Skip to content

Important notice for queensland defence industries covid 19 response

Important notice for Queensland defence industries

COVID-19 response

The Minister for Defence Industry (MINDI) and Defence have hosted a series of meetings with state and federal government departments to help understand COVID-19 challenges and inform the development of solutions.

At these meetings, Queensland’s Strategic Defence Advisors Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Simon Cullen, Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Neil Hart and Major General (Ret’d) Simone Wilkie raised several key issues and impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on behalf of our local defence industry, including:

  • how some defence SMEs are diversifying and exploring opportunities in the health sector – including retooling to provide personal protective equipment
  • the impact on supply chains
  • cross-border issues
  • air freight costs and schedule impacts
  • the long-term impact of reduced training on the skills base.

The MINDI and Defence meetings provide an opportunity to pass on experiences and opportunities during this difficult time.

Meeting updates

  • CASG has established a COVID-19 Task Force Industry Support Cell, which includes representatives from the Chief Information Officer and Estate and Infrastructure Groups.
  • Defence has a strong focus on sustainment activities to ensure capability remains available to government and developing protocols to keep industry working while keeping employees safe.
  • Defence is looking at ways to increase expenditure to help underpin and stimulate the Australian economy with an increased focus on local content.
  • Defence will seek to bring forward projects where feasible.
  • Defence will continue its focus on delivering capital facilities and infrastructure works to support and sustain existing and new capabilities.
  • Defence is happy to receive 'good ideas' and unsolicited proposals including workforce skilling opportunities.
  • The Centre for Defence Industry Capability has been tasked to be the primary coordination agency between Defence and industry and has developed a Business Continuity Management Assessment program.
  • CASG has reduced their payment terms to pay within two days of a correctly rendered invoice and is strongly encouraging prime contractors to flow this down to subcontractors.
  • Defence is aware of the challenges that state border closures create and is contributing to a whole-of-government approach.
  • Defence is working on ensuring critical defence industries are included in national definitions of essential services being considered by governments.
  • The Defence Export Office is conscious of the challenges that exporters are facing and encourages impacted businesses to remain in contact.

On 24 March, the Queensland Government unveiled a $4 billion COVID-19 rescue package to boost health services, support workers and households and support Queensland businesses.

How you can help

Defence is looking for your ideas and feedback to ensure essential capability is being sustained. If you're having issues supporting the supply chain or have ideas and opportunities for Defence capability, please get in touch with djq@dsdmip.qld.gov.au.

Are you a Queensland manufacturing business that can lend a hand in the fight against COVID-19? Register your capability and capacity details through the Industry Capability Network (ICN).

You can also learn more about the Queensland Government's COVID-19 supply chain matching for manufacturing.

Further information

Keep up to date on all COVID-19-related issues for business in Queensland at www.business.qld.gov.au

Australian Government advice for business is at www.business.gov.au

Learn more about COVID-19 health information by visiting Queensland Health

Last updated: 16 Nov 2021