The Australian Government will set up a special project team to deliver reforms to the procurement and delivery of uniforms and other personal equipment to troops.
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare last week announced that the ‘MyDefenceGear’ Project would:
• oversee the development of a new combat uniform; and
• implement the agreed recommendations of the Whalan and Lewincamp Reviews into the procurement and delivery of Australian Defence Force uniforms and other personal equipment.
In February this year the Australian Government commissioned the Lewincamp Review in response to community concern about the manufacture of the combat uniforms worn by Australian troops.
The Review made 20 recommendations, 17 of which have been accepted in full or part by the Government.
One requires further consultation.
Two recommendations, dealing with the manufacture of standard combat uniforms overseas, were rejected.
Project MyDefenceGear will implement the agreed recommendations from the Lewincamp
Report which will improve the policies around the procurement of uniforms.
It will also oversee the development of a new combat uniform.
As to how this will work with existing combat uniforms projects has yet to be clarified.