THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Materiel and Science
Friday, 25 June 2010
079/2010
Skills, innovation and productivity critical to Defence
Investment in skills, innovation and productivity is critical to the Federal Government’s plan for
building a more competitive defence industry in Australia, the Minister for Defence Materiel and
Science Greg Combet told industry leaders in Canberra today.
Under the Federal Government’s comprehensive Defence Industry Statement, Building Defence
Capability: A Policy for a Smarter and More Agile Defence Industry Base, released today, the
Government will, over the next five years:
Invest $292.8 million towards innovation, boosting productivity and skills development in the
Australian defence industry.
Create more than 7,500 training opportunities under programs such the Skilling Australian
Defence Industry, Defence Technical Scholarships, Master of Systems Integration, Masters
of Systems Support Engineering and other programs.
Provide up to $188.8 million in funding towards the Defence innovation.
Mr Combet said that the investment in skills, innovation and productivity underscored the
Government’s commitment to the future of Australia’s Defence industry.
“The Federal Government is committed to helping to build a more competitive and more
productive defence industry in Australia,” Mr Combet said.
“That’s why we have outlined a plan for investment in skills, innovation and productivity to help
the industry develop its workforce and gain a competitive edge.”
Mr Combet said that skills and innovation was a key driver of productivity and the Government’s
investment would better position Australia’s defence industry in the global market.
“Australia’s defence industry cannot maximise its productivity and its competitiveness without
increasing its capacity for invention and discovery,” Mr Combet said.
“The Government investment in skills, innovation and productivity will ensure the sector has the
best chance of competing against others around the world.”
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
