Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne has opened the new Australian Defence Export Office in Canberra.
The new office will deliver a range of initiatives to assist and support Australian defence industry, including producing market intelligence, partnering with industry in multi-year campaigns, and leading the Australian Military Sales and Team Defence Australia initiatives.
Minister Pyne said the establishment of the Australian Defence Export Office was one of the key initiatives of the Defence Export Strategy.
“The Defence Export Strategy sets out a plan to boost Australian industry, increase investment, and create more jobs for Australian businesses,” Minister Pyne said. “The Australian Defence Export Office will provide a focal point for whole-of-government delivery of the systematic approach and initiatives set out in the Strategy.”
Minister Pyne also said that establishing the Australian Defence Export Office was a critical step in achieving the export success needed to support and develop Australian defence industry.
“We have a clear strategic vision for a sovereign Australian defence industry that underpins our Defence capability. A defence industry that is sustainable and internationally competitive is crucial to this vision.
“I look forward to seeing Australian defence industry achieving greater export success, supported by the Australian Defence Export Office,” Minister Pyne said.
The opening of the new office follows from the recent appointment of former Minister for Defence David Johnston as the first Australian Defence Export Advocate. Mr Johnston will provide international advocacy on behalf of local defence industry to help secure export sales and contracts.