By Peter Roberts Much of the federal government’s 2023 budget has been leaked in advance, but Treasurer Jim Chalmers held back a few morsels including good news for the Industry Growth Centres in his official budget speech delivered in Canberra tonight. In a budget the government characterised as prudent – it predicts a rare surplus…
A vigorous campaigner for truly sovereign, Australian defence SMEs, Nova Systems Chief Executive Officer Jim McDowell, is to leave his job for a new role with the Department of Defence that will help shape the future of industry. McDowell will leave the largely consulting services company to take up the appointment of Deputy Secretary Naval…
A second new drug from biotechnology company Immuron is to undergo human trials in the United States following a decision by the Food and Drug Administration that allows trials to proceed. The Melbourne company told investors the US Naval Medical Research Centre (NMRC) had received approval to trial the drug targeting Campylobacter and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia…
@AuManufactruring’s sponsored series reporting BAE Systems Australia’s Partnering for success defence industry supplier event, concludes today, with a focus on cyber security. By Nicholas Way The tragic war in Ukraine has been a catalyst for serious investment in cybersecurity by defence organisations globally, and Australia is no exception. That’s the view of Tony Howell, Global…
Start up business Sicona Battery Technologies has purchased a world-first, scalable, edge-functionalised graphene production method from researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials and ANFF-Materials. As part of the deal, Sicona signed a two-year research agreement with Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) researchers to scale up the EFG fabrication process for commercial production…
Critical minerals producer Lynas Rare Earths has received an extension to its operating licence for its metals manufacturing plant in Malaysia – but only until 1 January, 2024. Announced by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the reprieve means the company will now be able to continue to import lanthanide concentrate from Australia Lynas…
The federal government will establish two new agencies to oversee the acquisition of nuclear powered submarines and to regulate the safety of the vessels and their reactors. The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) will be established by Executive Order and be responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programme. The Nuclear-Powered…
The Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy will move ‘very shortly’ to action plans to cut back on Army purchases of infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) as foreshadowed in the government’s response to the Defence Strategic Review. The review, which emphasised long-range strike capabilities and naval reform over the land army, called for the Land 400…
The federal government has appointed the head of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise who will be responsible for accelerating the establishment of a local long-range guided weapons and munitions manufacturing industry in Australia. The Defence Strategic Review recommended the appointment of a Senior Officer with the sole responsibility of leading the GWEO…
The federal government has committed $180 million over the next 5 years to add a new level of anti-ship missile defence capabilities on Royal Australian Navy ships. Rheinmetall Defence Australia signed a contract to build Multi-Ammunition Soft-Kill System (MASS, pictured), to equip Anzac Class frigates and Hobart Class destroyers with anti-ship missile protection. According to…