Budget 2005 - 2006
BUDGET 2005-06
$215 MILLION FOR SKILLING AUSTRALIA'S DEFENCE FUTURE
Australia's Defence industry is set to benefit from a $215 million investment by the Howard Government over the next ten years, Defence Minister Robert Hill said.
"The investment of over $21 million per year on average will enable Australia's Defence industry to upgrade its skills to ensure that capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are delivered on schedule and within budget.
"This initiative reflects the Government's recognition of the importance of Australia's Defence industry in delivering ADF capabilities and its commitment to addressing the current skills pressures facing Australia's Defence industry.
"The Programme will be managed from within the Industry Division of the Defence Materiel Organisation.
"The Government recognises the need to increase the quality and quantity of specialist skills available to defence industry, including the provision of engineers, specialist technicians, key tradespeople and project managers," Senator Hill said.
Companies bidding for new work will be asked to include proposals in their tender documentation that address the creation of new positions and the retraining and upskilling of existing positions.
Selected companies, already in contract with Defence, will also be invited to submit proposals for creating new positions and retraining and upskilling programmes that can be given effect through contract amendments or similar arrangement.
Results from a recent survey of 35 companies undertaking defence related work show that the majority of companies recognise the demand for skills and are eager to participate in the Skilling Australia's Defence Industry Programme.
"This is a strong indication that this Programme, along with investment by companies in their own training plans, will have a positive impact on both the quality and quantity of skills in the Defence industry."
Media contacts:
Sascha Meldrum (Senator Hill) 02 6277 7800 0409 034 241
Defence Media Liaison 02 6265 3343 0408 498 664
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