CDIC reforms in place in early 2021, says Minister

Planned reforms to the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) recommended in the recent Review will be in place early in 2021, according to the Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price.

Speaking to the Defence Teaming Centre in Adelaide on 24 September she told her audience, “Developing a sovereign defence industry and ensuring small business remains a key part of this is no small feat. Especially when you consider the substantial cultural and systemic shift we are embarking on within Defence, and the changes we have implemented over the past six months.”

Her vision is still for a true sovereign defence industry that builds up Australia’s manufacturing base, creates thousands of jobs and ensures Australian SMEs play a fundamental role in Defence’s major programs.

The Minister initiated a review of the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) late last year; this was published in mid-September.

“The CDIC must be fit-for-purpose and must deliver targeted support for Australian businesses already in – and looking to get into – our defence industry,” she said. “It has been a good initiative by our Government so far, but I want to make stronger in how it supports industry.”

The Review made nine recommendations, all but one of which have been accepted by Defence. Relocating the CDIC within Defence will allow better coordination with the priorities of the ADF and Government, Minister Price added.

“The changes to the governance, structure and delivery of support to industry from the reformed CDIC are substantial, and they will have a lasting impact in developing our sovereign defence industry capability. My expectation is that the CDIC recommendations will be implemented by the end of quarter one next year.”