The Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) has been launched as a ‘one-stop shop’ for small and medium enterprises doing business with Defence.
The new organisation replaces the Centre for Defence Industry Capability and will be used by Defence and major contractors to find Australian solutions to capability challenges among small and medium businesses.
The new ODIS will help businesses enter the defence market or expand their defence.
“ODIS is a new organisation with a redefined purpose that will be a trusted link between Defence and Australian SMEs,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said. This new organisation will work directly with state and territory agencies, industry associations, SMEs, and major contractors to build greater sovereign capability, so that our men and women in uniform get what they need to keep Australia safe. ODIS will employ a proactive strategy to support businesses, because we need to start dragging the right SMEs through the door with the ability to provide local solutions to Defence’s capability requirements. As part of ODIS’ flexible and adaptable approach, there will be regular reviews of key services for the first 12 months to ensure we are meeting the needs of industry and Defence.”
In a boost for regional small and media medium businesses, ODIS will have a dedicated regional support team that will seek out regional SMEs with the capability to enter the Defence market.
The team will support those businesses in their pursuit of Defence contracts and identify opportunities for them in Defence programs. Minister Price said it would be standard practice for ODIS to partner with industry associations and registered training providers across the country to deliver ‘Defence Readiness’ training. “These training programs will help businesses position themselves to win Defence contracts. Through targeted partnerships, ODIS will be able to engage with a broader group of businesses capable of supporting the Australian Defence Force.” Minister Price said.
