Australian industry urged to join Defence mission

Australian businesses and industry have the opportunity to participate in the next generation of contracts to deliver base services around Australia and support Defence’s key capabilities.

It follows the release of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a fourth generation of contracts.

Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP said the contracts covered multiple sectors across industry and represented an investment in the Australian economy of around $1.7 billion annually.

“Base services are essential to enabling and helping sustain the Defence estate, its capability and our people,” Minister Thistlethwaite said.

“The services range from cleaning, waste and land management, hospitality and catering, to transport, access control and security.

“This is a unique opportunity for Australian industry to demonstrate their capability and commitment to the Defence mission,” he said.

Defence is looking for partners with aligned values and behaviours, committed to working as part of a team.

“We seek partners focused on delivering quality services, enhancing the experiences of our people and providing confidence in standards and performance including sustainability and climate outcomes,” Minister Thistlethwaite added.

“This includes a focus on maximising recyclable and recoverable content, the use of renewable energy, minimising waste products and conserving natural resources when delivering base services.

“I also encourage small and medium-sized businesses, Indigenous businesses, as well as social and veteran enterprises to consider becoming part of the supply chain supporting our bases.

“Base services provide significant employment opportunities, contributing to a strong and resilient domestic Defence industry.”

Current contracts for base services are due to expire in mid-2024.

Industry can go to AusTender for more information.