Defence Ipswich Strategic Summary 2018-2023

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In February 2016 the Australian Government released the Defence White Paper stating the government’s commitment to the safety of the Australian people and to the defence of our territory and national interests. For the first time, all elements of the government’s defence investment, including new weapons, platforms, systems, and the enabling equipment, facilities, workforce, information and communications technology, and science and technology are outlined in an Integrated Investment Program , published with the Defence White Paper . The Defence Industry Policy Statement released with the Defence White Paper acknowledged the fundamental contribution that Australian industry provides to defence capability. The Defence Industry Policy Statement refocuses defence’s relationship with Australian industry to support the plans in the Defence White Paper . The government’s defence strategy is supported by increased defence funding, enabling approximately $195 billion of new investment in defence capabilities in this period. The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring our state’s defence industries can take maximum advantage of this opportunity and cement their place as Australia’s next generation defence supplier. The Queensland Defence Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan , part of the Advance Queensland initiative, is the state plan to support growth in this sector. The Queensland Government’s vision under the roadmap is to significantly increase defence revenue and generate 3,500 new full-time jobs by 2028. The Defence Ipswich Strategic Summary 2018–2023 is aligned to the Australian Government and Queensland Government defence commitments and provides an industry led regional plan to deliver on those advances. It recognises the importance of defence to the region’s community and economic prosperity. It has been developed by Ipswich City Council in cooperation with the defence industry, Queensland Government and the Australian Defence Force to ensure its relevance and success. Furthermore, the City of Ipswich Defence Industry Advisory Committee (CIDIAC) has been established with representatives from Ipswich City Council, Queensland Government, the Australian Defence Force, industry and universities to drive defence collaboration and delivery. The alliance of CIDIAC and the Defence Ipswich Strategic Summary 2018–2023 is the first model of its kind in Australia and empowers Ipswich as a national leader in defence industry activity and opportunity. Image © Boeing Defence Australia 2018