THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
13 November 2009
099/2009
PROGRESS IN REFORMING DEFENCE PROCUREMENT
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today
welcomed further progress in relation to implementing reforms resulting from
the 2008 Defence Procurement and Sustainment Review.
The Government response to David Mortimer’s review included a requirement
for the Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO),
Dr Stephen Gumley, to publicly release a plan for building a more business-
like and commercial culture in the DMO.
Mr Combet said he welcomed the release of the plan, which provides an
overview of initiatives to transform the DMO’s culture.
“The strong focus of the plan is on further improving the support that the DMO
provides each and every day to the Australian Defence Force. This plan
provides a transparent view of what is to be done, and how it will be
measured,” Mr Combet said.
“The review conducted by David Mortimer, AO, was one of the key pieces of
advice that shaped the Government’s consideration of its reform program.
“The Government agreed to all but one of Mr Mortimer’s recommendations
and it is pleasing to see further action taken to implement these reforms.
“We must continue to push forward with the Mortimer reforms. The
Government places a priority on their implementation in a timely and complete
manner.
“These are vital reforms to ensure that Government makes the right choices
on major investments in ADF equipment, and that the DMO and industry can
deliver them on-time, on-budget and to the required specifications,” Mr
Combet said.
“It is vital for these reforms to continue to be progressed so Government
receives better advice on acquisition strategy, cost and schedule risks in
relation to approvals of major acquisition programs.”
The plan released by Dr Gumley will be available on the DMO website at
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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