Phase two of 'The Workforce behind the Defence Force' launches

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP today announced that more small businesses and young Australians would be encouraged to take up opportunities in the rapidly expanding Australian defence industry through the second phase of the Defence Industry Information Campaign: ‘The Workforce behind the Defence Force’.

The defence industry is growing with the Australian Government’s $200 billion investment into Defence capability over the next decade, which is aimed at securing the nation and growing the economy.

Minister Pyne said that many Australians and Australian businesses are not aware that this investment is in an innovative and exciting industry that they can be a part of.

“This important campaign is helping raise awareness about future opportunities in the defence industry sector for those running a business, those looking to transfer or upgrade their skills, and those young Australians exploring what to study,” Minister Pyne said.

“It is a key component of the continued development of the businesses and the skilled workforces which are essential to delivering our modernised defence capabilities. The demand will increase the need for Australian workers with trade, engineering, science and technical skills to support the delivery of the Government’s investment.

“The Government’s investment in Defence capability will underpin our national security and boost our economy, now and into the future,” he said.

The information campaign demonstrates the opportunities for many Australian small to medium enterprises, showing real people working and flourishing in the industry. It also provides examples of long-term careers in the industry, from trades in aerospace and advanced manufacturing to high-tech engineering.

This campaign ensures the Government can fulfil the commitments in the 2016 Defence White Paper, the Defence Industry Policy Statement and the Integrated Investment Program, as well as encourage Australian business to enter the export market as set out in the Defence Export Strategy.

Information on the campaign, including where Australians and Australian businesses can go to find out more about defence industry and the opportunities available is at: www.defenceindustry.gov.au