federal Government and growing advocacy for WA defence industries.

The WA Defence and Defence industries Strategic Plan is the next step in demonstrating WA’s commitment and capability as a major supporter of the nation’s defence requirements and of our local defence industry. This plan will be pivotal in setting the pathway for future advocacy for the defence industry and ensuring the Federal Government, the ADF, other jurisdictions and potential customers know what our priorities are and where our State’s competitive advantages lie. This plan also reinforces the special privilege all West Australians share in hosting and supporting the incredible women and men of our Defence Force and their families. They protect us all and sacrifice much.

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They deserve from our nation, the very best capability and support we can afford. It’s a challenge this State can achieve.

In acknowledgement of this, there is a strong desire that our State Strategic Plan not just focus on the core business of defence industry, jobs and winning contracts. It is also vitally important to promote cross sector collaboration to increase innovation and provide nation leading support for Defence personnel posted to WA and their families. For those highly professional and experienced Defence members who choose to separate from Defence, where possible we want to encourage them to stay in WA and explore employment pathways into our economy, especially into defence industry.

Fundamentally the WA Defence Strategic Plan will ensure that we as a State focus on meeting the needs of ADF and providing the best possible equipment and services for those people who go in harm’s way on our behalf. Through that, dividends will continue to flow for the WA economy and community.

In short, we want WA to become the pre-eminent state for both defence industry and support of all our Defence Forces operating here.

Although WA has always proudly supported the ADF and the nation’s defence requirements, it has lagged behind in identifying and proactively pursuing a coordinated whole of Government approach to defence issues. Up until now, it has been the only state or territory in Australia not to have a defence strategy or plan. Realising both the importance and potential of the WA defence industry the McGowan Government committed to making the defence sector a priority and the Strategic Plan is an essential step in this process.

Major General Jeff Sengelman DSC AM CSC (Rtd), who played a crucial role in the development of the Plan, has undertaken a very wide consultation process to ensure every part of the defence sector in WA has had some input into the Strategy.

His consultations have extended to the Federal level and include the Commonwealth Government, Defence and defence industries. It is our blueprint for how we support the ADF and the defence industry in WA.

Tell us about the hallmarks of the Strategic Plan and how specifically you and the Premier intend to lead this and see implementation through?

The Strategic Plan builds on the already established depth of As the launch of the Strategic Plan is knowledge and skill sets developed clearly a significant achievement, can in servicing the off-shore oil and gas and mining sectors. It brings together you tell us about the consultation our universities and our researchers process that was followed?

INTERVIEW FEATURE

and puts them in collaboration with our SMEs and Defence Primes and ensures we exploit our strengths and invest to realise our competitive potential.

The Plan is built around a vision and consists of six linked strategies.

In broad summary, the vision sees that by 2030, WA will have developed into an internationally recognised manufacturing hub that is the pre-eminent base of operations for all ADF and Alliance activities in the Indian Ocean. It will be the home of a robust defence industry with a broader and deeper defence industrial base that is respected, innovative and competitive both nationally and internationally.

This will be meshed across sectors and supported by a whole of government strategic approach to all defence industry, science and innovation investment. The detailed strategies, which all have priority action areas, cover: (a) Supporting a strong enduring Defence presence, (b) growing the State’s defence industry capability and contribution, (c) Enhancing key infrastructure, (d) Improving Defence research and innovation, (e) Enhancing education, training and workforce skilling and finally, (f) Supporting veterans and their families.

What commitment has the Commonwealth Government given to supporting the Strategic Plan and how is this support likely to materialise in the near and long term?

To ensure we can successfully implement the Strategic Plan and our defence issues goals – collaboration with the Federal Government and ADF is vital. We are working closely with Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and we are comfortable with the support provided from the Commonwealth Government. In fact, we expect he will be announcing some significant commitments to Western Australia in the near term.

Over the last year there has been a lot of talk on collaboration between the defence and resources sectors in WA, both of which are experiencing a revival in their fortunes.

The Hon Mark McGowan MLA and the Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA announcing the launch of Defence West at the AMC.

THE PLAN IS BUILT AROUND A VISION AND CONSISTS OF SIX LINKED STRATEGIES. IN BROAD SUMMARY, THE VISION SEES THAT BY 2030, WA WILL HAVE DEVELOPED INTO AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED MANUFACTURING HUB THAT IS THE PRE-EMINENT BASE OF OPERATIONS FOR ALL ADF AND ALLIANCE ACTIVITIES IN THE INDIAN OCEAN.

INTERVIEW BY Serge DeSilvaRanasinghe, Managing Editor,

WA DEFENCE REVIEW

What potential do you see for cooperation between the two sectors?

A significant strength of WA lies in the skill sets, capacity and collaboration that has been developed in response to meeting the needs of the off-shore oil and gas and mining sectors and we intend exploiting that in the interest of Defence.

Government investments that benefit our ADF, flowing for the WA defence sector. I also expect that we would have placed our state on the defence industry map right across the nation and wider region.

Setting the initial conditions for success of this strategic plan are critical. It is also acknowledged that realising the vision of this plan and delivering on the key strategies cannot occur without the right leadership and matched resources.

Where do you intend to see WA’s defence sector by this time next year In recognition of the critical nature of setting and achieving these initial and what are your short and longconditions, a range of actions judged term goals in this regard?

By the end of 2019, we anticipate that to be crucial for success will be progressing in the first year. the key conditions necessary to see One initiative involves the the Strategic Plan successfully establishment of a Defence Science unfold, will have been established.

That will include significant business Centre (DSC) for WA. The DSC is a collaboration between State development initiatives and Federal WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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WA GOVERNMENT WILL DEVELOP A HENDERSON DEVELOPMENT MASTERPLAN BY DECEMBER 2019 TO INFORM THE PRIORITISED DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES AT HENDERSON AND THE AUSTRALIAN MARITIME COMPLEX (AMC).

The Hon Paul Papalia MLA with United States Navy officer Captain James Jenks, Royal Australian Navy Director General of Navy information Warfare, Captain Stephen Dryden and the Hon Mark McGowan MLA

government, the Defence Science and Technology (DST) and WA universities. It will harness the capabilities of universities to deliver integrated solutions for the defence sector and facilitate the growth of defence science research networks between academia, DST and industry. It is aimed to be a primary source of facilitating research and development connections to a globally engaged, competitive and innovative WA based defence and national security sector.

Supporting the requirements of our Navy is an ongoing major commitment. To ensure WA is able to continue to meet the rapidly growing requirements of our Navy into the future, it is understood that our infrastructure and workforce need to continue to evolve. To ensure this, the WA government will develop a Henderson Development Masterplan by December 2019 to inform the prioritised development of infrastructure and services at Henderson and the Australian Maritime Complex (AMC). The masterplan will be initially informed by existing studies and progressed in consultation with all key stakeholders including Industry and Defence.

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WA must also seek markets beyond Australia. Our capabilities, knowledge and experience are extensive and world class. WA will promote business opportunities and collaboration overseas to support exports. In support of this, I will lead an annual SME-oriented WA defence industry and trade delegation into SE Asia to promote export opportunities and facilitate industry collaborations.

Invite and host annual reciprocal regional delegations to WA to promote local industry and innovation collaboration.

I want WA to become the preeminent State for both defence industry and support of our Defence Force operating here. The result is our first State Strategic Plan for Defence and Defence Industries.

The Premier and all members of the McGowan government fully support it and I am strongly committed to achieving the stated vision. It has been formulated in close consultation with the Federal Government, Defence and a broad sweep of stakeholders in our community including industry, universities and local government.

This is ‘our’ plan and one I hope all West Australians will be proud

INTERVIEW

Watch our threepart interview with Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, WA Minister for Defence Issues, on our Video Channel

of. It supports sovereign Defence requirements; it supports our Defence Force and it supports our industry. It will grow and diversify our economy. It will create jobs and exports. Through our universities it will generate new technologies and innovation as well as harness the knowledge and capability of complementary sectors such as oil, gas and mining.

It will increase our competiveness and take advantage of our many established advantages.

This plan is the mechanism through which this State will champion and grow the interests of the WA defence sector by working with industry and other relevant stakeholders to attract further defence investment in order to create jobs and opportunities for Western Australians. Throughout, this will be an endeavour where our State and its actions complement the national interest, support our Defence Force, invest in our future, harness our significant advantages, and direct the incredible potential of WA towards defence-related growth, productivity and support for our community.

Natasha Tate © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW

THE CDIC:

Australian defence industry is in the midst of a major revival, with the Federal Government injecting substantial resources to augment the ADF’s warfighting capabilities. At the apex of this initiative is the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC), which was founded to strengthen ties between Defence and industry. In an exclusive interview conducted in October 2018, WA DEFENCE REVIEW spoke with Duncan McIntyre, who heads AusIndustry’s Industry Capability and Research section at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. The interview focused on CDIC achievements since the agency’s inception; it’s mandate to enforce Australian industry obligations; defence and resources sector cooperation; future of R&D and industry-university collaboration; the potential for WA’s defence sector, and the future of the CDIC. It has been nearly two years since the launch of the CDIC which was founded to strengthen the relationship between industry and Defence. What has been achieved?

The CDIC, launched in December 2016 with funding of around $23m per year, is the front door to Defence for Australian industry. It plays an important and challenging role in the current Australian defence marketplace in bringing Defence and industry closer together. The CDIC is at the heart of the Government’s new collaborative approach to growing and sustaining Australia’s defence industrial base.

The CDIC is working to maximise the opportunities for Australian industry created by the Government’s $200bn investment to modernise Australia’s defence capability.

This includes supporting SMEs to export as part of their broader growth strategy. To facilitate exports, the CDIC helps Australia’s defence industry to benchmark its competitiveness internationally, and to grow and sustain their business across acquisition lifecycles by accessing international markets.

The CDIC provides specialist skills and innovation advisors to guide and

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mentor businesses in defence specific business improvement, skills development, export and supply chains. The CDIC advisor network has assisted over 750 businesses.

Of the businesses accessing tailored advisory services from the CDIC, 75% have been new to doing business with Defence. The CDIC also administers Capability Improvement Grants of between $5,000 and $250,000, funded at $3m per year, on a co-contribution basis to assist SME s to improve business management, skills development and innovation. As at 30 September 2018, 61 Capability Grants (totalling $2.046m including GST) have been made to Australian SMEs. Typical of the companies that are benefiting from the CDIC’s advisory services and grants is South Australian company, Prism Defence.

Prism Defence contacted the CDIC in 2017 for advice about formulating a skills advisory report. Prism then successfully applied for an $11,000 Capability Grant to enhance the capabilities of their senior engineer and software developers. Their upgraded skill sets have had an immediate positive impact. Prism Defence now employs 27 Australians

INTERVIEW BY Serge DeSilvaRanasinghe, Managing Editor,

WA DEFENCE REVIEW

in North Adelaide for ship-helicopter integration services, including test pilots, flight test engineers, ship’s aviation specialists, software developers and aeronautical engineers.

The CDIC also acts as the gateway to the Defence Innovation Portal which includes the Defence Innovation Hub ($640m over 10 years to 2026) and the Next Generation Technologies Fund ($730m over 10 years to 2026). The CDIC’s advisors and facilitators assist businesses to develop a proposal for Defence, articulating how their inventions can answer a need or solve a problem in defence capability.

The CDIC can also help to put together the other elements needed

THE CDIC PROVIDES SPECIALIST SKILLS AND INNOVATION ADVISORS TO GUIDE AND MENTOR BUSINESSES IN DEFENCE SPECIFIC BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, EXPORT AND SUPPLY CHAINS. THE CDIC ADVISOR NETWORK HAS ASSISTED OVER 750 BUSINESSES.

© CDIC

Working to Maximise the Opportunities for Australian Industry

INTERVIEW

SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE ROLE OF THE CDIC HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO SUPPORT A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES STEMMING FROM RECENTLY LAUNCHED DEFENCE POLICIES, INCLUDING THE 2018 DEFENCE EXPORT STRATEGY AND THE 2018 DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL CAPABILITY PLAN. Prism Defence specialises in ship–air integration and innovative solutions that support the development and management of ship–helicopter operating limits

for a project to win a Defence contract, such as getting team structures right, or forging partnerships between other companies, or with university researchers.

For those businesses that are successful in gaining Defence innovation contracts, CDIC provides specialist defence business and commercialisation advice and can advise on possible diversification opportunities in adjacent industry sectors.

There are presently 63 funded projects in the Hub, which promise some exciting and innovative developments in Australian defence capability. A recent example of innovation by Australian industry is the lightweight armour for soldiers, developed

by Defence Materials Technology in Victoria, which received a $287,000 contract with Defence through the Defence Innovation

Hub announced by Minister Christopher Pyne in May. Since its inception, the role of the CDIC has been expanded to support a range of activities stemming from recently launched Defence policies, including the 2018 Defence Export Strategy and the 2018 Defence Industrial Capability Plan. By the end of 2018 the CDIC will launch two new grant opportunities on behalf of Defence.

Up to $4.1m per year was announced in the Defence Export Strategy for grants to help to build the capability for SMEs to compete internationally, and up to $17m per year was announced in the Defence Industrial Capability Plan for grants to ensure that Australian SMEs have the capacity and resilience to support Defence’s sovereign industrial capability priorities.

How does CDIC monitor and enforce Australian industry obligations of Defence Primes involving billions of dollars of defence spend over the next decade?

The CDIC plays a key role in building the capability of defence industry to meet the needs of the ADF. This includes increasing the competitiveness of SMEs to compete domestically through the Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program and internationally through the Global Supply Chain program (GSC).

The AIC Program requires companies looking to supply and support capability to Defence in projects valued at over $20m to submit an AIC Plan. In the plan, a company must explain how it has engaged with Australian industry to identify companies capable of being part of the supply chain.

An explanation of the decision-making behind choosing proposed sub-contractors is also required. Defence also requires the company to show how it will support the transfer of technology and foster innovation in Australian industry. Defence has a rigorous reporting regime in place for Defence Primes for the life of the contract to demonstrate how they are meeting the obligations agreed.

Together, the AIC and GSC programs are Australia’s alternative to the offset arrangements employed by many countries.

Often GSC outcomes will lead to better AIC outcomes and a more competitive Australian industry base. High technology, niche, and capable Australian companies are being recognised and are winning work around the world, leading to a more competitive and innovative defence industry sector. The CDIC has been managing the GSC program since WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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December 2016 and during this time has overseen the award of contracts valued at $175m to 73 SMEs and universities. The GSC program provides capable Australian companies with international supply chain opportunities through the Defence Primes, won on merit, and thus requiring SMEs to be globally competitive.

The CDIC business advisors and exports team work closely with Defence Primes and their Australian suppliers, ensuring SMEs are afforded every opportunity to compete for work in the domestic and international supply chains of the Defence Primes.

To reduce the travel and investment burden on SMEs, the GSC primes also work closely with the Defence Export Office and Team Defence Australia to organise overseas meetings and site visits.

As an example, BAE’s two-day maritime summit at Australia House in London this month has been organised through the CDIC exports team and involves 77 organisations including BAE’s original equipment manufacturers and major suppliers and many of the Australian companies attending Euronaval in Paris.

It is this partnership between Defence, the CDIC and industry that provides the foundations for a strong defence industry base. It is the role of Defence to enforce the primes obligations under AIC. With the resources sector undergoing a revival how might this state of affairs impact on defence industry interests?

A resources boom would have a substantial impact on work with Australian industry.

Unlike 10 years ago during the resources boom when there was comparatively little Defence work available to stop skilled workers from moving to resources, there is now $200bn worth of work available in Defence. The fly in fly out lifestyle in resources is also not for everyone which makes work in the defence sector more attractive.

There are numerous job opportunities in the Australian defence sector. Defence work is more IT based than mining.

There are also skill sets and capabilities that cross over from resources to defence work.

Success across both sectors presents a range of great opportunities for Australian workers, and it also means they can flexibly transition between both sectors during the peaks and troughs in each industry.

Defence is in the process of developing a Defence Industry Skilling and STEM Strategy to provide a tailored approach to defence industry workforce and skills

30 EDITION 1 • 2018

development. The Department of Jobs and Small Business is also working with Defence to develop a Strategic Workforce Plan for Naval Shipbuilding that will address workforce challenges specifically for Naval Shipbuilding. The Australian Government is laying the foundations for an Australiawide naval shipbuilding enterprise, through a continuous shipbuilding program that provides certainty to local businesses, and supports long-term, secure employment for Australian workers. By the mid to late 2020s, the naval shipbuilding workforce is expected to grow to an estimated 5,200 workers, with more than double this number employed in supply chains and sustainment activities.

In April 2018, the Government announced the establishment of the Naval Shipbuilding College (NSC). The College is managed by the Naval Shipbuilding Institute, a joint venture between Kellogg Brown & Root and Huntington Ingalls Industries. The College will work with key stakeholders to ensure a suitably skilled and qualified Australian workforce is available at the right time to meet industry’s needs in delivering Australia’s continuous sovereign naval shipbuilding program.

Headquartered in Adelaide, the College will operate as a hub-and-spoke model that enables students to undertake courses through NSC-approved registered training organisations or higher education providers across Australia. The College will establish and maintain a workforce register of individuals with skills, knowledge and capabilities relevant to the naval shipbuilding enterprise. Graduates from the College will have the opportunity to work on major naval construction, including the offshore patrol vessels, the future frigates and the future submarines.

Construction of the offshore patrol vessels will commence this year in South Australia.

The College is currently engaging with a range of stakeholders from the shipbuilding, supply chain and sustainment industry, and the education and training sector.

BY THE MID TO LATE 2020S, THE NAVAL SHIPBUILDING WORKFORCE IS EXPECTED TO GROW TO AN ESTIMATED 5,200 WORKERS, WITH MORE THAN DOUBLE THIS NUMBER EMPLOYED IN SUPPLY CHAINS AND SUSTAINMENT ACTIVITIES. Where can improvements be made for Australian industry to take advantage of R&D being undertaken at Australian universities?

From a Defence industry point of view, we are seeing a strong linkage between Australian industry and R&D being undertaken at Australian Universities.

There is a strong relationship between industry and universities. Many of the innovation proposals that we see submitted to the Defence Innovation Hub and the Next Generation Technology Fund through the CDIC Defence Innovation Portal are based on technologies that have had their genesis in collaborative partnerships between universities and industry.

In some cases, industry has approached specific universities which have the expertise they need to solve a problem, to conduct research in a particular field or to assist with a technology concept validation. In other cases, we see universities approaching industry to partner and commercialise technology or the universities creating new commercialisation

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Featuring six original Victoria Crosses on display Largest exhibition in Australia outside the AWM Commemorating the centenary of the last 100 Days leading to the Armistice of The 11th of November 1918, the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia will present a special exhibition of Victoria Crosses.

Each of the six original Victoria Crosses together with the story of their recipient and the action resulting in the award will be featured.

As part of the display, the replica medal groups, photos and citations of all Western Australians awarded the Victoria Cross from Frederick Bell in South Africa 1901 to Ben Roberts-Smith in Afghanistan in 2010 will also be displayed.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am–3:00pm • Last entry 1pm Group tours by appointment • 9430 2535 • infor@armymuseumwa.com.au armymuseumwa armymuseumwa.com.au •

INTERVIEW

Couple that with the engineering skills, capabilities and infrastructure drawn from the resources and oil and gas industry, and WA industry is well placed to work in the highly regulated, high compliance environment that is Defence.

Certainly, there are several challenges faced by Australian SMEs particularly in the defence sector: (a) the relative isolation of Australian businesses from international companies of their own which in turn markets, (b) long acquisition lead times both partner with other Australian companies. domestically and internationally, and (c) In May 2018, Minister Pyne announced the recognised cost of doing business with that 22 Australian universities would share Defence, including Defence Industrial in $5.7m in project funding to develop Security, Quality Accreditations and game-changing defence capabilities.

Export Control compliance to name a few.

The $730m Next Generation Technologies However, these challenges create some Fund aims to engage industry and academia unique opportunities for industry. From to research priority areas identified in the a geographic perspective, Australia, and 2016 Defence Industry Policy Statement. more specifically WA, is uniquely positioned Investment in the priority areas includes to pursue regional support and sustainment trusted autonomous systems, multiopportunities. Once a business is embedded disciplinary material sciences, cyber into the defence sector, the long cycle time security, advanced sensors and directed can lead to long term, stable and repeat energy capabilities, quantum technologies, business for defence industry in WA. enhanced human performance and space The cost of doing business with Defence capabilities. also creates barriers for other domestic Daronmont Technologies is an Adelaide- and international competition. Businesses based firm that designs and integrates that are prepared to invest in the strategic electronics, communications, radar and development of their business will address surveillance technologies. Their projects the challenges many competitors aren’t have included assisting the Air Force to prepared to overcome. refurbish and evolve its deployable air Of course, key to sustaining growth in the defence system and a situational awareness defence sector is continuous improvement system for the Collins submarine. The and innovation. Investment in STEM, R&D Company is conducting research with initiatives and improved business processes Defence Science and Technology into continues to be fundamental to developing surveillance technology. The CDIC has been ongoing opportunities for businesses able to connect Daronmont Technologies aligned with Defence. to other companies doing complementary The CDIC’s advisory services are work and to tap into universities with currently available to help SMEs improve the skill sets needed for their projects. their business capabilities and help them The CDIC has also facilitated Daronmont’s take advantage of development participation in trade missions to the US and to Southeast Asia to assess export opportunities.

The CDIC plays an important role in joining the dots between Defence requirements, our Australian research community and our Innovative Australian Industry. We will continue to look for continuous improvement in the way that these linkages are provided.

What are the key strengths for defence industry in WA and can more be done to harness opportunities in the West?

Defence industry in WA has proven to be enormously successful with the heavy focus on efficient and effective sustainment and maintenance operations of naval platforms.

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Daronmont Technologies

Remote Imaging Solutions undertook an internal inspection using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) inside large fuel tanks of HMAS Sirius, the first time such an operation was conducted in Australia on a Royal Australian Navy vessel.

opportunities within the defence sector.

The CDIC continues to provide a critical gateway for businesses supplying and innovating in the defence sector and are well positioned to facilitate access to the defence sector to Australian industry as a whole.

The CDIC has two specialist business advisors and one facilitator based in WA, who can be reached via the CDIC website.

To date, the CDIC has delivered advisory services to 97 SMEs in WA and Capability Improvement Grants worth $436,896 to 15 WA businesses. An example of a new business already solving problems in defence capability is Perth company Remote Imaging Solutions. Remote Imaging Solutions devised a novel way to undertake an internal inspection, using an autonomous aerial vehicle to inspect the large fuel tanks of HMAS Sirius without either moving the ship or another beside it. This saved the Navy time and money. The CDIC is assisting Remote Imaging Solutions to grow its business and increase its defence work.

Is there strong bi-partisan support for the concept of the CDIC and its future continuity?

Strong defence capability is in the national interest, and strong defence capability is made possible by a strong economy.

The CDIC is working to bridge the needs of industry and of Defence, which is already proving highly effective in boosting Australian industry involvement in defence work and with it, the creation of jobs.

I believe that the CDIC will continue to show that it has a significant role to play in helping Australian industry to better understand the requirements of Defence capability and to become more competitive in the defence global supply chain while supporting Australia’s defence needs.

© CDIC

TO DATE, THE CDIC HAS DELIVERED ADVISORY SERVICES TO 97 SMES IN WA AND CAPABILITY IMPROVEMENT GRANTS WORTH $436,896 TO 15 WA BUSINESSES.

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COMMENTARY

Top: Dr Alex Zelinsky speaks at the Defence Science Showcase on August 13, held at Russell Offices, Canberra, as part of National Science Week (August 11–19, 2018).

Bottom: A team of scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Group are deployed to Middle East region advising the Australian Defence Force on Operation Accordion.

A KEY STRENGTH FOR WA UNIVERSITIES AND INDUSTRIES IS THE EXISTING KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITIES RELATING TO THE INDIAN OCEAN AND WORKING WITH STRUCTURES IN THE MARITIME ENVIRONMENT.

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COMMENTARY

DEFENCE SCIENCE IN THE WEST WRITTEN BY Dr Alex Zelinksy AO, Chief Defence Scientist, Defence Science and Technology

In the last seven years, Defence Science and Technology (DST) has become an outward looking organisation that is more innovative, collaborative and, as a result, more valued by Defence.

WE ARE ALSO LOOKING AT ESTABLISHING A STATE-BASED RESEARCH NETWORK OF UNIVERSITIES IN WA AS WE HAVE DONE IN THE EASTERN STATES AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

We completed our five-year Strategic Plan this year, successfully completing more than 80% of the initiatives and priorities we set out to achieve.

A recent independent study by ACIL Allen Consulting found the economic value delivered by DST, based on 10 projects, was in the order of $20bn.

GAME CHANGING CAPABILITIES

We lead the $730m Next Generation Technologies Fund to develop future capabilities for Defence. We have been working with industry and academia to deliver game changing technologies under seven different programs which have attracted more than 900 proposals in the last 18 months.

DST has maintained a presence of approximately 40 staff at HMAS Stirling for over 20 years. Whilst primarily focused on support to the Collins Class Submarine and more recently the Future Submarine Program, the team in WA has supported a wide range of specialists from other DST sites to undertake experiments, exercises and engagement in WA.

WA FEATURES FIRMLY IN OUR PLANS FOR INCREASED ENGAGEMENT. PLANS FOR WA

DST has been actively seeking to increase our partnerships as a key strategic endeavour to deliver the Defence science and technology required for Australia.

WA features firmly in our plans for increased engagement. Over the past two years my leadership team has met with Curtin University and the University of Western Australia in order to progress this engagement and utilise the world class capabilities that the universities can bring to Defence.

This model of expanding through partnership is being applied across Australia and we see the opportunity to build on the great relationships DST already has with WA. In terms

of the DST presence, we anticipate a modest increase in our WA team and have recently recruited four new staff members to ensure we have sufficient staff to maintain the science and technology capabilities based at HMAS Stirling.

A key strength for WA universities and industries is the existing knowledge and capabilities relating to the Indian Ocean and working with structures in the maritime environment. We have a long history with the Centre for Marine Science at Curtin University and we are also looking to expand our work with the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre at UWA. Psychology and information processing are other areas where we have long standing engagement and collaboration with both UWA and Curtin. Edith Cowan University has niche capabilities in cyber and we are starting to explore collaboration with Murdoch University.

A significant strength of the educational institutions in WA is their willingness to collaborate, and this is highlighted by the establishment of the research network in enhanced decision-making in the underwater space, of which Curtin University is the lead institution.

FUTURE PRIORITIES

Delivering the Next Generation Technologies Fund that was

announced in the 2016 Defence White Paper is a key priority for DST, as is assisting to deliver the Naval Shipbuilding Plan. Both have implications for Western Australia.

The Next Gen Technologies Fund has nine priority areas and cyber is one of them. As I mentioned, we are collaborating on cyber research with Edith Cowan University. We are also looking at establishing a state-based research network of universities in WA as we have done in the eastern states and South Australia. These networks are assisted by their state governments and work collaboratively with DST on Defence projects.

Western Australian industries have a key role to play in the Naval Shipbuilding Plan, particularly with construction of Offshore Patrol Vessels and the sustainment of fleet once it is constructed. There is scope for a significant research program involving WA universities, industries and DST in looking at the science and technology requirements to improve sustainment.

This includes improving methodology and tools to conduct maintenance activities and being smarter about monitoring and predicting when maintenance is required. One example of this is improving biofouling reduction, which has the dual benefit of potentially reducing maintenance due to biofouling, as well as reducing fuel use.

Dr. Alex Zelinsky AO, since 2012 has led the Defence Science and Technology program within Defence as Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist. He has had an illustrious scientific career within computer sciences, systems engineering and robotics.

Dr Zelinksy has played a key role advising state and federal governments, particularly as a member of the Australian Government’s Defence Industry Innovation Board.

WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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COMMENTARY

FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE EXPORTS WRITTEN BY Hon David A. Johnston, Defence Export Advocate, Australian Government

Since 2016, the Federal Government has been working to reset Australia’s defence industry policy to ensure a stronger, more resilient and internationally competitive defence industry. The Minister for Defence Industry made clear early in his role that increasing defence exports was a Government priority. I’d like to talk about how the Government plans to foster and grow defence export support through the implementation of the 2018 Defence Export Strategy.

POLICY AGENDA

We’ve seen the Minister regularly travelling overseas to advocate for Australian industry both at international trade shows and in meetings with his counterparts. This has brought a new level of focus on the Federal Government and Defence support for defence exports. In January this year, the Australian Government released the first-ever Defence Export Strategy, which is symbolic of the significant shift Defence is making in how we engage with, and support, our defence industry.

The Strategy sets an ambitious and long-term plan to achieve export success, including building a stronger, more sustainable and more globally competitive Australian defence industry in support of ADF capability.

The initiatives set out in the Strategy provide a framework for closer and more coordinated collaboration between Australian defence industry and all levels of government. The Australian Defence Export Office provides a focal point for driving greater defence export success, underpinned by an additional $20m annually to do more to help Australian industry to succeed today – and importantly to position for future success.

As we all know, defence exports take time, perseverance and resources. It’s a long-term endeavour and we are here to work with you to chart that success and to bring to bear the levers to support you in identifying opportunities and pursuing them. In April, the Federal Government’s commitment to defence industry continued with the release of the Defence Industrial Capability Plan. This plan outlines the Government’s roadmap to grow our Australian defence industry base over the next decade.

As part of this roadmap, the plan reiterates the importance of exports as a key element of the vision for establishing a sovereign defence industry: one that is able to be more internationally competitive and resilient into the future; and one that is able to support

DEFENCE IS DEVELOPING A STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH PROGRAM THAT WILL INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE ROLE OF THE OFFICE, MY ROLE AS THE DEFENCE EXPORT ADVOCATE, AND THE SUPPORT THAT WE CAN PROVIDE.

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the increasingly sophisticated capability needs of the ADF into the future. And very importantly, for the first time, it acknowledges that developing Australian industry to meet Defence’s capability needs, and achieving export success, are deeply interconnected.

With the Government’s $200bn investment in defence capability over the next decade, we have an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our defence industry as the fundamental base for increased defence exports. We need to plan that development with exports clearly in mind. Acknowledging also that some Australian defence industry exports may not lead to Defence.

We seek a thriving defence industry export base that supports our allies and international partners’ needs as well as our own.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE EXPORT OFFICE

On 23 April 2018, the Minister for Defence Industry officially opened the Australian Defence Export Office.

The Office is the focal point for implementation of the Defence Export Strategy and a key driver of a renewed, coordinated and strategic approach to supporting defence exports. To achieve the goals set out in the Strategy, we need to work hand-in-hand with Australian industry.

To this end, the Government is doing everything it can to put in place the policies to plan, guide and support our defence industry to achieve much greater export success.

Defence is developing a stakeholder outreach program that will increase awareness of the role of the office, my role as the Defence Export Advocate, and the support that we can provide. This outreach program will be conducted in conjunction with a number of key stakeholders in the export support space, including Austrade, state and territory government representatives and industry groups.

We are also reaching into the Australian Government’s international footprint. We are working closely with Australia’s Defence Attachés; building an understanding of your capacity so that there will be a continuity of presence long after your pitch has been made.

We are seeking to do the same with Austrade – with a Memorandum of Understanding recently signed.

This will enable Defence to further leverage Austrade’s extensive overseas network, skills and expertise to identify and realise defence export opportunities in key markets for Australian defence industry.

COMMENTARY

To read more about the Defence Export Strategy, visit the Australian Defence Export Office website: defence.gov.au/ Export/Office/

The Bushmaster armoured four-wheel drive is one of Australia's best known military products, deployed by the ADF in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The vehicles have been purchased by foreign militaries around the world, including Jamaica, Japan, the UK and the Netherlands. The lighter Hawkei vehicle, also manufactured by Thales, was singled out in January as a promising export prospect.

This will include putting defence industry experts in key markets. Defence is also taking a strategic view of trade shows, related trade missions and market intelligence – with the Defence Export Strategy providing more funds to this end. Over the next 12-18 months, you’ll see a significant ramp up of our presence at overseas trade shows and in targeted trade missions.

We welcome your feedback on which activities would be of greatest value to Australian industry.

ADVOCATE APPOINTMENT

I would also like to talk to you about some of my roles as the first Australian Defence Export Advocate. In particular, the role I play in facilitating the collaborative approach to defence export support. As part of my advocacy and support for Australian defence industry, I work closely with individual industry representatives and peak bodies to better understand export opportunities, and where appropriate advocate on behalf of defence industry, and support the Export Office’s delivery of strategic multi-year export campaigns.

Alongside these activities, my role is to engage with the States and Territories to coordinate defence export advocacy efforts. I also chair the Defence Export Forum.

The Forum brings together Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments and industry peak bodies.

The Forum will help deliver a collaborative approach to export advocacy efforts across all levels of government

and industry, minimising duplication of effort, and maximising the benefit to Australian defence industry.

As the Advocate, I also sit on the Advisory Board of the Centre for Defence Industry Capability and work towards assisting and guiding industry to be defence export ready.

The Australian Government has put defence industry at the very centre of our policy agenda. We are working hard to provide a coordinated ‘Australian approach’ to supporting defence industry through exports.

But of course, I should note, the Government’s support of any export opportunity is completely conditional upon compliance with the legislative framework in Australia. In short, apply for an export permit early and seek advice from Defence Export Controls early. Australian industry is world class and I encourage you all to seek opportunities on the world stage and in doing so to take advantage of the new and enhanced support available to you.

WE SEEK A THRIVING DEFENCE INDUSTRY EXPORT BASE THAT SUPPORTS OUR ALLIES AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS’ NEEDS AS WELL AS OUR OWN.

Hon David A. Johnston was elected as a Liberal Senator for WA in 2001 and served until his retirement from politics in 2014, concluding his career as Minister for Defence. He has previously held the portfolios of Minister of Justice and Customs, Shadow Minister of Resources, Energy, and Tourism and Shadow Minister of Defence.

WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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FEATURE EXCLUSIVE

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

CHIEF OF NAVY “Navy’s Presence in WA Underpins the Projection of Maritime Power into the Indian Ocean Region and Beyond”.

The consequent economic growth of the Indo-Pacific zone has led to a sustained and major increase in defence spending among the sovereignstates that make up this vast and fractious region. This has enabled the region’s navies to expand with the procurement of submarines taking on greater prominence. Recognising this escalating challenge, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, spoke exclusively to WA DEFENCE REVIEW in October 2018 about the future of the Navy and his key policy agenda, and more generally the centrality of WA to Navy’s profile in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific.

What are your priorities during your term as Chief of Navy?

The security and prosperity of Australia is tied directly to the maritime domain. Australia’s $1.6tn economy remains dependent upon the security of our international trade routes, shipping and vast marine resources. Navy, therefore, is inextricably linked to Australia’s security and prosperity and should be viewed as a national enterprise vital to advancing Australia’s interests in the maritime domain. I am focused on delivering on our contract with Government and with the Australian people during a period of increasing uncertainty and unpredictability, both globally and regionally.

With the majority of future naval capability decisions now made, we must shift our focus to successful delivery and sustainment of our current and future force.

For Australia to efficiently, safely and securely access and defend the maritime domain now and into the future, the Navy must deliver five key outcomes: (a) Provide maritime forces for current operations, exercises, engagements and future contingencies. (b) Plan and deliver future maritime systems. (c) Assure the safety, seaworthiness and

airworthiness of our systems. (d) Effectively lead and manage our people and culture. (e) Provide the required enablers and oversight to achieve Navy outcomes.

Simply, the Navy must be a ready, agile, resilient and lethal fighting force, able to contribute to complex, joint missions in a dynamic region.

Over my tenure, I will strive to lead a Navy that works closely with our Government and the men and women of Australian industry to mature the design, production and delivery of our future surface, subsurface and aerial platforms and weapon systems. I want to lead a Navy that reflects our nation, takes account of the changes that occur in our nation and, when called on by our Government, is able to contribute to the safety and security of the world’s maritime environment and safeguard Australia’s ability to freely navigate the world’s oceans and engage in global trade.

WITH THE MAJORITY OF FUTURE NAVAL CAPABILITY DECISIONS NOW MADE, WE MUST SHIFT OUR FOCUS TO SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY AND SUSTAINMENT OF OUR CURRENT AND FUTURE FORCE.

INTERVIEW BY Serge DeSilvaRanasinghe, Managing Editor,

WA DEFENCE REVIEW

Can you provide an update on the Australian Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise?

The relationship between Defence, industry and our academic counterparts has never been more important than it is right now. We have HMAS Farncomb approaches the wharf at her home port of Fleet Base West at the end of a seven month deployment.

a clear direction set by Government for the future of Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability, which requires a national approach to bring together the necessary infrastructure, workforce and industrial base to deliver Navy’s future platforms. Our success in the future will be realised

by Defence, the wider Government, industry and academia working together as a cooperating system; not as stakeholders, but as partners across the country, to deliver Australian-built ships that are fit for service and fit for purpose.

This partnership or enterprise approach is in full-swing. The Prime Minister recently attended Civmec in WA, where the steel has been cut for the first Offshore Patrol Vessel; this steel will be transported to Adelaide where construction will begin in November. The first contract between the Commonwealth and BAE Systems Australia for the Hunter class frigates has been signed and design on the future submarine construction yard is progressing. The Guardian class patrol boat program is in full-swing and the first ship will be delivered in November 2018 in partnership with Austal. We will then be delivering one ship every three months.

The Government’s warship design and construction program that will, for the first time, create a sustainable sovereign naval shipbuilding industry within Australia, has commenced.

Navy is fully invested in ensuring the success of this industry for all Australians, as well as partnering with the private sector to deliver a fundamental national objective of security above, on and under the sea.

What is happening in the sphere of naval aviation?

Over the last few years, Navy has replaced the S-70B-2 Seahawks with 24 MH-60R (Romeo Maritime Combat Helicopter) aircraft.

WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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INTERVIEW FEATURE

HMA Ships Warramunga and Success conduct a duel replenishment at sea with HMCS Vancouver in the Northern Australian Exercise Area during Exercise KAKADU 2016.

This program was delivered under budget and ahead of schedule and has resulted in a step change for naval aviation capability.

All eight operational flights are on track to be formed by the end of 2018. The MRH90 Maritime Support Helicopter capability continues to mature, and Navy is operating three embarked flights. These aircraft have already played a vital role in regional humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

On the UAS front, Navy is about to transition the Navy Unmanned Aviation Systems Unit (NUASU) to a Squadron, and commission the unit as 822X Squadron.

NUASU has made significant progress in developing the concept of operations and developing Navy’s understanding of future unmanned aerial capability. This transition is a reflection of the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems. It will contribute to, and accelerate, the cultural and structural transition for the Fleet Air Arm to provide an enduring Maritime Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (MTUAS) as a core embarked capability.

How will Navy attract and retain skilled personnel to sustain the future fleet?

The quality of our men and women – those who will build, operate, sustain and, when necessary fight in these ships – are the most important determinant of our future success. New and future capability will require technical proficiency and cognitive skills that demand a new focus from leadership. Navy recognises we must tap into a limited pool of skilled workers with industry to make the shipbuilding enterprise a success. To that end, Navy and industry need to be prepared to share and develop the limited pool of talent, rather than compete for it and must look for innovative ways to build a sustainable national workforce, together. We must grow as a Navy, both as people and as a force.

40 EDITION 1 • 2018

NAVY’S FOCUS IS ON SECURING AUSTRALIA’S MARITIME APPROACHES AND PROTECTING AUSTRALIA’S SEA LINES OF COMMUNICATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES SECTOR. We will promote, and operate within, a positive culture that encourages those who are currently serving, to continue to serve, and set the conditions so that those who have left, want to return.

Navy is providing greater flexibility in career management and greater integration between the Service and civilian components of our workforce.

Similarly, industry will need to leverage the skills, especially in engineering, that Navy already has, while complimenting those skills from within the industry base.

This will demand teamwork from all of us, and innovative approaches to workforce management, generating new and exciting opportunities for young professionals and technicians to work across a number of institutional frameworks. Our universities, TAFEs and research organisations play an essential role in providing the professional and technical skills, without which, there is no industry. Navy will offer those Australians who are looking to be part of something bigger, a national institution, a national family, an opportunity to see in our Navy the attributes of a unique organisation worthy of their commitment and service.

The Navy appears to be expanding its presence and role in WA. Can you explain what function WA has to Navy operations, planning and strategy and what can we expect to see in the future, including in the North West of WA?

WA has been integral to naval operations for over a century. Major growth was seen with HMAS Stirling’s commissioning in 1978, and then further expansion associated with the two ocean basing strategy introduced in the late 1980s.

Stirling is again about to expand and its primary function of providing key operational support to ships home-ported there and visiting foreign navy vessels will continue indefinitely. In the long-term, Stirling will remain a major fleet base, enabling Navy to raise, train and sustain task-group deployments from the west into the region.

Navy’s presence in WA underpins the projection of maritime power into the Indian Ocean region and beyond. As we introduce a larger submarine fleet, the Hunter class frigates and the Offshore Patrol Vessels, there will be an increase in infrastructure construction and upgrades as well as greater sustainment activity associated with the larger and more complex vessels. Additionally, new capabilities will be introduced to the base, including simulation training facilities and class specific support facilities. Navy’s interests in the North West of WA will largely remain unchanged. Navy’s focus is on securing Australia’s maritime approaches and protecting Australia’s sea lines of communication and natural resources sector.

As WA abuts the Indian Ocean littoral, can you tell us about the future of Navy’s presence in the Indian Ocean region and engagement with Indian Ocean navies and coast guards?

Over the next 10–20 years, the Indian Ocean is expected to see a significant increase in traffic, which will also see greater interest from global powers in securing these trade routes. We can expect an increase in military activity across the Indian Ocean region and we will continue to engage with all countries on matters of mutual strategic interest in the area. We will deepen our engagement with the naval and maritime constabulary forces of countries across the Indo-Pacific region, with the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium and the Indian Ocean Region Association being two key avenues through which we will achieve this. We recognise we must work collaboratively to deliver maritime security, and regional stability, in order to advance objectives shared with our counterparts and build trust in the region to deliver security and economic benefits for all nations.

THE LINKEDIN GROUP FOR DEFENCE SECTOR PROFESSIONALS

An independent network connecting senior decisionmakers and professionals across the spectrum of politics, government, defence, industry and academia – WA DEFENCE SECTOR FORUM is a moderated community for members who are active in or involved with Australian defence or security.

A daily newsfeed – populated by a stable of defence writers, with announcements and insights from allied sector practitioners – enables an enhanced networking and information sharing experience.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION To become part of the conversation on the WA DEFENCE SECTOR FORUM, please visit:

WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/ GROUPS/10320957

Operating as an exclusive hub with all members vetted prior to entry. WA DEFENCE SECTOR FORUM provides updates that include industry events in WA and across Australia, Government announcements and regional defence sector news.

ENDORSEMENTS

The WA DEFENCE SECTOR FORUM is a much-needed addition to the defence industry discussion. For too long, most of the debate around Defence has been led and dominated by voices on the East Coast. This portal will assist players across industry and in the broader community with our collective efforts to give a voice to Western Australian defence interests and shape the national debate.

Hon Paul Papalia, CSC MLA, Minister for Defence Issues, Government of Western Australia

The WA DEFENCE SECTOR FORUM comes not a moment too soon. With the reorientation of defence industry policy, back to strategic spending critical for self-reliant sustainment, massive new opportunities are opening up to WA’s heavy industry and SMEs, but we are behind in advocacy to ourselves and the Commonwealth. With regard to the latter, they only take seriously those who take themselves seriously. The Forum plays a critical support role for State Government and Industry Associations who are now energised to the task and will alert many who are not engaged to the chances that await them.

Hon Kim Beazley AC Former Minister for Defence

WWW.WADEFENCEREVIEW.COM.AU

The WA DEFENCE SECTOR FORUM provides an important conduit for building relationships between defence industry leaders and government. It also assists in raising awareness of opportunities arising out of the Federal Governments unprecedented investment in defence capability including the Continuous Build Program for the RAN, Army and Air Force acquisitions, and sustainment opportunities. The portal is a great initiative and will go great lengths to ensure WA industry is at the forefront of national conversations around defence.

I find the WA DEFENCE SECTOR FORUM to be a useful avenue for insights into the defence industry sector and a great way of sharing information and learning from others.

This Forum is a first for WA and it reinforces the increasing importance of defence industry in this State.

There are many benefits to be gained from communicating with other defence industry companies and this Forum is an ideal way to initiate those conversations.

Mike Deeks CSC, Agent General, Government of Western Australia

Senator Linda Reynolds CSC, Senator for Western Australia Liberal Party of Australia

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ADVERTORIAL

FUTURE OF DEFENCE AND THE CITY OF COCKBURN WRITTEN BY Stephen Cain, CEO, City of Cockburn

There are around 8,000 businesses providing more than 55,000 jobs within the City of Cockburn. Through these businesses, the City is a major contributor to WA’s economy. The combined economic value of this activity equates to $8.4bn.

by the Commonwealth and WA State Government to ensure the AMC has modern infrastructure and services available for the Navy to access.

However, with new classes of infrastructure for the defence sector.

The largest contributor is the local vessels coming into operation, new Within the AMC, ASC West construction sector, with an economic equipment into service and new skills output of $1.5bn. Following this is the provides all of the support required required for operating them, WA’s for mid-cycle docking for the Navy’s manufacturing sector, with a $1.2bn defence support infrastructure needs fleet of submarines. BAE Systems, output. Into the future, this sector to keep pace with this change. A plan has the potential to generate a much along with other firms like Raytheon, to deliver the ‘AMC 2.0’ has been greater return to the State’s economy, are completing the major upgrade on the drawing board for a while. of all of the ANZAC class frigates. with defence manufacturing a vital Expanding wharf space, shift-lift Austal constructed the Navy’s part of that mix. capability, office accommodation, Armidale class patrol boats, Cape Cockburn Sound is home to power supply and internet capacity class for the Australian Border Force; are all required if the AMC is to keep HMAS Stirling and the Australian and the Pacific-class boats being Marine Complex (AMC), located in pace with Defence’s future needs.

Cockburn’s Henderson industrial area. gifted to 13 Pacific Island nations.

That plan will come to fruition shortly Civmec is assisting Luerssen to These two assets are like bookends; when the WA Government releases construct all new Offshore Patrol each shares the job of keeping what’s its new defence strategy. A major Vessels. in the middle upright. That middle is investment is required for AMC 2.0, Across the City of Cockburn many but as with all of the investment made half of the Navy’s fleet. While HMAS other firms are also contributing to Stirling has all of our six submarines, to date this will generate jobs, and economic output will make a sizeable return on investment. Over its 15 year life, the AMC has already generated $2.5bn in economic output, created 40,000 jobs and supported 440 projects across the defence, marine and resources sectors.

Developing and then maintaining the skills for a new generation of technicians is also a core support requirement. That task is being met

by South Metro TAFE’s specialist energy processing and marine training centres, also located in Henderson.

The TAFE has been selected to be part of the National Shipbuilding College and along with other national training providers, South Metro will help deliver the required skilled Navy and civilian personnel.

The public face of Defence is the men and women who wear a uniform; but standing behind and giving the support to do their jobs are a multitude of workers. The City Defence’s capability. From submarine of Cockburn is proud to be the home half of the ANZAC class frigates and of these businesses and the capability rescue services to marine aviation support vessels, the AMC has the support provided by firms at Jandakot they deliver to both the State and maritime capabilities necessary to national economy.

Airport, the City has literally dozens support all of these and more. The of prominent businesses that are able precinct has some of Australia’s best scain@cockburn.wa.gov.au to support Defence’s requirements. defence manufacturing companies, www.cockburn.wa.gov.au More than $300m has been invested as well as significant marine

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EDITION 1 • 2018

© AMC Management Pty Ltd

MORE THAN $300M HAS BEEN INVESTED BY THE COMMONWEALTH AND WA STATE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THE AMC HAS MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR THE NAVY TO ACCESS

WORLD-CLASS SUPPORT SERVICES RIGHT HERE IN COCKBURN

We have half of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet based in WA, but all of the capabilities in the City of Cockburn to maintain these vessels and service the needs of other international maritime and defence industries. » ASC (West) support for full cycle docking of submarines » Austal Ships construction of patrol boats » BAE Systems upgrade and support of ANZAC frigates » Civmec construction of offshore patrol vessels » Along with submarine rescue service, marine aviation support, communications and cyber support.

With plans to upgrade and expand the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) to ensure its businesses retain a competitive advantage on the world stage, the City of Cockburn will continue to play an integral role in the future of Australia’s defence industry.

COCKBURN.WA.GOV.AU

This information is available in alternative formats upon request

ADVERTORIAL

COMPANY PROFILE

WRITTEN BY Adam FalconerWest, General Manager, Franmarine Underwater Services

The Envirocart alongside Rescue Gear Ship MV Stoker prior to depolyment at Fleet Base West

FRANMARINE UNDERWATER SERVICES

Franmarine divers undertaking technical Class approved repairs on a Becker Rudder system

Franmarine Underwater Services is a trusted and innovative Australianowned commercial diving and underwater contractor that predominantly services the Defence, infrastructure, shipping, and oil and gas sectors.

As part of our commitment to provide practical solutions to industry that contribute towards marine conservation, Franmarine are at the forefront of reintroducing regular environmentally compliant in-water hull cleaning (IWHC) and biofouling management to the Defence and broader industry nationally using ‘Envirocart’.

Franmarine have secured the first operational approvals for the conduct of IWHC since it was effectively banned in 1997. The Envirocart is a world leading IWHC technology capable of closed-circuit capture and containment hull cleaning with a sophisticated filtration capability, and is the practical solution to a US$150bn global problem that is vessel biofouling. Elevated levels of fouling are proven to significantly increase rates of fuel consumption and carbon emissions whilst also creating a habitat for invasive marine species.

We are extremely excited to add CleanSubSea’s unique Envirocart closed-circuit IWHC capability to our ever-growing suite of ships husbandry services that we are currently providing to Defence. It not only adds to our existing capability but also acts as a strong barrier to

market entry for others.

Following the implementation of recent regional policy with respect to newly established requirements for biofouling, vessel owner/ operators now have a renewed obligation to ensure they are proactively doing their part to reduce the risk of translocating harmful marine organisms. Best practice maintenance inclusive of regular IWHC not only significantly reduces this risk but also increases operational efficiencies and maintains peak performance, which is critical to Defence. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions whilst increasing visibility of underwater assets from a preventative maintenance perspective are also significant benefits.

Being certified for underwater inspection and repair by the largest classification societies in the world such as ABS, Lloyds Register, DNV GL, BV and NKK, has in turn granted Franmarine access to a broad range of platforms that have been strategically used by the company to refine our skill set. We have specialised in providing ships husbandry services to industry since 1981 and have witnessed the

THE ENVIROCART IS A WORLD LEADING IWHC TECHNOLOGY CAPABLE OF CLOSED-CIRCUIT CAPTURE AND CONTAINMENT HULL CLEANING WITH A SOPHISTICATED FILTRATION CAPABILITY.

operational benefits being realised and are now working towards the delivery of these same benefits to Defence, inclusive of regular IWHC. Franmarine are actively providing other underwater ships husbandry services to Defence through our highly valued client network of Defence primes. These include, but are not limited to, docking support and alignments, corrosion management and underwater coating application, sea intake/outlet isolation (valve replacement), propeller polishing and repair, underwater inspection in lieu of dry dock (UWILD), locational survey, nondestructive testing (NDT), remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspection, vessel repairs, all aspects of mooring services, salvage and recovery.

Franmarine’s valued relationship with Defence Prime Naval Ship Management (Australia) (NSM) is a great example of this collaboration and has been fundamental in terms of enabling delivery of these services to the benefit of Defence.

Substantiating the relationship, NSM General Manager Joe Smith stated: “At Naval Ship Management we have an unrelenting focus on reducing the total cost of ownership of our customers assets through continuous improvement and innovation.”

He added: “Our supply chain plays a pivotal role in delivering these outcomes and the introduction of Franmarine’s in water hull cleaning capability is a great example of how primes can collaborate with local industry to deliver tangible benefits to Defence.”

In additional to this, Franmarine are also very proud to play an ongoing operational role in delivery of submarine rescue capability to the Navy, as we have since 2009. adam@franmarine.com.au www.franmarine.com.au

44 EDITION 1 • 2018

Ships Husbandry and Sustainment Capability

A truly unique ships husbandry and sustainment capability that exclusively includes Envirocart™ in-water hull cleaning and biofouling management.

Franmarine Underwater Services

Australian Marine Complex, 13 Possner Way, Henderson WA 6166, Australia www.franmarine.com.au • T: +61 (08) 9437 3900 • F: +61 (08) 9437 3933

ADVERTORIAL

COMPANY PROFILE

WATMARINE ENGINEERING Terry Booth, Special Correspondent,

WA DEFENCE REVIEW

INTERVIEW

Watch our Interview with Simon Watson, GM, Watmarine Engineering Services on our Video Channel

Many companies limit their activities to core business, but at Watmarine Engineering, providing a complete service is their core business. Marine vessels make money while at sea, not while waiting for repairs, which means a quick turn-around in port is essential. Watmarine Engineering has assembled all the capabilities needed to complete an entire repair, renovation, maintenance or replacement project on time, and to a nationally certified quality standard.

Naval Base in Perth, but has branches in Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin, and Watmarine cover the full range of partners to develop future concepts, Sydney, effectively covering the the marine industry’s needs, namely: by building on collective experiences Australian coastline and making pump manufacture and servicing, and expertise. They partner with it a national provider. welding and fabrication, pump the ADF, Federal Government, Ian started the Company from the and valve testing, flexible hoses, multinational corporations, local ‘back of a ute’ in 1989. A Kalgoorlie mechanical fitting, hydrostatic SMEs and education institutions. boy, he had a practical view from testing, instrument calibration, When Watmarine embraced the outset and rapidly grew his abrasive blasting and painting, quality assurance certification early business by adapting to the customer HVAC systems, exhaust systems, in its history, it positioned itself to needs he could see before him. insulation and blankets, sheet metal, be a Defence supplier, and has since Additions of capability were made machinery condition monitoring, established a healthy workflow. This until Watmarine Engineering could heat exchangers, and non-destructive is so valued to the Company that in proudly boast that it provides testing. Watmarine also have supply fact a warehouse of equipment is a complete service. arrangements with eight original set aside purely for Defence, thereby Today his son Simon, a man equipment manufacturers. minimising downtime for Navy ships. active in defence industry circles Should a customised or reverse Quality certifications span three in WA, has taken the responsibility engineered component be necessary, certifying bodies: Bureau Veritas, of oversight with a vision for the company is geared to produce NATA and DNV-GL covering their Watmarine Engineering’s role in it, working with the customer management system, occupational the 21st century. Building on his to produce prototypes through health and safety, international father’s pioneering success, Simon technologies such as additive environment, hydrostatic testing, has Australia’s future Navy fleet very printing, machining, fabrication gauge calibration, and welding. much in mind. His intention is to and casting. The company has gone In ensuring its future prosperity, grow the manufacturing aspect of a step further to stay ahead of the Watmarine is not dependent on any the business, while continuing to game in the 21st century. Through one industry; it services all customers strengthen the Company’s reputation whose needs match its impressive as a one-stop-shop for marine and their business subsidiary Western engineering capability. These have general industrial repair.

Thermal Technology, they offer come from marine, oil and gas, a collaborative hub, working with enquiries@watmar.com.au mining, and industrial sectors. www.watmar.com.au General Manager Simon Watson tells of when Rottnest Island’s water desalination plant broke down one Christmas, with the Island overflowing with visitors, he had people on the island on Boxing Day repairing the facility.

Although Watmarine-serviced ships roam the globe, that does not prevent the Company from standing by its customers and its work.

Watmarine’s founder, Ian Watson tells of having sent tradespeople as far afield as Korea. “We go anywhere, anytime, and we are nimble,” he said.

Watmarine head office is located at

WHEN WATMARINE EMBRACED QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION EARLY IN ITS HISTORY, IT POSITIONED ITSELF TO BE A DEFENCE SUPPLIER, AND HAS SINCE ESTABLISHED A HEALTHY WORKFLOW.

46 EDITION 1 • 2018

© Watmarine 2018

WRITTEN BY

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS At WATMARINE, we recognise the commitment required to provide consistent, high quality service to the Defence sector.

Our high level certifications and qualifications reflect WATMARINE’s 30 years of experience serving our Defence personel.

WATMARINE provide a diverse range of engineering products and services, as well as providing critical support to key OEM equipment onboard our vessels.

UNRIVALLED SERVICE ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

PUMPS

VALVES

ALFA LAVAL

PIPING

LEISTRITZ

FABRICATION NOSKE-KAESER

WELDING

BLAST/PAINTING

MARITIME PUMPS AUSTRALIA

FITTING SULZER

HVAC IMO

34 Hope Valley Road, Naval Base, WA Ph: +61 8 9437 1305 enquires@watmar.com.au • www.watmar.com.au

ADVERTORIAL

THE AUSTRALIAN MARINE COMPLEX: A PREMIER NAVAL DEFENCE HUB Jonathan Smith, General Manager, AMC Management Pty Ltd

As real estate agents often say, “It’s location, location, location!” This could not be truer than at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, WA where proximity to the Navy’s Indian Ocean base – HMAS Stirling – has created opportunities for industry.

Ideally positioned on the mainland, and only 5nm from HMAS Stirling at Garden Island, the AMC’s waterfront facilities can be seen brimming with naval sustainment and shipbuilding projects. The waterfront is the enabler as the supply chain reaches back into the AMC precincts and the industrial suburbs beyond.

Time and again, the AMC provides Defence with the right mix of infrastructure and highly skilled workforce to meet the cost and schedule demands of the ADF. The infrastructure at the AMC spans a waterfront of over 2.5km in protected harbours and an overall area of 400ha. Investment in the facilities, both State Government-owned and commercial, has seen the AMC become the most competitive location in Australia for major naval upgrades and sustainment, and to build minor warships.

Businesses at the AMC have honed their efficiencies through competing in international markets in allied industries of oil and gas, and mining resources.

Complementary skills from engineering, project management, technician and skilled trades that span industry sectors have enabled WA businesses to engage in a wide range of projects to ride the waves of variable economic fortunes that may affect any one sector.

Work is ongoing with Federal and State Governments, commercial operators and Defence to expand the naval shipbuilding and sustainment infrastructure. This will enable all sustainment needs for substantially larger ships and submarines to be provided from a coordinated hub. Forward planning at the AMC has always enabled facilities to be ready and available when required for major projects from any sector.

This will be true again for the Navy, as the timing is perfect to develop infrastructure and increase the skilled resources needed to meet the arrival of new platforms.

The Common User Facility (CUF) at the AMC is a WA Government owned heavy engineering support facility that facilitates local industry to compete in the defence, marine and resources sectors. The CUF has been operating continuously for 15 years providing extensive waterfront infrastructure with reliable and flexible management that has seen $2.5bn of economic benefit generated in the State that otherwise would have gone overseas. This was achieved by undertaking over 440

THE BENEFITS OF UNDERTAKING WORK IN WA ARE THAT IT CREATES LOCAL SUSTAINABLE JOBS AND DELIVERS RELIABLE WORK OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY.

48 EDITION 1 • 2018

Images © AMC Management Pty Ltd

WRITTEN BY

projects that generated over 40,000 jobs. The innovative common user business model of shared facilities owned by government and run by a private company has proven to be successful in integrating Defence and commercial projects alongside one another without compromising safety, security or efficiency.

The recognition of the important role that is performed by WA industry in servicing the Navy comes on the back of large resources sector projects won by local companies. The benefits of undertaking work in WA are that it creates local sustainable jobs and delivers reliable work of the highest quality. The AMC Management mantra, ‘Local content and local jobs provide quality outcomes,’ promotes the benefits of undertaking Australian projects using Australian companies, which has wide-ranging and positive economic consequences.

AMC Management is a private WA-owned company contracted by the WA Government to manage the AMC CUF. Jonathan.Smith@amccuf.com.au www.australianmarinecomplex.com.au

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

COMPANY PROFILE

OROPESA PORT MANAGEMENT For over 35 years the founders of Oropesa Port Management have honed their trade in the maritime world.

With experience and operations across the globe, our team continues to bring combined knowledge, strategic thinking and the ability to seek answers for our customers who span the defence and resources sectors and state, Federal and foreign governments. availability at Dampier Salt’s Cape Cuvier, WA. Similarly, a business case has more recently been delivered to a client in west Pilbara for a greenfield deep water port, now under consideration, and work continues on the delivery of a greenfield project pre-feasibility study for a minerals export client also in the Pilbara.

Dynamic entities, ports and facilities require constant upkeep to maintain viability and efficiencies to deliver client outcomes. These assets and infrastructure need a strategic asset management regime to ensure delivery of critical whole-of-life management of these expensive assets. Oropesa seeks to optimise the service delivery potential of assets and to minimise related risks and costs to ensure enhancement of natural and social capital over any asset life cycle. Good corporate governance and the intelligent deployment of business systems, processes and human resources are key aspects of this endeavour.

Australia requires a strong and sustainable defence industry capability for the maintenance of its assets and capability. In 2017 Oropesa was tasked to deliver a review of the port infrastructure at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin and its capacity to support the Navy’s

planned Offshore Patrol Vessels.

To fight and win at sea the Navy needs excellence in the delivery of safe, effective and efficient maintenance and repair resources for all its vessels.

In early 2018 Oropesa delivered an infrastructure and facilities study of the Australian Marine Complex – Common User Facility (AMC-CUF) to enhance its capacity to meet the future requirements of Defence.

Importantly, this work has been fed into the WA Government’s defence strategy.

Oropesa’s advisory board brings a depth of experience from across a number of industries.

The Company’s ethos delivers more than words, forms, plans and procedures. Safety and transparency are part of the Oropesa culture.

Oropesa looks to maintaining its proven history of supplying world-class services to industry and Defence and as such, continue to support Australia’s sovereign industrial capability.

WRITTEN BY Captain Michael Edwards OAM (Rtd), Chief Executive, Oropesa Port Management

OROPESA IS CURRENTLY DELIVERING-INDUSTRY LEADING PORT SERVICES TO DAMPIER SALT LIMITED AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE.

enquire@oropesa.com.au www.oropesa.com.au

© Copyright AMC Management

Based in WA for 20 years, Oropesa continues to deliver industry-leading management and consulting skills in the port design, asset and facility management, and operational services sectors.

Oropesa is able to provide a tailored fit to meet client needs for the provision of port services. In the modern port context, the delivery of a service is simply not enough.

The ability to target deliverables to quantifiable levels, and then meet the client’s metrics is where Oropesa differentiates itself. The path of providing proof of service delivery in a quantified manner enables the ongoing measurement of success and supports growth in efficiency and productivity. Oropesa is currently delivering industry-leading port services to Dampier Salt Limited and the Department of Defence.

For Oropesa a ground up understanding of market drivers, clients, and stakeholders is necessary. This perspective enables Oropesa to complete the matrix of considerations required to ensure the best outcomes for their clients. A recent case in point was demonstrated by the optimisation program delivered by Oropesa in 2015 for Rio Tinto, which led to a 150% increase in terminal and berth

WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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ADVERTORIAL

BLUEZONE GROUP WRITTEN BY Mark Musarra, WA Manager, BlueZone Group

50 EDITION 1 • 2018

BlueZone Group provides an underwater technology one-stop-shop.

Our customers operate in the harsh conditions of deep oceans, coastal seas, rivers and water infrastructure. Our technically superior OEM product offering, combined with our application engineering and local productdevelopment capability support, are designed to supply their every need.

We supply to multiple sectors including Defence; offshore oil and gas; oceanographic and hydrographic survey; water resources and water infrastructure. Where there are synergies between market areas we leverage these for the benefit of our customers – reducing costs, providing faster delivery or developing innovative solutions with new vision and ideas from one market to another.

In addition, our strong sales capability is matched by a proven service and engineering capacity in underwater technology and systems engineering. BlueZone has completed multiple engineering projects for customers to meet tight deadlines and demanding operational conditions.

BlueZone Group has evolved from companies with strong connections to the customers and technologies

of diverse markets. We focus on the application of world-leading technology to enable operations, science, and maintenance and repair to be conducted in underwater or water-based environments.

BlueZone brings companies together so that common understanding of technology can be shared with customers in varied markets. By working with customers ranging from science applications in the deep oceans to water infrastructure in busy cities, BlueZone can leverage the latest ideas and innovations from one market to another.

Where the Group has several complementary capabilities, it can also combine these to offer wider solutions.

These products, capabilities and application understanding uniquely position BlueZone in Australia to be able to provide system and subsystem solutions. These solutions are underpinned by experienced through-life management support that ensures the capabilities are delivered and sustained in-service.

BlueZone actively invests in research and development to provide solutions for our customers.

BlueZone can provide support to its customers through the design, delivery and support phases of a program. We provide the agility and responsive support of a small business, backed by systems and processes normally associated with the high-quality delivery of a larger business.

BlueZone provides specialised support for ADF autonomous and remotely operated maritime vehicles, including Teledyne Oceanscience Z-Boat, Hydroid REMUS and Liquid Robotics Wave Glider. Since 2000, BlueZone has provided support for the Saab Double Eagle Mine Disposal System and is now introducing to

service the New Generation REMUS 100 AUV under Navy project SEA1770 Rapid Environmental Assessment.

For the Collins class submarine BlueZone designed and manufactured the CS24 – RON II CCTV Surveillance System that provides video from colour cameras fitted externally to the submarine pressure hull. The CS24 Special Forces Camera Control System provides monitoring in and around the fin of the Collins class submarine. Design and installation of the camera system was completed from Perth working closely with ASC. In 2017, BlueZone was awarded the AIDN-WA Collaboration Award for support of the eight Wave Glider Autonomous Surface Vehicles operated by the Navy for an innovative application associated with the maritime

BLUEZONE CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT TO ITS CUSTOMERS THROUGH THE DESIGN, DELIVERY AND SUPPORT PHASES OF A PROGRAMME. ranges in the Western Australia Exercise Area (WAXA). Other organisations involved in the collaboration were L3 Oceania and the Maritime Signature Management and Target SPO. BlueZone supplied the Wave Glider fleet and undertook to establish a full support and engineering capability in Australia.

Key BlueZone staff acquired new skills in robotics and autonomous vehicle engineering and operations following attendance at OEM training with Liquid Robotics in the USA. BlueZone Group Companies have extensive knowledge of their specialist application areas, and concentrate on developing a deep understanding of their customers’ requirements in order to deliver innovative solutions to meet the customers’ needs.

Mark.Musarra@bzg.com.au www.bluezonegroup.com.au

Images © BlueZone Group

COMPANY PROFILE

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE

INTERVIEW

CHIEF OF AIR FORCE

75 Squadron FA-18's and 79 Squadron Hawks flying along the coast of Perth during exercise Triton Storm.

As a leading regional force, the Royal Australian Air Force plays an integral role in securing Australia’s airspace, safeguarding our sovereignty and deterring potential aggressors from reckless abandon. In October 2018, WA DEFENCE REVIEW secured an exclusive interview with Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies AO CSC, who outlined his reform and modernisation agenda, the importance of Australian industry engagement in modernisation initiatives, and the role WA plays in airpower strategy and operations in projecting Australia’s Indo-Pacific interests.

What is the state of the Air Force today and your salient priorities for the remainder of your term as Chief of Air Force?

The Royal Australian Air Force, whilst already capable, is driving an evolution in the application of airpower. This will not just bring into service new platforms, but more importantly transition information warfare to meet evolving demands of data collection, processing and exploitation. The hallmark of a Fifth Generation Air Force is effective employment of an integrated force gaining decision superiority and enabling manoeuvres despite any intent to deny the same. The Air Force is prioritising and measuring our progress through a dynamic

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strategy, characterised through five vectors: Joint Warfighting Capability, People Capability, Communication and Information Systems, Infrastructure and International Engagement.

Given that most of the Air Force fleet of aircraft is manufactured overseas, what role will Australian industry play in the future and how substantial is this likely to be?

We are relying heavily on industry to play a key role, given our substantial dependence on leading edge technology and innovation. Add this to the ADF’s relatively small size and we have a level of agility that can be leveraged to take full advantage of co-development opportunities.

INTERVIEW BY Serge DeSilvaRanasinghe, Managing Editor,

WA DEFENCE REVIEW

Across Australia our defence industry is diversifying and expanding to match Defence’s requirements, leveraging decades of investment and ingenuity.

When it is feasible, competitive, and cost effective over the life cycle of the equipment – or when it is necessary for operational or strategic reasons (such as insuring reliable supply) – we will continue to acquire Australian designed, developed and/or produced equipment and systems. The Defence Industry Plan recognises industry as a Fundamental Input to Capability. This reflects the importance of industry in Defence capability planning and providing industry with an earlier and stronger voice across the Capability Life Cycle.

The 2016 Defence White Paper has committed around $195 billion to new Defence investments, of which almost $100 billion will directly support airpower systems employed by the ADF. Increasingly Defence places a premium on innovation to maintain its warfighting edge. As such, what does the Air Force seek from

© CPL Casey Smith

The RAAF: Consolidating Alliances and Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific

INTERVIEW

Leading Seaman Justin Brown © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

SGT Pete Gammie © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

AIR FORCE BASES AT PEARCE, CURTIN AND LEARMONTH ARE CRITICAL TO AIR FORCE’S ROLE IN PROVIDING AIR POWER FOR AUSTRALIA AND FULFILLING ITS ROLE IN CONSOLIDATING ALLIANCES AND PARTNERSHIPS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC.

Australian industry to support its current and future requirements?

Air Force is committed to adapting and strengthening its relationships with industry to take advantage of ‘quick turns’ in technological change.

Disruptive technologies are rapidly proliferating. To maintain a superior warfighting edge, Air Force, as part of the Joint Force, will need to increase its agility in acquiring and operationalising new technology.

This means moving away from relying on technological superiority through generational changes in ‘exquisite’ aviation platforms, to a ‘plug and play’ concept where new technology can be quickly and easily adapted into the Joint Force.

Plan Jericho is the method by which Air Force ensures that transformative thinking is an integral part of our organisation. Jericho acts as a ‘sense-making’ conduit through which Air Force interacts with industry and academia to ensure

we are engaged with, and taking full advantage of, a wide scope of innovative ideas from procedures on the hangar floor to space situational awareness. Innovation in Air Force is about creating warfighting capability and the warfighting edge. Innovation is often discussed in terms of efficiency. For Air Force, the focus is always first on effectiveness.

What role does Western Australia play in Air Force operations, planning and strategy and how is the West likely to feature in the years ahead, including in the North West of WA? RAAF Base Pearce is home to approximately 900 staff made up of Air Force personnel, public servants and Defence contractors. It is also home to our colleagues from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

With over 100,000 air movements annually it is one of the busiest Air Force bases and will continue to

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC.

One of two Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force P-3C Orion aircraft arrives at RAAF Base Pearce, WA to provide support to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority-led search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

be a key part of delivering pilot training, introductory fighter training and a vital base for maritime operations into the Indian Ocean.

In 2018-19 work will commence or continue on a range of projects worth $91.3 million at RAAF Base Pearce.

These projects include upgraded infrastructure and facilities for the introduction of the P-8A Poseidon, capital works on the airfield and air traffic control complex infrastructure to support current and future activities. Of 185 infrastructure sub-contracts let in WA on current defence projects, 88% have gone to local industry. Air Force bases at Pearce, Curtin and Learmonth are critical to Air Force’s role in providing air power for Australia and fulfilling its role in consolidating alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

They are key to supporting Operation RESOLUTE, the ADF’s contribution to a wholeof-government effort to protect Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests, and Operation GATEWAY, Australia’s contribution to security and stability in Southeast Asia. The Australian Government has an international obligation to provide WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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INTERVIEW FEATURE

Commonwealth of Australia,

INNOVATION IN AIR FORCE IS ABOUT CREATING WARFIGHTING CAPABILITY AND THE WARFIGHTING EDGE. INNOVATION IS OFTEN DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF EFFICIENCY. FOR AIR FORCE, THE FOCUS IS ALWAYS FIRST ON EFFECTIVENESS.

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(top) Sikorsky S70B-2 Seahawk helicopters flying in formation after conducting a weapons firing serial off of the coast of Western Australia. (above) A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornet in the hangar at RAAF Base Curtin during Exercise Northern Shield 2016. (left) Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC, signs the Headquarters Air Command visitors' book during his visit to RAAF Base Glenbrook.

CPL Casey Forster © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

The Indian Ocean region is increasingly a theatre of geo-political contestation with countries engaging in modernising their defence forces. From an airpower perspective what future implications is this state of affairs likely to have for Australian security and Air Force posture?

The information and communications revolution, the global increase in economic development and economic linkages and interdependencies made the early 21st century a more dynamic strategic environment. The role of the ADF to protect Australia and its national interests remains as relevant as ever in this dynamic world. Nowhere is this more evident than in our region of the Indo-Pacific. A Fifth Generation Air Force is a whole of force approach to airpower application.

The capabilities of individual platforms are enhanced through the provision of a networker able to combine the effect of individual platforms to generate a more effective and resilient Joint Force. A key is the network that enables them to leverage distributed sensors and effectors and share mission critical data and situational awareness. The airpower characteristics of reach, speed and precision effects remain important elements of the nation’s defence strategy. For Air Force this equates to the delivery of the seven air power roles (control of the air, strike, air mobility, ISR, C2, force protection, force generation and sustainment).

ABIS Chris Beerens © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

search and rescue (SAR) for its territories, territorial seas and the surrounding high seas. Covering over one tenth of the earth’s surface, SAR in Australia is conducted jointly between Australian Maritime Safety Authority, State and Territory emergency authorities and volunteer organisations.

AP-3C Orion, P-8A Poseidon and C-130J Hercules aircraft utilise the WA bases for these operations.

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Supporting Defence in the North

Contact defencent@nt.gov.au or visit www.nt.gov.au/defenceNT

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30 00 km BANDAR SERI KUALA BEGAWAN LUMPUR

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Our government prides itself on a close relationship with industry, that is rarely experienced in larger jurisdictions and provides significant advantage to businesses that set up early. With $20 billion in defence infrastructure investment planned for the Territory over the next 20 years, we invite you to be part of our growing economy.

TAIPEI

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DefenceNT welcomes you to the Territory, Australia. Our capital, Darwin, is the regional hub for Australia’s international engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, making the Territory best-positioned for the mounting of national security, military and humanitarian operations in Australia’s north.

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COMMENTARY FEATURE

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence/CPL Craig Barrett

AIRPOWER IN THE WEST: FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

No. 11 Squadron P-8A Poseidon, RAAF Learmonth

RAAF has three air bases in WA: Pearce, Learmonth and Curtin.

Of these, only Pearce is a permanent base, with the other two being ‘bare bases’. Pearce is one of the busiest air bases in Australia, thanks to its role in flight training not only for ADF personnel, but also for the Singaporean Air Force.

Learmonth and Curtin provide options to support ADF operations if and when required.

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornet on the groud at RAAF Base Curtin during Exercise Northern Shield 2016

56 EDITION 1 • 2018

Having only 320 regular RAAF personnel in WA, or 2.2% of the Service, may seem inconsistent with the fact that the State has nearly 40% of Australia’s coastline and represents a substantial portion of the national economy. Defence strategists are committed to the predominance of an expeditionary approach, in which forces are garrisoned towards the South East of Australia and deployed to the North and West as required.

This approach was validated in the 2012 ADF Posture Review, which did not recommend any substantial change in posture. Arguments against changing posture include the cost of establishing bases and the retention issues with remote locations.

To avoid any perceptions of parochialism in force posture, it is best to consider the potential scenarios, outcomes and capability effects that may be needed in future rather than where forces are garrisoned. It is also useful to

consider not only how our ADF capabilities might respond to an event (taking into account warning and response times) but also how they might deter hostile intent.

How RAAF might contribute to the force is framed in terms of the air power roles of control of the air, strike, air mobility and ISR. Whilst most of effort in these roles are delivered by RAAF, it is important to remember that Army and Navy also contribute through rotary wing and air defence assets.

An obvious role for air power in the Indian Ocean region is surveillance of our maritime approaches. This task is undertaken on an ongoing basis with aircraft often staging through forward operating bases such as Learmonth.

Aircraft assets supporting other roles such as air mobility, air control and strike deploy to undertake tasks as needed. The rationale of this approach is that the region is stable and that the personnel and financial

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence/ ABIS Chris Beerens

Debate about the inequitable distribution of the Australian Army made the news earlier in 2018, with a reduction of Army personnel by 15% in WA during a 20 year period in which the Army grew by 20%. At the other end of the spectrum, Navy has adopted a two fleet policy, in which a substantial portion of the fleet operates in the Indian Ocean. Not as much has been said about the RAAF but, given the criticality of air power over the vast distances of Australia’s interests in WA and the Indian Ocean, perhaps more attention should be paid to this perspective of ADF capability.

Š LAC Oliver Carter /Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

COMMENTARY

A No. 11 Squadron P-8A Poseidon departs RAAF Base Learmonth on a mission as part of Operation RESOLUTE.

A Royal Australian Navy S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter is prepared for unloading from a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster at RAAF Base Pearce, WA.

THE PEOPLE OF WA SHOULD NOT EXPECT A WINDFALL IN TERMS OF BIG CHANGES TO BASING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. HOWEVER, WE SHOULD EXPECT A REASONABLE LEVEL OF PRESENCE THROUGH THE CONDUCT OF ADF ACTIVITIES. benefits of concentrating the raise-train-sustain activities in the East outweighs the timeframes associated with relocating assets to a rapidly unfolding mission.

In my view, it is highly unlikely that our national and Defence leadership will agree to substantial changes in air power posture in the short to medium term. The drivers for a change in posture are just not adequate to justify the significant investment that would be required.

In the longer term, urban encroachment on current bases and increased services in regional areas may facilitate change. In the interim, some measures could be introduced to provide greater air power presence on the western and northern aspects of our continent.

The 2012 Review noted that force posture comprises not only basing, but also activities such as deployments, port visits and

exercises. It is such activities where changes can be implemented in the short term.

These activities could include: (a) More regular, if not ongoing, rotation of air mobility (including rotary wing) assets to Perth to enhance SASR readiness to respond at short notice; (b) Greater use of Learmonth as an operating base for ISR assets, especially for remotely piloted systems and, in due course, autonomous air systems; and (c) More frequent activation of Curtin and Learmonth to support Air Combat Group training and exercises.

On the specific topic of air defence exercises, the biennial Pitch Black is becoming a challenge to plan and execute, with exercise participation growing whilst Darwin’s ability to host diminishes. An alternative for the next event in 2020 might be the greater use of Curtin with Tindal, or even Curtin and Learmonth.

WRITTEN BY Dr Andrew Dowse AO, Director of Defence Research, Edith Cowan University

Upgrades of infrastructure at Learmonth is ongoing, and there is a good case not only to get return on that investment through greater use, but also to consider what should be done at Curtin.

Another prospect of greater ADF presence in WA relates to ground C4ISR systems, such as those supporting space, communications and the processing, exploitation and dissemination of ISR information.

Whereas much of this ADF capability is currently in Adelaide and Canberra, there is a robust argument in a contested and financially constrained environment that it should be located closer to where the data is collected or anchored.

The people of WA should not expect a windfall in terms of big changes to basing arrangements in the immediate future. However, we should expect a reasonable level of presence through the conduct of ADF activities. Through such activities, the ADF will not only address the need for deterrence and commitment to defending the West, but will also achieve the familiarity and training needed to ensure their responses to real events are effective and timely.

Andrew Dowse served as an electronic engineer with the Royal Australian Air Force in a career spanning 37 years retiring as an Air Vice-Marshal in early 2018. His senior appointments included oversight of Defence capability planning, Air Force strategy and his final posting as the Defence Strategic J6. He now works at Edith Cowan University, where he is developing research and education programs to support Defence.

WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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INTERVIEW

© AUSPIC

EXCLUSIVE

STEVEN CIOBO: “I WILL WORK TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH INDUSTRY”

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY VISIT TO DARWIN The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo, MP, visited Larrakeyah Defence Precinct and RAAF Base Darwin during a trip to the Top End for the Northern Australia Defence Summit.

The Minister visited Headquarters Northern Command, HMAS Coonawarra and embarked Armidale class patrol boat, HMAS Ararat, for a short sea ride, before heading to RAAF Base Darwin to meet with Royal Australian Air Force No. 13 Squadron personnel.

VIDEO INTERVIEWS

WA DEFENCE REVIEW hosts a Video Channel featuring event highlights and interviews with decision makers from across the spectrum of academic, defence, government, industry and politics. wadefencereview.com.au/video-channel/

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EDITION 1 • 2018

Given your recent appointment to the portfolio of Minister for Defence Industry is there anything that you will be doing differently to your predecessor with relation defence industry policy and the execution of the Integrated Investment Program between now and the next election?

The Liberal National Government is delivering the largest modernisation of the ADF since World War II, investing more than $200 bn in boosting defence capability over the next decade.

I will be working to build on the momentum Minister Pyne created for Australia’s defence industry.

My focus will be to support the Integrated Investment Program through the implementation of new initiatives as well as the continuation of existing initiatives such as the Defence Industrial Capability Plan. Furthermore, I will work to strengthen Defence’s relationship with industry – especially small to medium enterprises who are key to growing Australia’s economy.

This includes continuing to support and align industry and Defence’s

requirements and continuing to expand Australia’s technological and innovative capacities.

What can the Commonwealth Government do to foster increased participation of SMEs in Australian defence industry? Is enough being done in this area?

The Australian Government recognises the importance of Australian SMEs and views them as being critical to the Government delivering the $200 bn investment in Defence capability over the next decade. Fostering increased SME participation requires strengthened domestic capability, lower barriers to participation, and more generally, increased awareness of defence industry overall.

The Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) has been established to provide a focal point and an entry point for Australian industry, particularly SMEs, into Defence. The CDIC engages industry through a nationwide network of business advisers and industry facilitators. It provides grants to

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

Federal Government management of the defence industry portfolio has changed hands with the recent departure of Christopher Pyne (who now occupies the Defence Minister portfolio), and the appointment of the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, who is the new Minister for Defence Industry.

Providing an insight into his future intentions, WA DEFENCE REVIEW was privy to an exclusive interview in October 2018 with Minister Ciobo, who discussed his plans to set afoot new programs under his tenure and consolidate Australia’s sovereign industrial capability.

For every serving Australian there’s more than one life at stake.

Thousands of spouses and kids are deeply affected by the death or serious injur y of a loved one. Legacy provides practical assistance, such as camps and activities, educational support and financial aid, ensuring the families of veterans are able to thrive.

For more information visit legacy.com.au

DORIC GROUP Managing Contractor for the $366 million redevelopment of Australia’s largest naval base - HMAS Stirling, Fleet Base West

As a privately-owned Western Australian construction company, we thank our local subcontractors for their support; and welcome the participation of our local industry in all of our current and future projects.

P: +61 (8) 9388 2655 | E: doric@doricgroup.com.au | www.doricgroup.com. au

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

INTERVIEW

LAND FORCES 2018 Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo, MP, toured the Defence Industry stands at Land Forces, Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia.

The Australian Army partnered with Industry Defence and Security Australia Limited to present Land Forces 2018 in Adelaide from 4-6 September 2018.

Land Forces is an international industry exposition showcasing equipment, technology and services for the armies of Australia and the Indo-Pacific. The Chief of Army Land Forces Seminar is conducted alongside Land Forces.

It is a forum for senior Australian and international military leaders, key stakeholders, and academics to discuss strategic issues relevant to land forces.

The theme for the Chief of Army Land Forces Seminar 2018 was ‘The application of Land Power in the Indo-Pacific’.

support industry development and raises awareness of defence industry through activities such as nationwide seminars. The CDIC works closely with the Defence Innovation Hub, a $630m initiative, and the Next Generation Technologies Fund, a $730m initiative. Together, they provide a single innovation pipeline to support defence capabilities and encourage SME participation in defence industry. These initiatives are successfully boosting the number of SMEs that work in defence industry and encouraging even more to participate.

To broaden the scope of opportunities and services available for SMEs to facilitate their participation, the Defence Innovation Hub is establishing a new ‘special notice’ service to pull innovative ideas from industry. We have also committed an additional $4.1m per year from 2018–19 for grants to help build the capability of SMEs to compete internationally, and funding of $17m per year to establish a dedicated Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grant

60 EDITION 1 • 2018

INTERVIEW BY Serge DeSilvaRanasinghe, Managing Editor,

WA DEFENCE REVIEW

program, which will support SMEs to provide critical capability to Defence.

The Liberal National Government is committed to maximising the participation of Australian industry in our major projects. We have strengthened the Australian Industry Capability Program to place greater requirements on prime contractors to maximise opportunities for Australian industry in relation to major capital equipment procurements of over $20m. This is yielding results, with our Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles project achieving an impressive 65% involvement rate of Australian Industry Capability.

To further remove barriers to SME participation and ensure SMEs can leverage our record investment in defence capability we are currently developing an Industry Participation for Defence Policy. The Policy will include the results of our piloting of Local Industry Capability Plan requirements. This pilot seeks to maximise opportunities for local businesses, including SMEs, to contribute to major capital

THESE INITIATIVES ARE SUCCESSFULLY BOOSTING THE NUMBER OF SMES THAT WORK IN DEFENCE INDUSTRY AND ENCOURAGING EVEN MORE TO PARTICIPATE. infrastructure projects in their respective areas.

As in the case of HMAS Stirling how do you view the concept of sustaining the Navy fleet near to where the Navy is based out of?

The determination of the sustainment location of ships homeported at HMAS Stirling, or elsewhere in Australia, balances a wide range of strategic parameters and circumstances. These include the cost efficiency related to the distances between the ships’ home ports, maintenance location and its Area of Operations.

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COMPANY PROFILE

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WOMA’s innovative industrial solutions include the ability to design using 3D Solid Edge software with additional proficiency in the application of Finite Elemental and Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis. In addition to their hazardous environment solutions (ATEX and IECex), the experienced team offers bespoke and off-the-shelf engineered solutions with

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EDITION 1 • 2018

remote manipulation and robotic tooling to ensure worker and operational safety and productivity improvements. Turnkey dependability in hazardous environment solutions are available with applications from fork trucks and hydraulic power packs to air compressors, vacuum systems, high pressure pump systems and engine protection systems and conversions.

WOMA’s success in introducing leading edge technology to the Australian market is internationally recognised, and in keeping with that track record, they have again met a new benchmark with the successful introduction and integration of WOMA Miretti ATEX and IECex explosion protection OEM capacity to their operations.

This single accomplishment facilitates a host of potential explosion protection solutions for the local Australian defence, marine and shipping sectors, as well as the mining,

WOMA Global markets management Team - IFAT 2018 in Munich

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WOMA Miretti are approved and certified to manufacture and supply products that comply with world-wide accepted standards in defence (land, air and sea) for equipment operating in hazardous areas, including, but not limited to, material handling assets (forklifts and loaders, etc) to mobility assets (such as troop carriers, refuel and transporter vehicles), through to static combustion engine protection systems powering seagoing support craft and main vessels.

WOMA’S SUCCESS IN INTRODUCING LEADING EDGE TECHNOLOGY TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET IS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED.

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EXCLUSIVE

INTERVIEW

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: “A CRUCIAL SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY” From a defence perspective the Australia Labor Party is no stranger to WA particularly since the advent of the Two Ocean Navy policy of 1987.

As the present Shadow Minister for Defence who has occupied the role since 2016, the Hon Richard Marles MP spoke exclusively to WA DEFENCE REVIEW in October 2018. With a Federal election looming in the foreseeable future the interview gave an insight into the Shadow Minister’s background and suitability for his current role, the ALP approach towards matters defence, and the importance of the Indian Ocean region to Australia’s future interests.

INTERVIEW BY Serge DeSilvaRanasinghe, Managing Editor,

WA DEFENCE REVIEW

Tell us about your background and why the ALP selected you to be the Shadow Defence Minister?

My parliamentary career has afforded me the chance to spend a decade working on our national security and the way Australia makes its way in the world. This is a space where relationships matter, and relationships take time to build. From working on our UN Security Council bid to helping negotiate trade deals to developing immigration and defence policies, the work I’ve done in this space has built and benefitted from relationships with many wonderful people I’ve met along the way.

ADF Parliamentary Program Exchange Week 2017.

CMDR Samuel Woolrych with The Hon Richard Marles MP.

64 EDITION 1 • 2018

A decade working in the national security space has confirmed for me that our Defence force is the clearest expression of our sense of who we are in the world, and what we want to be about. The size of our Defence force, the capabilities we equip them for, the tasks we train our service people for, express the kind of country we are. In the broadest sense, this is a core task of any Defence Minister or their Shadow: taking up the translation of our national character into national security policy and a Defence force which expresses that character.

As the Shadow Defence Minister, what differentiates the ALP from the incumbent Commonwealth Government on matters germaine to the future of Defence and defence industry in Australia?

Thoughtfulness! We work hard to come to questions of national security and defence on a bipartisan basis. There have been plenty of times when this government has made that difficult because they have made national security and defence decisions in response to political pressures, rather than starting from a position of the national interest.

Having an active tempo of Defence procurement decisions to drive a defence industry is fine, but unless there’s a deeper rationale than

responding to the loss of the car industry a future Liberal Government will just see the spending as a target for cuts.

There is a very good reason to have an exporting defence industry – it projects Australian influence, drives innovation and gives us a bedrock of high-tech manufacturing – but if it’s just about the short-term politics to cover past bad decisions it won’t last.

It’s important that Australia express our interests when we speak to other countries, and make decisions that reflect those interests. Making decisions that reflect the Government’s political needs during tight by-elections, which has happened twice in 12 months, is the opposite of that. Governments need to make national security and defence decisions that reflect the national interest, not short-term political interests. That’s what we’ll bring to defence should we win government.

If the ALP win government at the next election would these changes in direction necessitate the commissioning of a new Defence White Paper, Force Posture Review and Force Structure Review?

I don’t think new versions of those documents are necessary in the short term, but obviously they do need to be kept fresh and we will require new ones over time.

Navigating cyber security risk in the defence supply chain.

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NAVIGATE - PROTECT - RESCUE - DISCOVER

INTERVIEW

Shadow Minister for Defence, The Honourable Richard Marles, MP, signs the visitors’ book during his visit to the main air operating base in the Middle East Region.

WA abuts the Indian Ocean littoral which provides the State and its citizens a unique perspective on Australian national security.

What do you know about the Indian Ocean region and its importance to Australia?

Over the last few decades, Australia’s role as an Indian Ocean nation and our relationship with South Asia has been under done. Having a couple of West Australian foreign ministers in a row certainly helped focus our attention, but there is still considerable opportunity for our approach to grow. I’ve spent a lot of time in Indian Ocean countries, especially through the Indian Ocean Commission and the Indian Ocean Region Association (IORA), where I represented Australia during a time when we were the deputy chair.

66 EDITION 1 • 2018

Shadow Minister for Defence, Mr Richard Marles, MP experiences the RAAF Base Williamtown F/A-18 Hornet Simulator first hand with the assistance of Executive Officer No 81 Wing, Wing Commander Jordan Sander

The Indian Ocean is a region defined politically in part by the presence of small island states, which is something Australia knows a lot about by virtue of the history of our relationship with the Pacific small island states.

Africa is the region of the world facing an incredible growth path through this century. Our place as an Indian Ocean country sits alongside our membership of the Commonwealth as the best springboard for our participation in Africa’s future. It is Perth, and WA more broadly, that is our national gateway to the region at large. In many ways, Perth is the mining operations capital of Africa.

The University of Western Australia has a relationship with the University of Seychelles through the UWA Oceans Institute. Growing our relationships across the region, from South Asia to Africa, will be crucial to Australia’s place in the world in the 21st century, and it’s from WA that that growth will happen.

How familiar are you with WA industry and its capabilities and how do you envisage engaging WA should you win office at the next election?

WA is home to the only design house capable of designing ships from scratch. Given Australia is unlikely to be the designer of military aircraft, and the current government waved goodbye to most of our ability to design vehicles from scratch, this is a crucial sovereign capability.

There’s no doubt that having ship maintenance and sustainment happen in WA is crucial to our defence capability. Being an island nation with an economy dependent on seaborne trade makes our Navy a core capability. We could not have the capability operating the way we need without the high-skill, highfunction industry in WA that keeps our ships operating.

Further, WA starts with a capacity to play a larger role in Australia’s defence industry. The resources sector, with its need for large and high-tech engineering, is a key advantage for WA, and one which can play a significant role in expanding WA’s defence industry capability.

All images © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

IT IS PERTH, AND WA MORE BROADLY, THAT IS OUR NATIONAL GATEWAY TO THE REGION AT LARGE. IN MANY WAYS, PERTH IS THE MINING OPERATIONS CAPITAL OF AFRICA.

Enhancing Industry and Defence

AIDN-WA is part of the AIDN National Network For further information or membership enquiries please contact: admin@aidn-wa.org.au www.aidn-wa.org.au

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

COMPANY PROFILE

COMPOSITE COMPONENTS The team is composed mostly of engineers, all devoted to keeping up with the latest developments in composite manufacturing.

They specialise in outside-the-box thinking, and flexible approaches to problem solving. Composite Components take pride in creating the best of the best, using the most modern technology to surpass the competition and fulfil their clients’ requirements.

Glen Oldfield, who manages the team, has a can-do approach to getting work done. If the machines required to complete a job don’t exist, he simply invents and builds them. The start-of-the-art cutter in his workshop, which cuts out carbon and other fibres to precise measurements, was designed and built by Glen and his team – including the required software to run the cutter. He has also built custom ovens to complete the baking process required for the larger pieces he produces. The machines built

by Composite Components are invaluable assets in their business, proving the quality of their building prowess by lasting for long periods with constant use.

Glen started the company after returning to Australia from the UK, where he had worked in Formula 1 and the aerospace industry.

Composite Components has operated from its current premises for over a decade. Composite fabrication is no longer just about swimming pools and boats, and Glen relishes the chance to do more advanced manufacturing.

Flexibility is key at Composite Components, at all levels of the business. The Company has an extensive list of capabilities,

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producing components for such wide-ranging applications as rotors for gyrocopters, unmanned aircraft, high-speed target drones, engine components, medical parts, orthotics, prosthetics and artificial limbs, parts for hydrofoil sailing boats, aircraft fairings, masts for super-yachts, and a telescopic boom for a robotic brick-laying machine.

They are happy to work with clients at all phases of a project, from design and prototype building to final manufacture. They have been involved in long-term projects lasting several years, and are equally happy with projects that can be turned over in a week.

Clients also vary widely, from Defence Primes to SMEs and individuals. Components are sold locally, to Eastern States companies, the New Zealand Defence Force, and to companies that supply major international concerns.

Much of Composite Components’ success is due to their state-of-theart equipment. Glen says that he is ‘an early adopter of technology’, always on the lookout for newer and better ways to manufacture.

In addition to the bespoke machinery designed and built by the team, the Company boasts several 3D printers, a heated press, and a variety of computer and simulation programs.

They can do sheet metal work, 3D models, CNC machining, cutting, routing, laser cutting, and fabrication of composite parts.

Composite manufacturing is completely different from working with steel or aluminium. With a selection of fibre and resin types, parts can be developed with the strength of steel, in a much lighter material. Other advantages include

Images © WA DEFENCE REVIEW

If you can imagine it, they can design and build it. WA-owned Composite Components is a manufacturer of advanced composite parts, located in Bibra Lake. They occupy a unique niche in the market, working with the latest high-tech fabrics such as carbon, Kevlar and glass fibres. They create components for an amazing variety of applications on land, sea and air.

WRITTEN BY Valerie Goodreid, Defence Writer,

IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT, THEY CAN DESIGN AND BUILD IT. WA-OWNED COMPOSITE COMPONENTS IS A MANUFACTURER OF ADVANCED COMPOSITE PARTS.

WA DEFENCE REVIEW handling heat better, being fire-resistant and having a better fatigue life. The material is created as the part is being built, which allows much more scope for customisation. Glen describes this as the ‘optimisation of components’, allowing the created part to exactly fit the customer’s requirements.

Glen and the team at Composite Components have their eyes firmly on the future. They are looking for new ways to solve problems and find solutions for their clients and their own manufacturing processes. If you have requirements in any sort of manufacturing, speak to Glen and his team. They are sure to have an innovative solution to maximise your project’s potential. www.compositecomponents.com.au

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ADVERTORIAL

COMPANY PROFILE

CALYTRIX TECHNOLOGIES Shawn Parr, CEO, Calytrix Technologies

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Calytrix was established in Perth, WA in 2001 as a software house to develop ‘software without excuses’, bringing a level of engineering rigour and commercial expertise to the delivery of cutting-edge military simulation and training software.

In 2003, Calytrix opened its first US operations and maintains an office in Orlando, Florida. Calytrix employs over 60 full-time staff in both the US and Australia, with offices in Brisbane, Canberra and Perth. The Company maintains a presence in Europe and has developed an extensive reseller network both in Europe and across Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

Since its formation, Calytrix has focused on the defence training and simulation sector, although our work has expanded to encompass the international humanitarian assistance sector. While Calytrix’s original focus was software development, the company has grown a substantial training and consulting division to deliver both

technical and training integration solutions to meet our growing customer needs and expectations for complex simulated training.

Today Calytrix’s business is split between COTS software products, engineering services and training services. Calytrix has also developed a substantial services and consultancy arm which focuses on assisting customers to develop and manage collective training with an emphasis on the integration of simulation into training activities across the Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) domains.

Since 2006, Calytrix has been involved in the development of the ADF’s Joint and Collective simulationsupported training. As the initial lead systems integrator in the Australian Defence Simulation and Training Centre (ADSTC), Calytrix was responsible for the development of the ADF’s Joint LVC architecture.

Presently, Calytrix supports the ADSTC through the provision of exercise planning services, operations support, systems development services and ICT security.

In 2013, Calytrix Technologies was selected to be the Prime for the US Army’s first-person shooter training system which ran from 2013 to 2017.

Under that contract, Calytrix provided program management and delivery of a US Army-wide enterprise level licence for a game-based training solution. Calytrix remains engaged with the US Army through its Synthetic Training Environment (STE) program, which seeks to identify the next generation architectures and systems required to support complex simulation-based training.

As a software developer, Calytrix delivers simulation products to over 15 countries worldwide. Calytrix’s COTS software inventory includes products focused on simulation system integration, simulated radio

communications and global virtual environments. Calytrix’s expertise in software development and integration extends across the whole product lifecycle – from strategic business planning, project specification and management, through to software development, product delivery, training and support.

Built exclusively on the Outerra simulation engine with Titan Integrated Military (Titan IM), Calytrix have joined forces to develop ‘Titan Vanguard’, a new ‘whole-of-world’ simulation environment. Titan Vanguard delivers a holistic synthetic global 3D environment, from sub-sea to space, that allows for realistic training

EVEN WITH ITS GROWING GLOBAL REACH, CALYTRIX REMAINS A PROUDLY WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COMPANY. of tactics, techniques and procedures at any scale and any point in the world across both military and civilian means or emergency response applications.

Titan Vanguard collapses virtual, constructive and serious gaming capabilities into a single open environment allowing, for example, a first-person shooter capability to truly exist in the same environment as high-end flight simulations and global command and control systems. Titan Vanguard is currently in use across all three services in the ADF in training applications ranging from first-person shooter to aircrew trainers, flight deck trainers and joint fire trainers.

Calytrix maintains a careful balance between its complementary software development and services wings to support its ‘Product Led – Services Supported’ growth strategy.

Even with its growing global reach, Calytrix remains a proudly Western Australian company. info@calytrix.com www.calytrix.com

© Calytrix

WRITTEN BY

Calytrix Technologies is a leading provider of simulation and training services in the military and emergency response domains. Calytrix specialises in training, design and delivery; 3D synthetic environments; and virtual and augmented reality solutions.

ADVERTORIAL OPINION

ACT AUSTRALIA:

INDUSTRIAL THEATRE BRINGS SAFETY TO LIFE

WRITTEN BY Susan Fleming, Managing Director, ACT AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd

An explosion and subsequent oil leak on the Deepwater Horizon in 2010 had far-reaching and catastrophic consequences. Importantly, the investigation into the incident found a void between what work leaders thought was being done and what was actually being done. Two questions arise from this. Are we doing the best we can to challenge the safety behaviours of leadership and the frontline? And how do we find innovative ways to bring to life lessons that need to be learned?

These and other important questions can be explored through industrial theatre. Theatre is an ancient art that captures human imagination, allowing the audience to identify with fictional characters and settings while examining real-life issues.

ACT AUSTRALIA’s live theatre performances are hard-hitting, immersing the audience in targeted plays and workshops that resonate with their situation. Based on true stories, the workshops include skills building such as critical safety conversations for the frontline and supervisor workforce.

With 25 years’ management development experience and a career in film and theatre production, I established ACT AUSTRALIA and brought industrial theatre from the UK to Australia as an innovation in training. Major hazard industries, including the Ministry of Defence, Heathrow Airport and International Atomic Energy Agency have used this compelling modality to bring major incidents to life as a theatre-based workshop and deliver on the lessons learned.

Productions range from those including explosions, planes and fires

extraordinarily useful and valuable.

To this contributes the quality of the script, the excellent performance of the actors, and – importantly – Ms Flemings’s thought provoking and careful guidance through the subjects, dilemmas, alternative decisions, perceptions and managements issues, between the acts.”

Nimrod was launched to the UK Ministry of Defence in 2016.

With matching funding from a WA Government grant, we then developed a pilot for defence industry at Henderson in WA. At the PARARI International Explosives Ordnance Symposium, Nimrod gave an international audience a once in a lifetime opportunity to access lessons learned in an entirely different way. Nimrod to highly personal stories such as the resonated with the Australian tragedy of The Mousehole, used by the Department of Defence and Australian Army’s Special Operations defence industry .

Our work in oil and gas has Command for a reflection on safety culture. Our first projects in Australia achieved national and international recognition, being the cornerstone were Deepwater – delivered many for the APPEA Oil and Gas Safety times for the oil and gas industry, Award to Woodside for the and for the Department of Defence

ACT DELIVERS SAFETY MANAGEMENT LESSONS THROUGH THE INTERACTIVE METHOD USING HIGHLY ENGAGING INDUSTRIAL THEATRE AND SAFETY INDUCTION FILMS.

© ACT Australia

Fuels Division in Canberra; and Fukushima, delivered to ARPANSA – the nuclear regulator in Australia.

Carl Magnus-Larsson, CEO of ARPANSA commented, “We have found the performances

commissioned work we produced in both theatre and film called The Right Connections.

In another recent and significant development, ACT AUSTRALIA welcomed to our team Captain Jacqui King (Rtd), based in Canberra.

Jacqui observed the impact of industrial theatre during her work with Defence Joint Logistics where ACT AUSTRALIA delivered on Nimrod performance and workshops.

Jacqui observed: “It gets your attention. All complex organisations

The cast performing Nimrod at the Parari Explosives Ordnance International Symposium

where there are a lot of process and systems safety will have managers, system safety working groups where there is limited tangible safety management training for what they do.” She added, “ACT delivers safety management lessons through the interactive method using highly engaging industrial theatre and safety induction films.”

Critical feedback we have received demonstrates that ACT AUSTRALIA is driving change, challenging workplace culture across diverse industries in major hazard organisations, including Defence. Frontline work culture regarding safety across Defence Primes and SMEs will benefit from ACT AUSTRALIA’s national projects with oil and gas, construction, rail, utilities and infrastructure. For more information, please see our website for details on plays including Your Call, Only Human and Cry Wolf; and our 90-second showreel. susan.fleming@actaustralia.net.au www.actaustralia.net.au

WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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ADVERTORIAL

TEAM WA UNIVERSITIES Western Australia’s universities have built a reputation for their collaborative nature, world-class research expertise and facilities, domain knowledge and contributions to Australia’s defence and national security, with some capabilities attracting interest from allied export markets.

WRITTEN BY Dr Andrew Dowse AO, Director of Defence Research, Edith Cowan University

WA has four world class public universities with over 100,000 students, contributing to Australia’s economy and workforce through higher education, as well as several hundred million dollars of value for fundamental and industry R&D each year. Our state’s higher education and research sector is a major economic driver and contributes to the integration of critical skills for industry development.

The WA universities’ areas of expertise are highly specialised and spread across disciplines and technologies. The research community in WA embraces working across industry sectors and supports the progressively innovative nature of our state’s economy.

Innovation is the key to Australia’s ability to diversify and compete in the global economy, through the development of our people and technology. Our universities play an important role

THE WA UNIVERSITY EFFORTS BEING UNDERTAKEN WITHIN A WHOLE-OF STATE APPROACH, INCLUDING INDUSTRY AND STATE GOVERNMENT, ARE CRITICAL AND FUNDAMENTAL INPUTS TO DEFENCE CAPABILITY

INTERVIEW

a.dowse@ecu.edu.au www.ecu.edu.au © CEDA 2018

Watch ourinterviews with Dr Andrew Dowse, and Professor Erika Techera, Director Oceans Institute, UWA, on our Video Channel

comparable advantage by exploiting synergies across the universities to deliver outcomes for Defence.

The State Government initiative to establish a Defence Science in the fostering of this innovation Centre will further strengthen this through education and research collaboration. Once established, the programs.

Centre will provide a one-stop shop Innovation similarly is critical in for Defence and industry to access the defence sector, in which Defence the immense capabilities of the and industry aspire to enhance WA universities. It will also help to capability through the innovative normalise the approach of multidevelopment and use of technology, disciplinary and multi-institutional in combination with talented and research. WA universities, in qualified people. Our universities conjunction with TAFEs, are have recognised the importance of fundamental providers of training these outcomes for Defence and are and optimally situated to provide actively working to contribute to ongoing knowledge transfer to these outcomes. Much of the work Australia’s naval personnel at HMAS the universities have undertaken for Stirling, home to all the Navy’s other sectors is highly relevant to submarines and half of their frigates.

Defence. For example, WA expertise The same applies to the troops in programs associated with remote stationed at Campbell Barracks, also asset management, autonomy, close to all four universities, making space, engineering, oceanography WA a strategic location for defence and maritime engineering, research and training. human performance and The universities are working telecommunications have application closely with Government and in the defence sector. industry to understand the future Curtin University, Edith Cowan workforce requirements to deliver University, Murdoch University and and sustain Defence’s capabilities the University of Western Australia under the Integrated Investment have been stepping up existing Program. Moreover, the universities levels of cooperation to address will help to grow an innovative Defence challenges since 2016, workforce that will contribute through a collaborative arrangement to and shape the future Defence colloquially called ‘Team WA’. The environment and foster greater Team WA approach is realising a export potential.

The WA university efforts being undertaken within a whole-of state approach, including industry and State Government, are critical and fundamental inputs to Defence capability. The universities are committed to working closely with defence industry to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, and in doing so will ensure a safer, brighter future for generations to come.

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE OPINION

WRITTEN BY Paul Seaton, Director – Business Development & Government Relations – Asia Pacific, Fugro

FUGRO AIMS TO SUPPORT ‘CAPABILITY EDGE’ IN THE MARINE ESTATE

Fugro Equator is one of the worlds most advanced survey vessels and was used in both the search for MH370 and to find HMAS AE1 and solve Australia's oldest Naval mystery.

The phrase ‘capability edge’ reflects Fugro’s ability to combine ever-smarter working with innovative technology and the use of dedicated skilled engineers, scientists and technologists. Increasingly used in the marine defence world, the phrase has yet to be embraced by the offshore oil and gas industry despite the great synergy between the two sectors.

(AHS) since winning a contract in 1994 through services provided to the Royal Australian Navy’s airborne hydrographic service.

Using technology originally developed by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology organisation, Fugro has continued to update and refine it for the safe and efficient collection of data used for nautical charting and safety of navigation.

This technology has been deployed in WA by both the Commonwealth and State Governments, to manage coastal areas and oil and gas operations.

Fugro’s ability to deploy state-ofthe-art technology and apply world-class expertise won it the competitive contract for the deep-water search for the missing MH370, demonstrating that industry could respond and mobilise the necessary people and resources for the most challenging of survey and search operations.

The project started in 2014 with the Fugro team, based in Australia, deploying the latest vessels and equipment to conduct the largest Drawing on local resources wherever possible, and internationally single ultra-deep-water hydrographic survey in history in a remote area of as required, Fugro deploys the latest technology in its Western Australian the southern Indian Ocean, covering operations, integrating best practices more than 700,000km². This was followed by a two-year highfrom experience of working on all definition sonar search of the major continents of the world. seafloor covering over 100,000km².

No stranger to the needs of Using one of the vessels deployed defence industry, Fugro has in the MH370 search, Fugro later continuously supported the won the contract that helped solve Australian Hydrographic Service Australia’s competitive oil and gas sector, in which Fugro is an active and long-term player, constantly focuses on cost efficiency, safety and ease of operation coupled with the development of infrastructure, personnel and innovation to support the long-term sustainability of the sector; these aims are shared by the marine defence sector.

Fugro Australia Marine, part of the global Fugro group, is a leading independent provider of geo-intelligence and asset integrity solutions for public and private infrastructure and energy extraction projects. Its experts provide the technical data and information required to design, construct and maintain structures and infrastructure in a safe, reliable and efficient manner, as proven in the State’s oil and gas sector.

FUGRO DEVELOPS PEOPLE TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY AND DEFENCE NEEDS WITH OUR IN-HOUSE FUGRO ACADEMY.

Australia’s longest naval mystery when the WA-based team located the submarine HMAS AE1, lost off the coast of Papua New Guinea in the early days of the First World War. Both projects saw Fugro ably demonstrate the development and use of innovative technologies, such as ‘Back2Base.’ Developed in Australia, the system is used to process data during offshore operations. It collects and organises data, compresses it using proprietary techniques, and transmits it back to shore for processing and delivery to the client. This technology, deployed on two extraordinary missions, is now being used by the oil and gas sector to improve report decision making and, importantly, safety.

Increasingly researching digital solutions, Fugro also leads the way in the development of 3D visualisation solutions such as the ‘Roames’ platform which provides powerful reporting and analysis capabilities.

These technologies are also supporting the use of remote services such as Office Assisted Remote Services (OARS) which enables optimisation of offshore survey crew size (with surveyors based at land-based global command centres rather than on vessels), client engagement and access to Fugro’s experts around the world.

Along with investing in technology, Fugro develops people to support industry and defence needs with its in-house ‘Fugro Academy’ recording over 200,000 course enrolments since 2006, to support its invaluable workforce. p.seaton@fugro.com www.fugro.com

WWW.DEFENCEWA.COM.AU

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EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS

2017 EVENTS SPEAKER EVENT:

SPEAKER EVENT:

THE CUTTING EDGE: FUTURE OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND INDUSTRY INNOVATION – APRIL 2017 SPEAKER EVENT:

SYNERGIES WITH THE DEFENCE AND RESOURCES SECTORS: PROSPECTS FOR COLLABORATION – OCTOBER 2017

CLOSING THE GAP: FUTURE OF DEFENCE AND INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT – AUGUST 2017

COCKTAIL FUNCTION WITH DEFENCE MINISTER – NOVEMBER 2017

Watch highlights from a number of our events and tours on our Video Channel

COCKTAIL FUNCTION:

SITE VISIT: TOUR OF SAS HISTORICAL COLLECTION – NOVEMBER 2017 Cocktail function with former Def Min Maryse Payne, November 2017

Tour of SAS Historical Collection, November 2017

Future of Special Operations and Industry Innovation, April 2017

Future of Special Operations and Industry Innovation, April 2017

Closing the Gap: Future of Defence and Indigenous Employment, August 2017.

Future of Special Operations and Industry Innovation, April 2017

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The American Chamber of Commerce provides Connections and access to opportunity.

AmCham is Australia’s largest and most prestigious international business organisation.

We have the largest data base of Oil & Gas Companies in Australia.

For the past 20 years we have organised a Trade Mission to the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston each May for 535 individual delegates from around Australia, who have shared in a significant number of contracts awarded to Australian companies.

We also work in Defence, Mining, Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Agri-Business and Technology.

AmCham WA provides a Members Lounge and Board Room in the CBD for members to meet with their clients over tea and coffee.

We provide assistance to U.S. and Australian companies and we promote trade, commerce and investment to and from Australia.

AmCham gives members exclusive access to thought leaders, communities of interest, policy advice, business advocacy, and relationships with business and government.

American Chamber Of Commerce in Australia Level 18, 44 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 P 08 9325 9540 | E penelopewilliamson@amcham.com.au W www.amcham.com.au

EVENTS

2018 EVENTS SITE VISIT:

SITE VISIT:

TOUR OF THE AMC – FEBRUARY 2018

TOUR OF HOFMANN ENGINEERING – JULY 2018

ROUNDTABLE DIALOGUE:

SITE VISIT:

STRATEGY, DEFENCE & INDUSTRY DIALOGUE – FEBRUARY 2018

TOUR OF BAE SYSTEMS’ HENDERSON SHIPYARD – MAY 2018

SPEAKER EVENT:

SPEAKER EVENT:

LA CAMARA PARTNERS WITH DEFENCE WEST AND WA DEFENCE REVIEW TO HOST SPANISH AMBASSADOR AND NAVANTIA AUSTRALIA CEO – MARCH 2018

FUTURE OF DEFENCE INNOVATION AND START-UPS: INSIGHTS FROM WA INDUSTRY – AUGUST 2018

ROUNDTABLE DIALOGUE: STRATEGY, DEFENCE & INDUSTRY DIALOGUE – MAY 2018 SITE VISIT: TOUR OF JFD BIBRA LAKE FACILITY – JUNE 2018

Fremantle Army Museum Tour, May 2018

SITE VISIT: TOUR OF FREMANTLE ARMY MUSEUM – AUGUST 2018 ROUNDTABLE DIALOGUE: STRATEGY, DEFENCE & INDUSTRY DIALOGUE – SEPTEMBER 2018 Future of Defence Innovation and Start-Ups: Insights from WA Industry, August 2018

BAE Systems Tour, May 2018

Tour of Hofmann Engineering, July 2018

Tour of JFD Bibra Lake Facility, June 2018

Tour of the AMC, February 2018

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EDITION 1 • 2018

The Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) is established to promote the benefits of Reserve service to employers and the community, and create an effective link between the community, employers, Reservists, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and all levels. of government.

The mission of the DRSC is to establish and maintain a flexible and supportive partnership between Defence and the community, industry and employers to sustain and enhance the availability of the Reserve component of the ADF. LCDR Simon Gourlay, LL.B, RAN - (08) 9311 2597 Mob: 0408 054 586 simon.gourlay@defence.gov.au - www.defencereservessupport.gov.au 1800 803 485

BLOG ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT AUSTRALIA’S DEFENCE SECTOR? WE ARE ACCEPTING SHORT SUBMISSIONS FOR OUR HIGH PROFILE BLOG FROM CONTRIBUTORS ACROSS ACADEMIA, DEFENCE, GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY AND POLITICS. PLEASE CONTACT US IF INTERESTED. WWW.WADEFENCEREVIEW.COM.AU

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EVENTS

Strategy, Defence & Industry Dialogue, February 2018

WA DEFENCE REVIEW organises a variety of high

profile defence sector events throughout the year. Contact us if you would like to sponsor or be included in future events.

Strategy, Defence & Industry Dialogue, May 2018

Strategy, Defence & Industry Dialogue, September 2018

Strategy, Defence & Industry Dialogue, September 2018

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EDITION 1 • 2018

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Defence. Perfectly Planned.

Planning and Scheduling Project Management P3M Integrated Project Controls (PMO) Cost Management Claims and Dispute Resolution Risk Management Perth

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ENGAGE US TO GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR YOUR ORGANISATION WITH OUTREACH TO GOVERNMENT, DEFENCE AND INDUSTRY

FEATURE INTREVIEW – THE HON KIM BEAZLEY AC, FORMER DEFENCE MINISTER

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS – THE CUTTING EDGE: FUTURE OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS & INDUSTRY INNOVATION

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS – TOUR OF JFD AUSTRALIA BIBRA LAKE FACILITY

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