Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 1
OFFICIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC OF THE DAY: LAND 400 Phase 3 - Infantry Fighting Vehicle
KEY MESSAGES
⋅ There has been increased media interest in LAND 400 Phase 3 as the project
approaches anticipated Government consideration, and how any decision
may be influenced by the recently announced Defence Strategic Review.
⋅ The requirement for a relevant and credible capability that affords the best
chance of mission success and protects Australian soldiers has not changed.
⋅ The current M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier, which was first introduced
into service in 1965, is obsolete and not fit-for-purpose against threats which
are prevalent in our region. It has reached the limits of its ability to be
enhanced, and must be replaced.
⋅ The Infantry Fighting Vehicle will provide soldiers with a modern
close combat vehicle with improved survivability, lethality and
communications, allowing Army to sustain mounted combat operations
against emerging and future threats, as part of the joint force.
⋅ LAND 400 Phase 3 remains subject to a live tender process. It would not be
appropriate to comment further on the project at this time.
MEDIA
Date
Outlet
Reporting
31 August 2022 The Advocate
Our soldiers shouldn’t be sold short.
30 August 2022 ABC
Concern of funding cut.
15 August 2022 Geelong Advertiser
Review won’t stop Land 400.
Lead Division
Contact: MAJGEN Jeremy King
Phone: s22
Division: Land Capability Division
Action Officer: s47E(d)
Date first prepared: 06 September 2022
Date last Updated: s22
Originating Source: Dept of Defence
Contributing Division/s
Contact: s47E(d)
Phone: s22
Division: AS Armoured Fighting Vehicles (CASG)
Action Officer: s47E(d)
Date first prepared: 06 September 2022
Date last Updated: s22
-
QB22-000232
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 2
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Australia's Future Submarine Capability
ISSUE/S OF THE DAY
In the 12 months since the announcement of AUKUS, the resolve of Australia,
the UK and the US has only strengthened as the strategic environment has
continued to deteriorate.
Nuclear-powered submarines will help secure Australia and our economic
prosperity for the decades ahead.
The work of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce will determine which
platform Australia will acquire. This will inform when Australia can acquire it
and whether there will be a capability gap (and the nature of any gap).
[Information relating to AUKUS Advanced Capabilities refer to QB22-000153]
Nuclear-Powered Submarines
⋅ The optimal pathway is taking shape.
◦ AUKUS partners are on track for an announcement early next year, there
is a significant amount of work underway to meet that timeframe.
◦ I met with principals from the UK and US recently when they were in
Canberra continuing to assess the options for our optimal pathway.
◦ The fact that senior leads from the UK and US are investing significant
amounts of time to progress our work under AUKUS is testament to the
trilateral resolve to deliver Australian nuclear-powered submarines.
◦ As AUKUS leaders said in their statement of 24 September, ‘we are
steadfast in our commitment to Australia acquiring this capability at the
earliest possible date’.
⋅ The Government is focused on creating a better future for all Australians.
⋅ To create this future we must secure our nation and our economic prosperity.
⋅ It is important to remember we are a maritime nation.
◦ We rely on international trade for our economic prosperity and on
multiple seabed cables to connect us to the global trading system.
The closing or blocking of sea lanes would have a critical impact on our
economy and security, disrupting our ability to receive essential goods
such as fuel and medicines and our ability to export to international
markets.
⋅ We must continue to evolve our military forces to ensure our people and
economy remain secure.
QB22-000198
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 2
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Australia's Future Submarine Capability
◦ Nuclear-powered submarines will help us achieve this security.
◦ They are harder to detect, can deploy for longer and travel faster.
◦ They will put the greatest question in the minds of our adversaries.
⋅ Acquiring nuclear-powered submarines is not just an investment in the
Australian Defence Force. It is an investment in our economic and national
security.
If Asked: Will the first nuclear powered submarines be built overseas?
⋅ We are a year into the 18-month consultation period to identify the optimal
pathway to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
⋅ As I have said determining how quickly Australia can acquire nuclear-
powered submarines is a key element of this work.
⋅ No decisions have been made, however we continue to make significant
progress across the full suite of requirements that underpin the delivery of
this capability.
If Asked: What does this mean for SA Shipbuilding jobs?
⋅ As I have said, we need to develop the industrial capacity to build a nuclear-
powered submarine capability in Australia.
◦ We also need to add to the combined industrial capacity of the three
AUKUS nations to ensure a timely, ongoing supply of nuclear-powered
submarines.
◦ This will result in significant opportunities for Australian businesses to
contribute to supply chains in Australia, the United Kingdom and the
United States.
◦ This work combined with the overall naval shipbuilding and sustainment
enterprise will see thousands of jobs created, from welding to advanced
manufacturing and hi-tech design.
If Asked: What progress has been made in Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-
powered submarines?
⋅ AUKUS partners are working hand in glove to identify the optimal pathway
for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
◦ What we are doing is genuinely a trilateral effort.
⋅ Work is progressing rapidly.
⋅ We recognise the decisions we will be making will not just be about which
boat we will acquire.
QB22-000198
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 2
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Australia's Future Submarine Capability
⋅ We are also considering how we build our industrial base, supply chains and
workforce to support this capability.
⋅ While in the UK I also announced that Australian submariners would be
training alongside Royal Navy crews.
◦ This is an important step allowing us to further strengthen our defence
ties and provide opportunities for Australian submariners to gain
experience stewarding the nuclear technology on board these boats.
If Asked: What is the Government doing to ensure Australia’s acquisition of
nuclear-powered submarines doesn’t undermine the Nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty?
⋅ AUKUS partners are working together, in close consultation with the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to develop a rigorous non-
proliferation approach for Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered
submarines that is fully consistent with our international nuclear non-
proliferation obligations.
⋅ Non-proliferation was a condition of our [Labor] party’s support for AUKUS
from the outset. Having visited the United States and United Kingdom
recently, it is clearly fundamentally important to our AUKUS partners as
well.
◦ This was reiterated in the recent joint leader’s statement, “We remain
committed to ensuring the highest level of nuclear safety, security, and
stewardship in this endeavour.”
⋅ I met with Director General Grossi during his visit to Australia. He was
reassured by Australia’s unwavering commitment to non-proliferation and
was confident that AUKUS partners and the IAEA would be able to reach a
successful outcome that will safeguard nuclear material and uphold the basic
principle of preventing nuclear weapons proliferation.
⋅ In his September report on IAEA safeguards in relation to AUKUS, Director
General Rafael Grossi confirmed his satisfaction with the AUKUS partners’
engagement.
◦ reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to ensuring that the highest non-
proliferation and safeguards standards will be met, and
◦ noted that Australia has consistently complied with its reporting
obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and
Additional Protocol.
QB22-000198
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 2
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Australia's Future Submarine Capability
⋅ The government has been very clear that Australia does not and will not seek
nuclear weapons.
If asked: Why has the Government not made any announcements yet about
the boat Australia will be acquiring?
⋅ The Government is engaging in confidential and sensitive discussions with
our AUKUS partners and will not comment on these discussions.
⋅ The work of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce is progressing
rapidly. No decisions have been made.
⋅ It is important that we develop the capability to build nuclear-powered
submarines in Australia.
◦ We must also build opportunities to contribute to the industrial base of
our AUKUS partners.
⋅ I will consider the full suite of issues and options involved in the transition to
Australian nuclear-powered submarines, including the continuity of a
submarine-based capability throughout the period.
⋅ These are complex issues with many interdependencies. Our pathway to
nuclear-powered submarines must include considerations such as:
◦ continuing to uphold the highest non-proliferation standards;
◦ establishing and maintaining rigorous nuclear safety, security and
regulatory standards; and
◦ ensuring industrial and workforce readiness to support our current and
future submarines.
Collins class LOTE
⋅ The Collins class submarine remains one of the most capable conventional
submarines in the world.
⋅ Collins class submarines provide a potent and agile capability, specifically
designed to meet Australia’s operational requirements.
⋅ The life-of-type extension docking is planned to commence in 2026 at
Osborne North in South Australia.
◦ This life-of-type extension docking will involve a combination of
ongoing sustainment, selected capability enhancements, and selected life-
of-type extension activities.
QB22-000198
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 2
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Australia's Future Submarine Capability
◦ The life-of-type extension aims to keep the Collins class submarines
operationally capable and available throughout the 2030s and into the
2040s.
⋅ The planned Collins Class life-of-type extension into the 2040’s supports
continuity of Australia’s submarine capability as we transition to the
nuclear-powered submarines.
Future East Coast Navy Base
⋅ A future Navy base will be built on Australia’s east coast, increasing
Australia’s ability to support submarines and other undersea warfare
capabilities on both the east and west coasts.
⋅ Port Kembla and, the ports of Newcastle and Brisbane were identified as the
three preferred sites following a Defence review of 19 potential sites.
⋅ The 3 sites were shortlisted based on submarine basing criteria, which
include: reasonable proximity to exercise operating areas; close to sufficient
industrial infrastructure; and proximity to significant population centres to
support personnel and recruitment.
⋅ Defence is engaging with the New South Wales and Queensland
Governments to determine the feasibility of the sites and recommend an
optimal site, which will be informed by the work of the Nuclear Powered
Submarine Taskforce.
⋅ Outcomes from the feasibility work will be reported to Government by
Quarter 3 2023.
BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGY
⋅ The Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS was made on 15 September 2021.
⋅ A
Readout of the AUKUS Joint Steering Group Meetings held between 25
and 29 July has been published by the US, UK and Australia.
MEDIA
Date
Outlet
Reporting
26 September
ABC News
SA Premier says Australian government has
2022
'reassured' him nuclear submarines will be built in
Adelaide
26 September
Michael West AUKUS was a tough sell already, and now it seems
2022
local industry will miss out
QB22-000198
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 3
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Strategic Review, including Defence Industry
Development Strategy
ISSUE/S OF THE DAY
⋅ The Government is committed to a careful assessment of Australia’s
strategic environment and delivering the required Defence capability and
posture.
⋅ The Defence Strategic Review will ensure we have the appropriate force
structure and that
our equipment and our people are best positioned to
respond to rapidly changing strategic requirements.
⋅ The Government is also committed to delivering a new Defence Industry
Development Strategy to optimise opportunities for Australian businesses
in providing the capabilities the Australian Defence Force (ADF) requires.
⋅ This strategy will be guided by, and closely aligned, with the Defence
Strategic Review, to provide clarity and direction on how industry and
government will interact to deliver on the recommendations of the Review.
If asked about the Defence Strategic Review
⋅ The Defence Strategic Review will consider the priority of investment in
Defence capabilities and assess the Australian Defence Force's structure,
posture and preparedness in order to optimise Defence capability and posture
to meet the nation's security challenges over the next decade and beyond.
⋅ The Defence Strategic Review will ensure that Defence’s capability and
force structure is fit for purpose, affordable and delivers the greatest return
on investment.
⋅ The Review’s Independent Leads Professor Stephen Smith and Sir Angus
Houston will provide me with an update on the Review’s progress on 1
November and will submit the Review and its recommendations to
Government for consideration in early 2023.
⋅ Australia has always worked to ensure a stable, prosperous and secure
Indo Pacific.
⋅ Increasingly, that will require being better able to deter conflict, and in
the worst case scenarios, defend ourselves, sustain our operations, and
increase the cost for aggressors who are acting against our shared
interests.
QB22-000190
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 3
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Strategic Review, including Defence Industry
Development Strategy
⋅ We want to promote transparency, accountability, predictability, and
stability, not inflame an arms race in the region.
If asked about the Defence Industry Development Strategy
⋅ The Government is developing a strategy to support defence industry within
Australia that will deliver policies and plans to optimise local content, and
build up the skills and expertise of the Australian workforce.
⋅ We need a sovereign industrial base to grow our self-reliance and leverage
our close allies and partners’ technology and industrial base, to their benefit
as well as ours.
⋅ Diversification of an allied industrial base helps strengthen supply chain
resilience and increase output.
⋅ We will ensure transparent public disclosure of Australian Industry
Capability and Australian Contract Expenditure commitments.
◦ Appropriate contract measures will be built in from the beginning to
enable auditing through the supply chain and to deal with breaches of
these commitments.
If raised: What is the impact of the worsening economic circumstances on
planned Defence investments?
⋅ This will be considered in the Review.
⋅ Government’s investments in Defence are considered over the long term in
order to weather economic cycles.
If asked: Will the Defence Strategic Review mean a delay to Defence
acquisitions?
⋅ The Defence Strategic Review will consider the priority of investment in
Defence capabilities and assess the Australian Defence Force's structure. It
is appropriate to consider all of these decisions together as part of the
Review. The Defence Strategic Review will ensure we have the appropriate
force structure and that
our equipment and our people are best positioned to
respond to rapidly changing strategic requirements.
QB22-000190
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 3
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Strategic Review, including Defence Industry
Development Strategy
If raised: Who are the Independent Leads engaging with as part of the
Review?
⋅ The Independent Leads are engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and
experts including senior government officials, Defence Industry, national
security think tanks, states, territories and key individuals as part of the
Review.
⋅ Interested parties are invited to contribute to the Defence Strategic Review
via the Defence website (
https://www.defence.gov.au/).
If raised: What is the relationship between the Review and the planned
acquisition of nuclear powered submarines?
⋅ The Defence Strategic Review will run concurrently with the work of the
Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce, which is working closely with the
UK and US over 18 months, to March 2023, to identify the optimal pathway
for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGY
⋅ Defence is directly assisting Australian small and medium businesses to join
our sovereign defence industrial base.
⋅ For industrial capabilities to be sovereign, we must have the ability to have
access to, or control over, the essential skills, technology, intellectual
property, financial resources, and infrastructure underpinning these industrial
capabilities.
⋅ The Government has committed to a Defence Strategic Review, a significant
undertaking that holistically looks at how the Australian Defence Force
assets and personnel are positioned to deal with the current and future
strategic circumstances for Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.
⋅ The Government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy will logically
underpin the Defence Force Posture Review.
⋅ The last ADF Posture Review was completed in 2012 and made
recommendations to enhance the ADF’s force posture and readiness.
QB22-000190
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 3
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Strategic Review, including Defence Industry
Development Strategy
MEDIA
Date
Outlet
Reporting
28
The Australian
Honeymoon over, it’s business time for Anthony Albanese
September
The Prime Minister's postelection honeymoon and polling
2022
support will be put to the test as the federal government
responds to a growing list of demands and pressure points.
26
The West
SA premier seeks answers over submarines An interim
September
Australian
report on Australia's military capabilities and a timeline for
2022
nuclear submarines are expected to be provided to Mr
Marles in November.
The final recommendations are expected to be handed
down in March next year.
26
ABC News
SA Premier says Australian government has 'reassured'
September
him nuclear submarines will be built in Adelaide How
2022
Australia will bridge its defence capability gap is the
subject of the
Defence Strategic Review, led by former
defence minister Stephen Smith and former Chief of the
Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston.
The review will be handed down in March next year.
25
SBS One
SBS World News: Deputy Prime Minister Confirms Interim
September
Australia
Report Richard Marles confirming an interim report into
2022
(Transcript)
Australia’s Defence capability will be delivered to the
government in November, as the timeline into Australia's
acquisition of nuclear powered submarines is also drafted.
24
The Mandarin
Australia has just three years to prepare for war, say
September
experts The review faces a number of crucial tests but the
2022
most important, they say, is whether Australia will be a
more resilient and therefore a more secure nation as a
result.
23
ADPR
OPINION: Indecision risks sovereign capability Behind
September
the fanfare of the recently announced
Defence Strategic
2022
Review, is hundreds of SMEs who have now effectively
been told to ‘stand by’ and wait in case they are needed,
highlighting that Labor do not have the slightest
understanding of the fundamentals of business, particularly
those supporting our Defence forces.
QB22-000190
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 3
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Strategic Review, including Defence Industry
Development Strategy
21
The Mandarin
Apocalypse soon? Reimagining Defence policy in the fight
September
against catastrophe. Sian Phillips and Nicholas Campton-
2022
Smith ask whether contemporary defence planning is
prepared for the accelerating climate crisis and its
compounding impacts on military preparedness.
21
The Mandarin
Fuel security concerns endanger Australia’s defensive
September
capabilities Max Blenkin reports on Australia’s fuel
2022
supply.
John Blackburn, former deputy RAAF chief says
He hopes some good may come from the
Defence Strategic
Review commissioned by the Labor government in August
for delivery by March
.
21
The Mandarin
Defending Australia means making tough strategic choices
September
The
Defence Strategic Review must determine the
2022
capabilities required to allow the Australian Defence Force
to deter an aggressor and fight and win future wars. Time
is running out. Tough decisions will be needed on where
cuts to military hardware will come from to pay for it all.
21
The Mandarin
Australia has just three years to prepare for war, say
September
experts Ian McPhedron writes that the peacetime concept
2022
that Australia would have 10 years’ advance warning of
war is finished. The new reality is more like a timeframe of
three to five years, according to some of Australia’s top
defence experts.
14
ASPI
The certainty of uncertainty: why Australia needs a
September
flexibile defence force. Shane Caughey says that a key task
2022
for those carrying out the government’s
defence strategic
review is to consider the ability of the Australian Defence
Force to engage in a high-intensity, state-on-state conflict
in our region.
8 September ASPI
Australia must prepare for the infrastructure and logistics
2022
impacts of military conflict. David Beaumont. Access to
supply chains and civilian resources also influences where
forces are based and prepared. If the defence strategic
review orients force posture to Australia’s north, an in-
depth conversation about what infrastructure is required for
military forces must follow.
QB22-000190
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 3
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Strategic Review, including Defence Industry
Development Strategy
5 September Hansard –
Andrew Hastie MP called on the Government to note that
2022
House of
the 2020 Defence Strategic Update makes clear that
Representatives Australia's strategic environment has deteriorated rapid and
guarantee that there will be no cuts to spending on defence,
or defence projects as a result of the Government's
promised 'Force Posture review'.
31 August
Triple M
Interview with Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence
2022
Townsville
Phillip Thompson on Blackhawks. Mr Thompson states
that soldiers need a reliable helicopter that will be used for
humanitarian training as well as combat operations, and we
haven't had a reliable helicopter for some years.
30 August
ASPI
Budgets, the economy and the Defence Strategic Review.
Rob Bourke. Suggests questions that the DSR and its
recommendations should address.
27 August
The Australian
More firepower on Australian Defence Force shopping
2022
list- Ben Packham. Talks to the release of the final report
of the DSR in Feb 2023, including capability being
considered.
27 August
The Australian
Embracing the Defence challenge – Editorial. Discusses
2022
the framing of the DSR around the regional fallout from a
potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
27 August
The Australian
Timeline for Defence Force review accelerated by
2022
circumstance. Greg Shridan talks about the delivery of the
DSR in Feb 2023
27 August
WA Today
‘We need to be a porcupine’: Marles says Australia must
2022
project lethal force Matthew Knott report on the DPM’s
view that Australia must turn itself into a “porcupine”
island fortified with enough lethal weaponry to deter an
attack from a hostile rival.
25 August
ASPI
Defence strategic review must go boldly into space-
2022
Malcolm Davis suggests that the DSR must, at a minimum,
recommend fast acquisition of space capability with an
emphasis on locally developed and manufactured small
and medium satellites to support long-range responsive
strike and other missions.
QB22-000190
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 3
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Strategic Review, including Defence Industry
Development Strategy
Lead Division
Contact: Gabrielle Burrell
Phone: s22
/ s47E(d)
Division: FAS Force Posture Review
Action Officer: Amy Hawkins
Date first prepared: 29 August 2022
Date last Updated: s22
Originating Source: MO
QB22-000190
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 4
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Spending, Delivery and Projects of Concern
ISSUE/S OF THE DAY
⋅
Rising inflation rates in Australia and overseas is a factor Government
agencies consider as part of normal planning and management.
⋅
The Government is committed to a careful assessment of Australia’s
strategic environment and delivering the required Defence capability and
posture. An independently led Defence Strategic Review (the Review) is
scheduled for completion early next year.
⋅
Defence is committed to delivering the right capabilities at the right time
and the impact of rising costs is a consideration that will be taken into
account as part of this review.
⋅
Of the158 major capability acquisition projects currently underway, there
are two Projects of Concern - the Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH-90
Taipan) and Deployable Defence Air Traffic Management and Control
System.
⋅
The Multi-Role Helicopter Taipan (MRH-90) continues to have both
availability and cost of ownership issues.
⋅
The Deployable Defence Air Traffic Management and Control System
project has achieved the agreed criteria to consider removal from the
Projects of Concern list.
⋅ The funding line established in the
2016 Defence White Paper, and updated
in the
2020 Defence Strategic Update, provides for long-term growth in
Defence funding and takes into account factors including the long term GDP
growth rate projected by Treasury at the time.
⋅ Defence applies a Force Design process to regularly review its force
structure and associated Integrated Investment Program (IIP) planning,
ensuring ongoing alignment of strategy, capability and resources, and
Government priorities.
⋅ At points in time, the actual rate of inflation will inevitably be lower or
higher than the long term assumption.
QB22-000224
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 4
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Spending, Delivery and Projects of Concern
If asked: Why is Defence replacing the MRH90 Taipan helicopter?
⋅ Defence forecasts continued high costs, risks and issues associated with
operation of the MRH90 Taipan utility helicopter that, in aggregate, severely
constrain the utility helicopter capability.
⋅ As a result, the Royal Australian Navy will acquire a fleet of 12 MH-60R
Seahawk Romeo helicopters to replace its fleet of MRH90 Taipans, and the
Government will soon consider the replacement of Army’s fleet of MRH90
Taipans with the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter
If asked: How will the
Black Hawks meet the operating requirements of Army compared to
MRH90?
⋅ The UH-60M Black Hawk is equipped to operate by day and by night and
has routinely done so in demanding battlefield conditions. Australia has
extensive experience in operating Black Hawks in our region.
⋅ The UH-60M Black Hawk is equipped to operate by day and by night and
has routinely done so in demanding battlefield conditions.
If asked: How much does the spending blow out to in total and can we really
afford it?
⋅
Defence, through the IIP, has a robust and considered processes to manage
pressures, including fluctuations in inflation rates.
⋅
The IIP is complex and actively managed to reflect dynamic Government
strategic and domestic Defence capability priorities. Government considers
the IIP bi-annually to address these changes.
If asked: What is the impact – will projects be scrapped because of
inflationary issues?
⋅ Government’s investments in Defence are considered over the long term in
order to weather economic cycles.
⋅ Decisions on projects are made as part of a robust process that takes into
account a range of factors, affordability is one of these.
⋅ Like all agencies, Defence works within the funding allocation provided by
Government and prioritises activities to achieve outcomes.
⋅ An independently led Defence Strategic Review (the Review) is scheduled
for completion early next year.
QB22-000224
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 4
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Defence Spending, Delivery and Projects of Concern
⋅ The Review must outline funding needs to 2032-33 to ensure longer term
strategic investments are progressed. Inflationary pressures will be
considered in the Review.
If asked: What impact has industrial action had on major projects?
⋅ Industrial action by BAE Systems Maritime Australia’s production personnel
has not caused delays to our critical assets.
BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGY
⋅
The Projects of Concern framework was established in 2008 and continues
to be a successful management tool for remediating difficult projects.
⋅
Since 2008, 24 acquisition projects and one sustainment product have been
managed as Projects/Products of Concern. Of the cumulative 25 projects
and products – 2 remain under active management, 2 have been cancelled
and 21 have been successfully remediated.
⋅
The last Projects of Concern Summit was held on 4 December 2020.
⋅
Defence continues to report on the number of Projects of Concern through
the various public reports, and provides an official statement on their status
to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
at a private briefing held ahead of each Estimates hearing.
MEDIA
Date
Outlet
Reporting
01 August
The
Th
e article describes the potential impact of rising inflation
2022
Australian
on the Defence Integrated Investment Program that risks a
$2b per year reduction in buying power.
12 June 2022 Eurasian
The
article discusses Norway’s decision to terminate its
Times
acquisition of 14 NH90 medium-lift helicopters from the
Airbus-led Consortium, NATO Helicopter Industries.
9 May 2022
Flight Global The
article discusses the purchase of 13 additional MH-60R
anti-submarine warfare helicopters, and retirement of the
MRH-90 from Royal Australian Navy service.
QB22-000224
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
OFFICIAL
Document 5
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Navy Capability (Shipbuilding, Hunter Class Frigates and Attack
Class)
ISSUE/S OF THE DAY
The Government is committed to delivering a formidable and agile
Australian Defence Force to protect Australia and contribute to the stability
and security of our region.
As a three-ocean nation dependent on seaborne international trade,
Australia requires cutting-edge naval capabilities. A strong, vibrant and
sovereign naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry is absolutely vital to
underpin the Government’s national security objectives and will be an
enduring strategic asset for Australia.
Defence has accelerated the acquisition and development of a number of
advanced technologies and capabilities to modernise our naval fleet, and to
enhance interoperability with our allies and partners.
The Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding and
sustainment in Australia will support at least 15,000 Australian jobs by
2030 – 10,000 direct plus 5,000 in the supply chain.
BAE Systems Maritime Australia will commence work on the first of four
enhanced prototyping blocks by May 2023 – these blocks will be used in
the first Hunter class frigate. This ship will be delivered in 2031, with
follow-on ships to be delivered on a 20-month drumbeat. Ship nine is
expected to be delivered in 2044, consistent with the original schedule.
If asked about a capability gap?
The first Hunter class frigate will be delivered in late 2031 and the ninth ship
in 2044, ensuring there will be no ‘capability gap.’ Defence will undertake
an extensive upgrade program of the Anzac class frigates and Hobart class
destroyers to enhance their potency and maximise their availability ahead of
the delivery of the Hunter class frigates.
Collins class submarine life-of-type extension dockings are currently on
schedule to commence as planned in 2026.
◦ These dockings will include a combination of ongoing sustainment,
selected capability enhancements, and dedicated life-of-type extension
activities.
QB22-000228
Defence FOI 197/22/23
OFFICIAL
Document 5
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Navy Capability (Shipbuilding, Hunter Class Frigates and Attack
Class)
◦ The life-of-type extension aims to keep these submarines operationally
capable and available throughout the 2030s and well into the 2040s.
◦ The planned Collins class life-of-type extension into the 2040s supports
continuity of Australia’s submarine capability as we transition to the
nuclear-powered submarines.
The Government is committed to an independently led Defence Strategic
Review. This review will provide the opportunity to consider options to
address any potential emerging capability gaps across the full range of
maritime capabilities.
If asked about sovereign capability?
The Government is committed to building a sovereign industry capable of
supporting Australia’s naval shipbuilding and sustainment requirements for
the long term. This capability will be realised over the coming decade, and in
the interim, the Government will balance the need to deliver capability to the
ADF in the short term, including through direct acquisition overseas, with
the requirement for long-term self-sufficiency in both acquisition and
sustainment of maritime platforms and capability.
The keel was laid for the fifth Arafura class offshore patrol vessel at
Henderson last Friday (23 September), demonstrating continuing progress in
sovereign shipbuilding in the west. After acceptance into naval service in
late 2024, this ship will be commissioned as HMAS
Illawarra.
If asked about the Naval Group settlement?
The Australian Government has settled with Naval Group to conclude the
Attack class submarine program. The settlement, agreed by both parties to
be fair and equitable, was €555 million (around $830 million).
The total expenditure for the Attack class submarine program (SEA1000
Phase 1B) is $3.384 billion (including $2.20 billion to Naval Group and
$437.1 million to Lockheed Martin Australia).
Now that the matter is resolved, we are moving forward with our
relationship with France.
QB22-000228
Defence FOI 197/22/23
OFFICIAL
Document 5
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Navy Capability (Shipbuilding, Hunter Class Frigates and Attack
Class)
BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGY
The naval shipbuilding and sustainment enterprise is currently facilitating the
delivery of:
Nuclear-powered submarines
Hunter class frigates
Arafura class offshore patrol vessels
Evolved Cape class patrol boats
Accelerated acquisition and development of advanced technologies and
capabilities:
Tomahawk Land Attack Missile for deployment in destroyers.
Naval Strike Missile for deployment in destroyers and frigates.
Sea mines for offensive and defensive mining.
Modernising mine-countermeasure and military survey systems.
12 additional MH-60R Seahawk helicopters delivered 2025/26.
Acquisition of the S-100 Camcopter un-crewed aerial system
(deliveries from late 2022).
The newly arrived Pacific support vessel ADV
Reliant, will be the
cornerstone of Pacific presence and engagement activities.
Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems to develop Australia’s
wide area surveillance capability via our AUKUS collaboration.
Autonomous systems, including prototyping a range of sovereign
un-crewed underwater vehicles.
Upgrades to the current Fleet will bolster Defence’s naval power:
Three amphibious ships (HMA ships
Adelaide, Canberra and
Choules) are undergoing upgrades to combat, sensor, aviation,
communications and navigation systems;
MH-60Rs will continue to be upgraded to maintain commonality and
interoperability with the US Navy;
Upgrade to destroyers to enable use of next generation weapons;
QB22-000228
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 5
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Bolster Defence's Naval Power (including Shipbuilding, Hunter
Class Frigates and Attack Class contract settlement)
ATTACHMENT A – MEDIA
Date
Outlet
Reporting
6 Sep 2022
The Mandarin
The Navy activating a specialist deep-water relief and
logistics vessel for deployment to the region ahead of the
annual cyclone season.
Navy raises flag on Pacific cyclone relief ship Reliant
5 Sep 2022
The
Aussie Sailors training on nuclear submarines
Australian
Aussie Sailors training on nuclear submarines
(streem.com.au)
31 Aug 2022 Australian
We’ll get $45b future frigates into the water on time, Marles
Financial
vows
Review
We’ll get $45b future frigates into the water on time, Marles
vows (afr.com)
29 Aug 2022 Australian
Senior defence officials are unconvinced by a Spanish offer to
Financial
build extra destroyers, as rival shipbuilder outlines plans to
Review
peg back delays to frigate contract.
Troubled $45b future frigate project starts turnaround
29 Aug 2022 Herald Sun
Construction of the $45bn Hunter-class frigates will begin in
Adelaide 13 months earlier than expected, as shipbuilders
BAE Systems claw back major ground on the delayed project.
BAE Systems claws back major ground in delayed Hunter
class frigate program
25 Aug 2022 The
Firing the first shots in new ship build war
Advertiser
Firing the first shots in new ship build war (streem.com.au)
25 Aug 2022 The
A naval plan worth considering
Australian
A naval plan worth considering (streem.com.au)
11 Aug 2022 Australian
Australia’s new fleet of patrol boats could be “upgunned”
Financial
and given a more prominent role with the navy….
Review
QB22-000228
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 5
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Bolster Defence's Naval Power (including Shipbuilding, Hunter
Class Frigates and Attack Class contract settlement)
Australia up against biggest military build-up since WWII,
says Marles
04 Aug 2022 Australian
‘Another inquiry is nice, but real action is needed’
Financial
Review
Another inquiry is nice, but real action is needed
(streem.com.au)
04 Aug 2022 The
Albanese defends Smith for review
Australian
Albanese defends Smith for review (streem.com.au)
03 Aug 2022 ASPI
Australia’s recent change of government provides a useful
opportunity to reflect on the problems of the South China
Sea and the way ahead for our national policies.
Australia must speak carefully and carry a big enough stick
in the South China Sea
03 Aug 2022 Defence
The shadow defence minister has flagged the potential
Connect
overhaul of major defence capability projects following the
Albanese government’s launch of a new Defence Strategic
Review.
Opposition fears defence project cull amid new review
03 Aug 2022 The Sydney
Australians will be warned of the risk of state-on-state
Morning
conflict in an urgent review of the nation's defence amid
Herald
fears that $44.6 billion in annual spending is not doing
enough to prepare the country for growing threats to its
security.
Marles calls in experts to plug gaps in defence
03 Aug 2022 The
Strategic review to plot Defence blueprint for a decade
Australian
Revealed: overhaul of Defence
02 Aug 2022 ABC News
Former defence minister Stephen Smith will join retired Air
Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston in conducting the first
review of Defence Force structure in a decade.
Australia’s military structure, preparedness and
investments to be reviewed for the first time in a decade
QB22-000228
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 5
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Bolster Defence's Naval Power (including Shipbuilding, Hunter
Class Frigates and Attack Class contract settlement)
02 Aug 2022 APDR
ASC has launched registrations for its New Supplier Forum
2022, a free online event which will assist more Australian
businesses to enter the defence industry and work on
submarine programs.
ASC launches New Supplier Forum 2022 to grow local
supply chain for Collins Class submarine programs
02 Aug 2022
Australian
Some planned defence acquisitions could be axed, new
Financial
projects given funding and troops shifted across the country
Review
under a sweeping review into the Australian Defence Force
led by former defence minister Stephen Smith and former
military chief Angus Houston.
Projects could be cut under sweeping defence review
02 Aug 2022 The
ASC is on the hunt for local suppliers to support its
Advertiser
submarine programs, offering the chance to share in $200m
worth of work handed to Australian companies each year.
ASC looks to local suppliers
01 Aug 2022 The
Soaring inflation is driving down the buying power of
Australian
Australia‘s $48bn-a-year defence budget, threatening a
$2bn-a-year acquisition and sustainment squeeze amid the
worst strategic circumstances in a generation.
Inflation spike shooting down defence drive
31 Jul 2022
The Age
The head of the British armed forces says he is envious that
Australia doesn't have to suffer the problems his country is
facing in the construction of warships promised in a $44
billion program between the two nations.
Ship’s ‘teething problems’ good for Australia, says UK
admiral
30 Jul 2022
The Canberra
UK admits glitch in Aus warship project
Times
UK admits glitch in Aus warship project | The Canberra
Times | Canberra, ACT
QB22-000228
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 5
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Bolster Defence's Naval Power (including Shipbuilding, Hunter
Class Frigates and Attack Class contract settlement)
30 Jul 2022
ABC
Admiral Radakin (UK CDS) on Type 26 program
UK defence chief confident Australia's multi-billion-dollar,
British-designed warships are on track, despite 'teething
problems' - ABC News
29 Jul 2022
Defence
iXblue and ECA Group have combined to showcase
Connect
undersea tracking technology before naval representatives
in Europe.
iXblue, ECA Group demonstrate subsea tracking capability
29 Jul 2022
Australian
The militant MUA is trying to expand its membership into
Financial
the multibillion-dollar naval shipbuilding industry, raising
Review
national security concerns.
Maritime union tries to wedge its way into shipbuilding
sector
28 Jul 2022
The
Sacked by Facebook, VR pioneer eyes its engineers
Australian
27 Jul 2022
ASPI
Australia’s force posture review is a much bigger deal than
the name suggests
26 Jul 2022
Defence
What interim solutions should Canberra explore ahead of
Connect
the delivery of the Royal Australian Navy’s future SSN
fleet?
How can Australia bridge the SSN capability gap?
26 Jul 2022
Baird
OPINION | How to bridge the capability gap in Australia’s
Maritime
transition to nuclear-powered submarines
22 Jul 2022
The
Stopgap subs may be needed, says US security chief.
Australian
AUKUS ‘much more than subs'.
Stopgap subs may be needed, says US security chief
22 Jul 2022
Australian
Austal Limited has announced the Department of Defence
Manufacturing will order an additional two Evolved Cape-class Patrol
Technology
Boats (ECCPB’s) for the Royal Australian Navy, for
Magazine
$124m.
Cape-class Patrol boats to be built Henderson
QB22-000228
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 5
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Bolster Defence's Naval Power (including Shipbuilding, Hunter
Class Frigates and Attack Class contract settlement)
21 Jul 2022
ASPI
How to bridge the capability gap in Australia’s transition to
nuclear-powered submarines
21 Jul 2022
ASPI
Marles’s focus for the US–Australia alliance: integrate,
integrate, integrate
16 Jul 2022
The Sydney
To buy or not to buy: government considers $44b frigate
Morning
program
Herald
Royal Australian Navy: Spain’s Navantia pitches to supply
three warships by end of 2030 (smh.com.au)
03 Jul 2022
The Age
Quotes President Macron stating ‘we will speak about the
future, not the past’.
Australia and France once more embrace in Fraternity
01 Jul 2022
The
Quotes the Prime Minister stating “my objective here isn’t
Australian
to get the relationship back to where it was, my objective is
to strengthen the relationship going forward”.
French reset ‘to open new doors’
22 Jun 2022
The
There have been numerous reports in the media and
Conversation
commentaries regarding the Hunter class program, citing
design, weight issues, safety, speed and endurance issues.
The most recent was:
https://theconversation.com/does-australia-need-interim-
submarines-to-tide-it-over-until-nuclear-boats-arrive-a-
defence-expert-explains-185300
13 Jun 2022
The
Reports on Deputy Prime Minister’s response to comments
Australian
by the Shadow Minister for Defence about the settlement
with Naval Group.
Marles sinks in the boot over subs
12 Jun 2022
ABC News
Reports on the Prime Minister’s announcement of the
settlement with Naval Group and quotes the Shadow
Minister for Defence, The Hon. Andrew Hastie MP, stating
the former Government had been “aiming for a significantly
lower figure”.
'Champagne corks popping' after Australia's $830 million
French submarine compensation payment
QB22-000228
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 5
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Bolster Defence's Naval Power (including Shipbuilding, Hunter
Class Frigates and Attack Class contract settlement)
31 May 2022 The
Reports on the settlement of the Attack class contract with
Australian
Lockheed Martin Australia and quotes a Lockheed Martin
Australia spokesperson stating “there is not settlement
amount associated with the finalisation of the contract”.
Lockheed Martin retains workforce as it exits submarine
deal
QB22-000228
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 6
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Status of LAND projects in pipeline/pre-decisional
ISSUE/S OF THE DAY
⋅ We are committed to delivering a formidable and agile Australian Defence
Force to protect Australia and contribute to the stability and security of our
region. This includes ensuring Army has the right capabilities, delivered on
time.
If asked on the status of pre-decisional projects currently being progressed by
Army for Government consideration:
⋅ Over the next 18 months, 11 major Army projects will be brought forward
for Government consideration.
⋅ This includes a number of significant decisions that are critical to Army’s
modernisation. These include Combined Arms Fighting System, Long Range
Fires capability, Battlefield Aviation, Battlefield Communication Systems.
⋅ The Defence Strategic Review is undertaking important work and we will
continue to balance this vital review with capability modernisation urgency.
If asked on the status of currently approved major acquisition activities
⋅ We are working to achieve agreed capability outcomes with Defence and
their industry partners as they manage acquisition and sustainment programs.
If asked on the status of any other projects or activities in the ‘pipeline’
⋅ A number of modernisation initiatives and projects are being progressed to
ensure our Army remains ‘Future Ready’.
⋅ These key capabilities include Long Range Fires, Protected Mobility
Modernisation, Electronic Warfare, Soldier Combat Systems, Logistic
Enablers, Littoral Manoeuvre, and Command and Control Systems, and are
due to be considered by Government from s47C
.
If asked about the status of the acquisition of Black Hawk helicopters
⋅ On 7 December 2021, a Letter of Request was provided to the US
Government for the acquisition of up to 40 UH-60M and associated services,
to replace the MRH90 Taipan fleet.
⋅ On 25 August 2022, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency
announced the approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of
UH-60M Back Hawk helicopters and related equipment.
QB22-000227
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 6
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Status of LAND projects in pipeline/pre-decisional
s47C
If asked about Slovenia scrap
ping the Boxer deal and seeking other vehicles
⋅ After a change of Government, the Slovenian Ministry of Defence
announced on 20 September 2022 they will cancel a €343.4 million deal to
purchase 45 Boxer armoured vehicles.
⋅ The cancellation was a result of the new Government’s assessment that an
additional 24 armoured vehicles would be required to meet Slovenian’s need
for a medium battalion battle group and that the contracted price did not
include all necessary equipment.
⋅ The Australian Boxer Program delivered through LAND 400 Phase 2
continues to meet Australia’s needs, and is not impacted by the Slovenian
Ministry of Defence decision.
BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGY
⋅ Within the Land Domain, Army is currently responsible for over 190
projects and products related to the delivery of Land and Joint Force
capability. These projects are in different stages ranging from pre-initiation,
through to delivery and sustainment.
⋅ A detailed summary of the status of each pre-decision and in-progress Land
Domain project is at Attachment A.
MEDIA
Date
Outlet
Reporting
20 September Defense News
Slovenia to scrap Boxer deal, seek other armored
2022
vehicles
29 August
Herald Sun
Land 400 to go ahead despite Defence Review, minister
2022
steps away to avoid conflict of interest
26 August
Defence
New grants program targets Hanwha supply chain
2022
Connect
QB22-000227
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 6
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC:Status of LAND projects in pipeline/pre-decisional
26 August
@AU
Hanwha opens new Australian head office
2022
Manufacturing
26 August
The National
Hanwha Defense Opens New Australian HQ In
2022
Tribune
Melbourne
25 August
Premier of
Strengthening Victoria’s Defence Supply Chain
2022
Victoria Media
Release
23 August
RiotACT
Army armoured vehicles project under review
2022
15 August
Manufacturers’
New funding to boost Victoria’s defence sector
2022
Monthly
5 August 2022 Defence
Hanwha hosts defence ministers at future production
Connect
facility
5 August 2022 Gold Coast
Australia deepens defence ties with South Korea
Bulletin
4 August 2022 The Australian
Richard Marles passes on infantry fighting vehicles
tender decision
3 August 2022 Geelong
Richard Marles softens on involvement in major
Advertiser
government decision worth bil ions
26 July 2022
Australian
Understanding Armour and why the IFV matters to
Defence
Australia
Magazine
21 July 2022
Defence
Local firm tapped for air defence radar project
Connect
19 July 2022
Australian
Raytheon Australia selected to deliver EW capability for
Manufacturing
ADF
19 July 2022
Army
Raytheon Australia to upgrade Thales Bushmaster
Recognition
Protected Mobility Vehicles with EW capability
18 July 2022
Contact
$75 mil ion upgrade for Bushmasters
QB22-000227
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 7
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Port of Darwin Review
ISSUE/S OF THE DAY
⋅ The Government is committed to conducting a review of the circumstances
of the Port of Darwin.
⋅ As both the Prime Minister and I have stated, the Government will be
reviewing the Port of Darwin lease.
BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGY
⋅ The previous government did not make any comments on its review process,
other than to say that the review process remained ongoing and that no
decision had been made
⋅ In 2015, the Northern Territory Government made the decision to lease the
Port of Darwin to Chinese company Landbridge Group. The lease remains
controversial and attracts significant media attention.
⋅ Under the arrangements in place at the time, the Commonwealth
Government was not required to approve the NT Government’s 2015 lease
of the commercial Port of Darwin to Landbridge.
⋅ In 2016, the
Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 was amended to
require the Foreign Investment Review Board to consider foreign
investments relating to state and territory government assets. Since then,
additional measures have been implemented to strengthen the foreign
investment framework. These measures do not apply retrospectively.
⋅ The Department of Defence, and other relevant agencies, contributed to a
review of the Port of Darwin lease in 2021. The findings were not released
by the former government.
⋅ Relevant agencies include the Department of The Prime Minister and
Cabinet, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of
Home Affairs, and members of the National Intelligence Community.
QB22-000148
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 7
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Port of Darwin Review
⋅ Defence interests in the Port of Darwin are covered by a robust governance
regime. This includes a legally-binding Deed of Licence with the
NT Government, signed on 13 May 2015. There is a range of options
available to the NT Government, including under the
NT Ports Management Act 2015, to enforce Landbridge’s obligations under
legislation and the lease.
⋅ Defence also has a general power to access the port facilities under the
Defence Act 1903, which provides for the Governor-General to do all things
necessary or desirable for the defence of the Commonwealth.
⋅ On 8 June 2022, the Prime Minister stated that the Government ‘will have a
review of the circumstances’ of the Port of Darwin.
⋅ On 22 August 2022, the Prime Minister stated that ‘I have said that we will
be reviewing the Darwin Port lease. I have asked for advice and when we
receive it we will make it public.’
MEDIA
Date
Outlet
Reporting
29 Aug 2022 ABC
Chinese-owned company Landbridge rejects 'myths and
mistruths' about Darwin Port lease – reports that a
Landbridge board member has stated that the Chinese
Government has ‘no input’ into the operations of the port
and that there is no need for another review. Also outlines
the effect that ‘uncertainty’ created by the reviews is having
on the company and foreign investor confidence.
24 Aug 2022 Australian
The new governments re-examines the Darwin port lease –
Chinese
translated from Chinese, reports that the Government has
Daily
committed to reviewing the lease and will make the results
public.
23 Aug 2022 Sky News
DPM appearance on Sky News breakfast – interview with
Extra
DPM, where he stated that the Port of Darwin lease will be
reviewed.
23 Aug 2022 ABC News
DPM appearance on ABC News Breakfast - interview with
Breakfast
DPM, where he stated that the Port of Darwin lease will be
reviewed.
QB22-000148
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 8
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Review of Defence Recruitment and Retention
ISSUE/S OF THE DAY
• As much as we must grow our unmanned capabilities, and develop the use
of cutting edge AI, none of it works without people. And nor, should I say,
would we want it to.
• As we grow our defence capabilities, Defence must achieve substantial
growth in its workforce. Action is required to stabilise the current
workforce and set the conditions for growth to achieve capability.
• A dedicated internal review team has been established to take an enterprise
wide view to consider where further effort may be required to meet
immediate and longer term challenges for both ADF and APS growth.
• The Government will consider these options as a matter of priority and
assess the scope of any additional, independent review of Defence
recruitment and retention.
• Heightened workforce risk is experienced across the entire Defence portfolio
with shortages being felt more acutely in specific workforce segments such
as engineering, intelligence, communications and cyber.
• Defence is currently taking action to stabilise the current workforce through
targeted retention initiatives that are focused on critical ADF categories and
Defence APS occupations, along with a number of long term ADF growth
strategies.
• Across Defence there are more than 150 retention and recruitment initiatives
underway. Some longer term initiatives, such as a renewed ADF recruiting
contract and the ADF Employment Offer Modernisation Program, will
deliver improvements to the Employee Value Proposition over FY 2022-
2023.
• Defence has undertaken an internal review of APS and ADF recruitment and
retention and the review team have made recommendations designed to
stabilise the workforce.
• Following an extensive consultation period, with individuals and teams
across our organisation, the review team’s report identifies options to
respond to workforce challenges, including pay and conditions, housing,
health and education assistance, as well as broader programs to uplift
Defence’s value proposition to current and future employees and their
QB22-000169
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 8
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Review of Defence Recruitment and Retention
families. In addition to the internal Defence work, the Government may also
commission an external review of ADF recruitment and retention.
•
If asked: What is Defence currently doing to address ADF recruiting
achievement?
• Defence is implementing initiatives to increase recruiting achievement in the
short term. These include:
o Increased candidate care and contact through the recruiting process.
o Increasing the number of events and engagements Defence Force
Recruiting attends, particularly in schools, following a dramatic
decrease in face to face engagements due to COVID-19. Defence will
also maintain the virtual engagements and processes that were
effective through COVID.
o Developing better targeted advertising to explain how Defence’s
employment offer can address the contemporary needs of young
Australians.
•
New Recruiting Services Contract - Defence Force Recruiting has
partnered with industry to deliver ADF recruiting services since 2003.
ManpowerGroup are the incumbent contractors and have been for nearly 20
years. The current contract expires on 30 June 2023.
• The retender of the current contract provides an opportunity for Defence to
update and refresh the current ADF recruiting system in order to achieve
current and future demand from the Navy, Army and Air Force. This is
particularly important to meet future growth from the workforce
transformation outlined in the 2020 Force Structure Plan and 2020 Defence
Strategic Update.
• Defence is seeking a single legal entity arrangement in which one contractor
will have overall responsibility for the provision of all elements of recruiting
expertise required.
• The aim is to source a capability partner that can bring innovative ideas and
approaches to modernise Defence’s recruiting system through a highly
interactive multi-stage procurement process with industry.
• The new arrangements will provide an opportunity to contract for a system
to deliver 100 per cent of targets in 100 days (from application to letter of
QB22-000169
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 8
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Review of Defence Recruitment and Retention
offer), supported by candidate-centric behaviours; in other words, the
contract will deliver volume, velocity and a positive candidate experience.
• Negotiations with the preferred tenderer have commenced and the
procurement is on track with a tight schedule. Following contract
negotiations, Ministerial approval will occur in September 2022 for contract
signature in October 2022. Contract transition will commence in November
2022 prior to the new contract becoming operative on 01 July 2023.
If asked: What is Defence currently doing to address ADF separation
rates?
• Retention is an ongoing focus, particularly for the middle ranks of the ADF:
the Corporal, Sergeant, Captain, and Major equivalents with six to 10 years
of service experience.
• ADF members are provided with an employment package which consists of
housing (including the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme),
remuneration (including superannuation), medical and dental care, and
professional development opportunities. The employment package also
supports families who are an important factor in enabling our members to
undertake their unique roles.
• The current ADF employment offer is comprehensive, however it has over
time become overly complex and outdated making it difficult for members
and their families to understand and for Defence to maintain and administer.
Following a consultation period with ADF members, led by CDF, Defence is
progressing options to:
o provide more flexible housing solutions to better meet contemporary
needs and offer greater choice
o contemporise the categorisation system that determines member benefits
and allowances, and
o modernise and simplify the complex ADF allowances framework.
BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGY
⋅
The Government has made commitments to an independent ADF
Recruitment Review including:
QB22-000169
OFFICIAL
Defence FOI 197/22/23
Document 8
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION TIME BRIEF (QTB)
TOPIC: Review of Defence Recruitment and Retention
⋅
current recruiting and retention initiatives including pay and
conditions, housing and health assistance, the ADF Gap Year
program and the Total Workforce System, and
⋅
potential new recruitment and retention initiatives.
Link: ADF Recruitment Review | Policies | Australian Labor Party
(alp.org.au)
⋅
On 10 Mar 2022, it was announced that the number of ADF personnel will
increase by around 30 per cent by 2040, taking the total permanent ADF to
almost 80,000 personnel.
⋅
Overall, Defence’s total permanent workforce will increase to over
101,000 by 2040 – an increase of 18,500 over baseline growth already
agreed in the 2020 Force Structure Plan.
⋅
In accordance with the Defence Monthly Workforce Report, as at 1 June
2022:
⋅
The SERCAT 7 and 6 (Permanent Force) excluding SERVOP G (Gap
Year) separation rate was 11.1%, which is an increase from 9.2% this time
last year. The annual separation rate for:
⋅
Navy increased from 7.0% as at 1 June 2021 to 9.6% as at 1 June
2022;
⋅
Army increased from 11.3% as at 1 June 2021 to 13.2% as at 1 June
2022;
⋅
Air Force increased from 7.2% as at 1 June 2021 to 8.6% as at 1 June
2022.
⋅
In Financial Year 20/21, 88% of the ADF enlistment target was met; the
expected achievement against Financial Year 21/22 targets is 78.9%, a
reduction of 8.7%.
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As at 1 September 2022, Defence forecasts that it will achieve 72.2 per
cent of the 2022/23 ADF enlistment target.
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The Defence APS separation rate has increased from 10.6% as at 1 June
2021 to 14.6% as at 1 June 2022. Recruiting in the APS remains
challenging due to a competitive labour market.
MEDIA
QB22-000169
