ASIO - Think Before You Link (new awareness campaign)
ASIO has just released a new awareness campaign called Think Before You Link (TBYL)
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of this threat, as well as to provide advice on how to reduce risk and respond to suspicious approaches.
The campaign is primarily directed at Australians who have access to sensitive information, particularly those working in government, defence industry or academia.
But the campaign has a broader public safety message to alert all Australians to the threat. It provides practical tips on how Australians can protect themselves and report suspicious online approaches.
The ASIO website (asio.gov.au) hosts a Think Before You Link page with the following resources:
- the Director-General’s introductory video clip;
- an animation;
- four printable booklets/flyers—Guide for organisations (booklet), Online networking guide (booklet), Case study (booklet), Online networking guide (flyer);
- two printable briefing packs—Senior managers and security manager/adviser briefing pack, Staff briefing pack;
- eight posters; and
- a wallet card.
Please visit our website (here) to explore these resources, which have been developed for both individuals and organisations to use, and feel free to share our message with colleagues, friends and family.”
New Payment Times Reporting Scheme
The government is introducing the Payment Times Reporting Scheme (PTRS) to improve payment outcomes for small businesses commencing 1 January 2021. The PTRS will create transparency around the payment practices of large business entities.
The scheme requires large businesses (>$100 million turnover) to report twice per year on their payment terms and practices for their small business suppliers.
The PTRS affects:
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large businesses and large government enterprises with a total annual income of over $100 million
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controlling corporations where the combined total annual income for all members is more than $100 million
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businesses with a total annual income of at least $10 million that are part of a group headed by a controlling corporation with a collective income greater than $100 million.
If your business falls into one of these categories, you will be required to report on the payment terms and practices for your small business suppliers.
You will need to submit a Payment Times Report with the payment information for your business. Reports will be submitted twice a year in line with your financial year reporting.
We’re developing an online reporting system to assist you to meet the PTRS reporting requirements.
This will include a Small Business Identification Tool. This tool will enable you to identify the small business suppliers you will need to report on. In identifying small business suppliers, the PTRS will draw on a taxation legislation definition of small business as those entities with an annual turnover of less than $10 million.
The Regulator
The Australian Government is establishing the Payment Times Reporting Regulator. The Regulator will administer the PTRS and publish the submitted reports on an online public register.
The Regulator will focus on raising awareness and assisting businesses to transition into the PTRS during the first year. Following a transition period, the Regulator will exercise monitoring and investigation powers and will be able to enforce compliance with the reporting requirements.
The Regulator must register payment times reports on a publicly available register- the Payment Times Reports Register. If the Regulator is satisfied that a reporting entity has failed to comply with the Act, the Regulator may publish the identity of the entity, or details of the entity’s non- compliance, on the register. Significant civil penalties apply to reporting entities that fail to report or give the Regulator a false or misleading report. The civil penalty regime does not apply in the first 12 months of the Scheme to allow entities time to adjust to the requirements of the PTRS.
Key dates
Key implementation dates of the PTRS and the first reporting timeframe:
- November 2020
- December 2020
- 1 January 2021
- 1 July - 31 September 2021
Preparing to report
Businesses create a profile for the reporting system Small Business Identification Tool released
PTRS reporting period begins
Businesses submit first reports
To prepare to report under the PTRS, please complete the attached online form.
This will create your entity profile for the reporting system. Once we have your profile details in the reporting system, we will update you on the status of the system, streamline the process for logging in for the first time and remind you when you need to act.
Please complete this form by 30 November 2020.
All information collected via this form will be used solely for the government’s administration of PTRS and will not be disclosed to any third party, in accordance with the department’s Privacy Policy. We have data protection measures in place to protect all information provided to us under the PTRS. www.industry.gov.au
Contact us
Further information on the PTRS is available here
You can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or business.gov.au on 13 28 46 (select option 1 government grants, programs and services).
While the onus is on businesses to comply with the legislative requirements of the PTRS we are able to support you in your compliance. If you believe your business is not required to report under the PTRS and has been identified in error, then we encourage you to provide us with evidence in support of this so that we can update our records.
If the evidence is clear that you are outside the scheme then we will update our system records accordingly. This would mean you would not be contacted further in relation to obligations under the PTRS unless our view changes. This will not affect your obligation to report if your status changes. Given the civil penalty regime that accompanies the PTRS and the onus on business to comply we would also encourage you to obtain independent professional advice.
We look forward to working with you to assist you to meet the reporting requirements under PTRS. We also look forward to working together to improve payment times for small businesses and to support them to thrive. This is particularly important in these challenging times.
Yours sincerely
Peter Cully
Head of Division
Small and Family Business
A.S.P.I. Special Submarine Report - The Australian Program
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in relation to the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering any form of professional or other advice or services. No person should rely on the contents of this publication without first obtaining advice from a qualified professional.
The Australian Government is firmly committed to keeping Australians safe while protecting our country’s interests in a changing global environment. Being a credible and effective military power in the midst of the most consequential strategic realignment since World War II is a complex task in our nation’s strategic circumstances. Around 300 submarines will be operating in the Indo-Pacific by 2030, so Australia must continue to have credible defence capabilities that can contribute to regional and global security. Integrating multiple capabilities, such as submarines, frigates, helicopters and intelligence systems, into an undersea war-fighting system will give the ADF the necessary depth and resilience to prosecute antisubmarine operations. Our current fleet of Collins-class submarines and their crews are serving our nation with distinction.
Submarines are a vital element of our defence strategy and are essential in protecting those interests. Their substantial firepower, stealth, endurance and sustained presence give Australia a unique advantage: to strike without warning and inflict significant damage to adversaries. The Collins class is the world’s most capable conventionally powered submarine, achieving significant operational results of which Australians can be proud.
To further advance regional security and the prosperity that we have today, a larger, stronger and more formidable undersea force is needed in the future. To be able to operate far forward with a sustained presence in the Indo-Pacific and to deliver assured access and sea control, we must invest in a more substantial denial capability. The government’s decision to build 12 regionally superior Attack-class submarines in Australia is ambitious but necessary.
Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC Minister for Defence
I commend Peter Jennings and Marcus Hellyer for assembling the team of authors who produced this ASPI Special Report, "Submarines: Your questions answered"
This is a plain-English guide to the complexities of Australia’s submarine program. While the government doesn’t endorse all of the contributions aired in this study, it’s important that critical nation-building programs such as our submarine program are subjected to robust and broad analysis. ASPI provides many different perspectives on the submarine program in this report. I trust that the report will generate further public interest in and awareness of this vital capability.
Full report is available for download below
Government initiated 'Personal Protective Equipment Buyers Guide'
The Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER) COVID Response Taskforce has developed a PPE Buyers Guide to assist organisations when purchasing PPE for COVID-19.
The guide has been designed to address the uncertainty which has been seen from consumers when buying PPE and build their confidence to purchase PPE from local suppliers. Your assistance with passing on this guide to your networks would be greatly appreciated.
The four-page guide covers key information consumers need to know when purchasing PPE, including;
- Information on how PPE is regulated
- Information on common types of PPE and how they are used
- Tips to avoid fraud
- Information on consumer rights
- Information on WHS duties
View the DISER website here
A copy of the guide is available for download below
Hanwha setting up in Geelong
THE big Defence programs for which Geelong is in the running will generate additional sustainment activities worth tens of billions of dollars.
Already in prime position to be the base for a $1bn self-propelled howitzer program, which may be extended by a couple of billion dollars before the end of the decade, Geelong is also a 50:50 chance to become home to an infantry fighting vehicle program that has soared in estimated cost to $18bn-$27bn. On top of that, the company pursuing the programs, Hanwha Defense Australia, is planning to make its future Geelong facility an alternative sustainment and supply chain base for it global family of K9 howitzers.
Victorian Defence Industry Advocate John O’Callaghan said if Hanwha was successful in being awarded the programs, the supply chain opportunities would likely see existing Defence industry suppliers grow into significantly larger players. Mr O’Callaghan said that as a general guide, sustainment of a Defence program was about 2-3 times the value of the initial acquisition. “You are talking about two or three decades of activity by those platforms, which requires substantial maintenance and including ongoing upgrades,” he said.
Hanwha is assessing sites in and around Geelong, including the former Ford factory, to house the Land 8116 Protected Mobile Fires program for which it has been announced as the preferred tenderer for its K9 howitzer variant, called the AS9 Huntsman.
Read more in the full article from the Geelong Advertiser attached below.
Land Division 'Land and Environment Working Group' update
Simon Stuart, MAJGEN Head Land Capability, has written to formally advise of Army's decision to postpone the conduct of a Land Environment Working Group (LEWG) until second quarter, 2021.
This decision has been informed by ongoing COVID-19 restrictions which limit physical attendance, and feedback received from some elements of Industry on the relative value of virtual engagements. In the interim, I am pleased to inform you that the Chief of Army has released Edition Two of Army's Contribution to Defence Strategy (ACDS), available online at www.army.gov.au
ACDS Edition Two aims to create a shared understanding of how Army contributes to the Australian Defence Force and to Australia's national security. ACDS is informed by the Defence Strategic Update and Force Structure Plan 2020 and will help guide Army concepts, workforce and training to generate greater capacity and capability.
Please see attached letter from MAJGEN Simon Stuart, Head Land Capability, on the scheduling of the next Land Environment Working Group, and release of Army’s Contribution to Defence Strategy Edition 2.
The Morrison Government's Support to Defence Industry & 2020-21 Budget Measures
The important work of our Defence Force can only succeed with the help of the thousands of Australian workers and Australian businesses in our defence industry.
The primary job of the Australian Government is to keep Australians safe and the Morrison Government is committed to doing exactly that.
It is why the Government is investing $270 billion in Australia’s defence capability over the next decade and building a stronger defence industry.
The Minister for Defence Industry has released the attached document which contains grant, contract, support and funding information, along with details on measures included in the 20/21 federal budget which is of benefit to members.
Navy RAS + AI Strategy 2040 - Released
One of the many new strategies released this year by Defence, and a leap towards the future of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics leading the way.
The Visions
A 5th Generation Navy enabling the Joint Force to fight and win at, and from, the sea
The purpose of any RAS Strategy is to set the path to realising a RAS enabled future capability that can rapidly deploy, concentrate at a point of effort and disperse to survive – through a robust and resilient network, leveraging superior decision-making to win in future conflict that can utilise game changing technology.
Please find the downloadable document below.
Five pillars approach to support defence industry (Minister for Defence Industry releases Op-Ed)
From the moment it was established, the Defence Industry portfolio had a crystal clear focus.
It was to deliver world-class capability for our Defence Force, export our Aussie ingenuity abroad, broaden the horizons of Australia’s small and medium businesses – and create thousands of Australian jobs in the process.
In June 2019 I was honoured to be asked to take the reins to ensure our Defence programs were delivering for the Australian defence industry.
It has been an extremely rewarding experience and has made me very proud knowing my primary responsibility is to not only deliver for Australian industry, but to ensure the men and women of the Australian Defence Force have what they need to keep Australians safe.
Soon after taking on the role, I embarked on what I called my “100-Day Review”.
This was about identifying the areas in the Defence Industry portfolio that our Government needed to address to deliver on our long-term plan to create a truly sovereign defence industry.
Most in industry would know that my unwavering focus has been to deliver greater support for small business, both in Defence and in industry.
We must also recognise, though, that we need international prime contractors in our defence industry and must develop partnerships with them to deliver major Defence programs.
This is so the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, who are entrusted to protect Australia and Australians, have the best capability on offer. This cannot be compromised.
We also need to strike the right balance to ensure these large companies comply with the rules set by our Government and deliver on contractual obligations to help us deliver a stronger defence industry.
This means transferring intellectual property from overseas to Australia, investing in the Australian economy, creating new Australian jobs, opening long-term opportunities for Australia’s small and medium businesses and developing new Aussie-know-how and know-why for our workforce.
Over the decade ahead and through the Morrison Government’s ambitious $270 billion investment in Defence capability, we will achieve a truly sovereign defence industry.
This has all culminated in a new ‘five pillars’ approach to supporting defence industry:
- A new and enhanced Australian Industry Capability (AIC) contractual framework
- An independent AIC Plan Audit Program
- Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPR) guidelines update
- Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) Review and its implementation
- Australian Standard for Defence Contracting (ASDEFCON) Review
These five pillars encapsulate my vision and approach to changing the way we support and do business with defence industry.
The first pillar, the creation of the new and enhanced AIC contractual framework, involves strengthening core AIC commitments and significantly expanding AIC provisions in contracts.
The second pillar, the establishment of the Independent AIC Plan Audit Program, is to provide guaranteed protections for the Australian taxpayer and our small and medium businesses in defence industry.
The audit program is a targeted program and the tool we will use to ensure major Defence companies are meeting their AIC obligations.
The third pillar was the significant update to the CPR guidelines aimed at better supporting Australian businesses.
For procurements above $4 million, the guidelines now define AIC and sovereign capability as an economic benefit to be assessed as part of the value for money consideration in the CPRs.
Defence has started to roll out more effective guidance to its tender evaluators with respect to AIC.
It will amend its procurement templates to strengthen the application of our Government’s AIC policy and will develop AIC-specific training for Defence tender evaluators.
The fourth pillar, the review of the CDIC, will now turn to ensuring we implement its recommendations to provide more tailored and enhanced support to Australian businesses.
Given the challenges thrown up by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that we continue to develop new ways to support the Australian defence industry.
After almost four years in operation, the CDIC has shown its value in helping more small and medium sized businesses access opportunities in the defence sector.
Implementing the review’s recommendations will ensure that the CDIC continues to connect Defence and small business in a simpler, more cost-effective and more outcomes-oriented way.
The fifth and final pillar is the overhaul and review into ASDEFCON.
I will oversee this review, which will aim to simplify and streamline contracting and subcontracting templates and remove unnecessary complexities that put unnecessary pressures on Australian businesses.
The Terms of Reference to remove the barriers within ASDEFCON, and the consultation process, will be finalised and released in November.
These five pillars are the culmination of a substantial change to how we do business with industry.
We are placing small business front and centre of Defence decision-making.
We are going to provide enhanced and more tailored support to Australian businesses.
And we will cut red-tape, processing times and costs to businesses who contract with Defence.
I am here to support Australian businesses, deliver a sovereign defence industry and ensure the men and women of the ADF have what they need to keep Australians safe.
Our Government will continue to deliver on this commitment.
AIC Defence Plan Announced - Strengthening How We Do Business with Australian industry
Strengthening how Defence does business with Australian industry
Joint media release: Ministers for Defence & Defence Industry
The Morrison Government is strengthening Australian Industry Capability (AIC) and refining the way Defence does business with industry.
Download 'draft contractual framework' below
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, and Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, today announced the Government will implement significant improvements to the AIC Program so that opportunities for Australian industry are front and centre of Defence decision-making.
The Australian Standard for Defence Contracting (ASDEFCON) will also undergo a major revamp to cut process times and costs for Australian businesses.
Minister Reynolds said a genuine partnership with Defence and industry was critical to ensuring our industrial base effectively supports Australia’s national security, as reinforced in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update.
“Defence will strengthen the requirements for AIC in Defence contracts through additional contractual and non-contractual measures and will consult with industry on these changes over the coming months,” Minister Reynolds said.
The delivery of new AIC provisions in future contracts, creation of an Independent AIC Plan Audit Program, recent changes to Commonwealth Procurement Rules guidelines and an overhaul of the CDIC will significantly improve opportunities, protections and support for Australian businesses seeking to enter the Defence sector or looking to expand their footprint with Defence.
“The Morrison Government is committed to maximising opportunities for Australian business to be involved in Defence procurement and to building a competitive Australian industry to equip and sustain the Australian Defence Force,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Large companies will know that the Government expects them to honour their AIC commitments, and small businesses know the Government has their backs.
“Additional AIC provisions in future contracts will require companies to make specific and measurable commitments.
“Independent audit firms will then ensure large Defence companies are meeting their contracted Australian industry commitments.
“This will provide an additional level of confidence for Australian businesses.”
Defence will consult with industry over several months on the changes to AIC contractual requirements before the new contractual provisions begin to be implemented from 1 January 2021.
Minister Price said the latest changes represented the culmination of a major new ‘five-pillars’ approach to supporting defence industry in Australia.
“The pillars of the AIC contractual framework and ASDEFCON review build on the work of our CDIC reforms, the Independent AIC Plan Audit Program and more support for defence industry in the guidelines to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules,” Minister Price said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy and need to be treated accordingly during Defence’s decision-making process.
“Backing small business has been my number one priority and we have delivered on the promised changes to enhance the AIC Program in Defence.
“The delivery of an Independent AIC Plan Audit Program and improving how we contract for AIC in our major programs are the next big steps needed to create more opportunities for Australian businesses in Defence programs.”
The review of ASDEFCON, to be overseen by Minister Price, will aim to simplify and streamline contracting and subcontracting templates and remove unnecessary complexities that create additional burden on Australian businesses.
Minister Price said the Terms of Reference to remove the barriers in ASDEFCON and the consultation process will be finalised and released in November 2020.
“Ultimately, the renewed ASDEFCON template suite and processes are aimed at reducing avoidable cost, time and process complexity,” Minister Price said.
Further information on the Independent AIC Plan Audit Program and additional AIC contractual provisions to be added to future Defence contracts can be found on the Department’s website here
More...
CDIC Review Complete
More support for business following CDIC review
A wide-ranging review into the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) has recommended a series of changes aimed at boosting support for Australian defence businesses.
The review recommended strengthening of the alignment between Defence, defence industry and the CDIC by relocating it to the Department of Defence.
This builds on the Government’s commitment to strengthen Australia’s Defence Industry.
The review received strong industry feedback on how the CDIC’s services and operations could be improved, with more than 140 submissions and more than 50 interviews taken into consideration.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, said a genuine partnership between Defence and industry was critical to ensuring our industrial base effectively supports Australia’s national security, as reinforced in the Defence Strategic Update 2020.
“Making it easier for industry to work with Defence to access opportunities in the defence sector, such as through the work of the CDIC, is essential in this endeavour,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This Government has faith in Australian businesses to provide the technological advances and superior capability that Defence needs to protect Australia’s national interests.”
Among the key recommendations to be implemented is a scrapping of the 200-employee limit on businesses being able to access the CDIC’s services, with the change set to increase opportunities for small businesses to win Defence work.
Businesses in regional Australia will also be given greater opportunities through an outreach program, while indigenous and veteran-owned small businesses will become a focus of the CDIC.
Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, said the review had provided an ideal opportunity to strengthen the CDIC at a time when businesses were dealing with the economic fallout out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Given the challenges thrown up by the COVID pandemic, it is more important than ever that we continue to develop new ways to support the Australian defence industry,” Minister Price said.
“The CDIC has a valuable role to play in supporting small and medium sized businesses access Defence work and the review has identified a continuing need for the services provided by the CDIC.
“After almost four years in operation, the CDIC has shown its value in helping more small and medium sized businesses access opportunities in the defence sector.
“Implementing the review’s recommendations will ensure that the Centre continues connecting Defence and small business in a simpler, more cost-effective and outcomes-orientated way.
“In particular, aligning the CDIC more closely with Defence will build stronger stakeholder relationships that serve to maximise its value for building Defence capability.”
The Ministers have confirmed they have accepted the key recommendations regarding the relocation of the CDIC and scrapping the employee limit to boost access to services.
This will provide certainty for planning and support for industry.
One recommendation regarding representation on the CDIC Advisory Board will not be supported.
The remaining recommendations have been accepted in principle.
The Department of Defence will examine the recommendations to provide formal advice on Government on their implementation.
Both Defence and the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources provided support for the review of the CDIC’s role and future operating model.
Over the next six months, both departments will work through the review’s recommendations and implementation.
The review is available for download below and also here
Ten Ways to Succeed in Australian Manufacturing
This report arrives at a critical juncture in the current economic climate. Our manufacturers responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with distinction. Now, we rely on Australian manufacturing to be one of the country’s heavy lifters in leading the economy out of recession and on to the road toward a solid recovery with greater capability.
Australia can transition from being a lucky country to a smart country. We know that when Australian manufacturers ‘add value’ to a product or service it is greatly respected and becomes more globally competitive. Australian manufacturing carries a strong reputation internationally, it is a broad capability that cuts across all sectors, and now is the time to seize the momentum that is underway.
AMGC is enormously proud of its 2,500+ members’ efforts. This report reflects the achievements of successful manufacturers and we are pleased to share many of the winning formulas with you.
Building Resilience in Australian Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing – A new definition for a new era
Sector Competitiveness Plan
ADA-Vic announces new Alliances Manager
ADA-Vic is delighted to announce Adam Evans as its new Alliances Manager for the Victorian Defence Alliances.
On behalf of ADA-Vic, which delivers this important program for the State Government, Chairman, Bryan O’Connor confirmed the appointment. He celebrated the significant contribution by outgoing Alliances Manager, Charlotte Morris, whose efforts have developed the most integrated and well delivered industry alliance program in the region.
“Victoria maintains an extremely dynamic and effective defence industry base. This program, thanks mostly to the efforts of Charlotte, has showcased outstanding Victorian SMEs and provided an excellent framework to support SMEs in Defence supply chains. Now, as Victoria prepares for the economic recovery from COVID-19, the VDA activity becomes even more crucial,” Bryan O’Connor remarked.
“Adam is a respected and well-known Victorian entrepreneur, he has led a number of digital and collaboration projects with VDA previously. He is well prepared to deliver the service required during these challenging times, supported by ADA-Vic. During the dedicated and deliberate handover period, Charlotte and Adam will work collaboratively with stakeholders to help position the VDA membership for ongoing success.” said Sean Farrell, the CEO of ADA-Vic.
Adam is an active participant in state and national discussions on the value of the dynamic SME base and is a highly effective leader. He will build on Charlotte's legacy and help the Victorian Government, ADA Victoria and the VDA membership continue to deliver outstanding service to defence industry.
“Victorian companies have a long and proud history of collaborating to support the national Defence effort in hard times. As we start the recovery phase of our COVID-19 response, we have an incredible opportunity to unlock this potential again. Through the VDA program we can find and connect this potential, and with ADA-Vic mentoring, support and advocacy, Victoria can deliver world leading technologies from right here in our backyard,” said Adam Evans.
Charlotte will continue to provide mentoring support to Adam and the VDA as she moves on to continue to support Defence and defence industry by growing the supply chain’s capability and capacity through the DMTC’s Industry Capability Development Program. Adam has commenced the handover and will assume responsibilities on the 1st October 2020.
A copy of the announcement is available to download at the bottom.
Commonwealth Procurement Rules - Updated
Commonwealth Procurement Rules - Updated
In order to support domestic economic growth and support Australia's burgeoning defence industrial base, the Commonwealth update to the CPR guidelines includes a number of policy additions designed to foster stronger ties between industry and the government.
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price explained the government's objectives and rationale with the updated CPR guidelines, telling Defence Connect, "These are important changes aimed at forging new opportunities for Australia’s terrific defence industries.
