THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Materiel and Science
Monday, 3 May 2010
54 /2010
AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION FOR JSF
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, today opened the fourth
Australian JSF Technology & Innovation Conference in Melbourne.
“The conference will allow over 200 of Australia’s leading academic, technical and industry
innovators to explore opportunities to be involved in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Program, now and into the future” said Mr Combet
“The JSF Program offers immense opportunities for Australian industry potentially creating
several thousand long-term jobs, whether it is through the development of new markets or
the chance to enter into global supply chains.”
“For example, the potential for Australia to become a global supplier of titanium and
titanium components for the aerospace sector is one area being considered by the
conference.”
“Opportunities for Australian Small to Medium Enterprises to win work in global supply
chains of large primes and their second and third tier suppliers are also being explored.”
“These opportunities do often present challenges for local industry as the upfront
investment is significant to improve capability and increase capacity.”
“To help overcome these challenges the Government is working with the JSF prime
contractors to develop long-term agreements with Australian companies so that the
industry has the confidence to make the necessary investments to win this work.”
“I am also pleased to announce that $8.5 million of funding had been approved by the
Government to help industry overcome early investment challenges.”
“This support will be targeted at technological developments that will enhance Australian
involvement in the program, investments that will increase the opportunities for small
Australian companies to become involved and also encourage innovation by Australian
industry which has applications for JSF follow-on development.”
“This targeted support – along with support from other government programs – is
particularly important as the focus shifts to greater engagement in JSF production,
sustainment and follow-on development.”
Mr Combet also congratulated the 28 Australian companies that have already won work in
the face of stiff international competition on the JSF Program.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
