By Darian Macey, June 28 2024
On June 18, 2024, the Security & Estate Group of the Department of Defence hosted its biannual industry brief at the Hellenic Club in Canberra. Over 300 delegates gathered to hear from Celia Perkins, Deputy Secretary Security and Estate; Pat Sowry, First Assistant Secretary Infrastructure (FASI); and Air Commodore Ron Tilley, Director General of the Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch. The event provided a comprehensive update on the National Defence Strategy, Integrated Investment Program (IIP), and the forward work program for the Defence Estate.
Strategic Overview by Celia Perkins
Celia Perkins opened the briefing by emphasising the critical role of the Security and Estate Group in managing the largest landholding in the Commonwealth. She highlighted the pivotal role of the National Defence Strategy (NDS) and the Integrated Investment Program (IIP), both released in April 2024. “The NDS outlines a holistic approach called ‘National Defence,’ which aims to harness all arms of national power to defend Australia and advance our interests,” Perkins stated.
Perkins noted that the government is making a generational reinvestment in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), focusing on capability, people, posture, and places. She elaborated, “The strategy of denial, a key element of the NDS, emphasises an integrated force capable of deterring potential adversaries by projecting force at greater distances from our shores. This necessitates significant investments in the Defence Estate, particularly in northern base resilience and infrastructure.”
Perkins also touched on the importance of domestic force posture, climate adaptation strategies, and energy resilience. “Our domestic force posture will deliver a logistically networked, resilient set of bases predominantly across the north, ensuring we can withstand disruption in crisis or conflict,” she said.
Infrastructure Insights by Pat Sowry
Pat Sowry provided an in-depth look at the infrastructure priorities aligned with the NDS. “The government’s difficult decisions have kept our focus on our region, emphasising the ADF’s core tasks,” Sowry explained. He highlighted the six priorities derived from the NDS, including investments in submarines, weapon and explosive ordnance enterprises, and northern bases.
Sowry underscored the importance of maintaining sea lines of communication and the resilience of infrastructure across northern Australia. “Eighty-five percent of our liquid fuel is supplied from Korea, Malaysia, or Singapore. Ensuring these supply lines remain open is crucial to our economy and security,” he noted.
He also discussed the need for a greater capacity to project force, which will be achieved through developing long-range strike capabilities and upgrading the Navy’s fleet with nuclear submarines. “The IIP, a $330 billion investment through 2033/34, will prioritise immediate and long-term projects to bolster our defence capabilities,” Sowry added.
Program Delivery and Procurement by Ron Tilley
Ron Tilley focused on the practical aspects of delivering the forward work program and enhancing procurement efficiencies. “We are committed to accelerating the planning, development, and delivery processes,” Tilley stated. He outlined several strategies to streamline project delivery, such as reducing design milestones, using standard designs, and implementing modular and prefabricated construction methods.
Tilley provided specific examples: “For instance, we are considering reducing the number of design milestones and using standard designs for living-in accommodations. This approach was successfully implemented at RAAF Base Wagga and RAAF Base East Sale.”
He also discussed the establishment of a construction panel to speed up the procurement process, particularly for accelerated projects in the north. “This construction panel will be vital for projects that need to be expedited, especially in remote areas,” Tilley noted.
Building stronger relationships with industry through regular meetings and biannual briefs is a key component of Defence’s strategy to ensure efficient project delivery. “We regularly meet with Consult Australia, the Australian Constructors Association, and the Master Builders Associations around the country to keep the lines of communication open,” Tilley emphasised.
Key Takeaways
- National Defence Strategy: The NDS focuses on a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to defend Australia, emphasising the importance of an integrated force capable of long-range deterrence. Perkins stressed, “National Defence means that the Australian Defence Force will shift to an integrated Focus Force designed to address the nation’s most significant strategic risks.”
- Integrated Investment Program: The IIP details a $330 billion investment in Defence capabilities through 2033/34, with significant allocations for northern base resilience and infrastructure. “This investment ensures that Australia becomes more capable, self-reliant, and can take greater responsibility for our own security,” said Perkins.
- Procurement Efficiencies: Strategies such as reducing design milestones, standard designs, and modular construction are being implemented to accelerate project delivery and reduce costs. Tilley highlighted, “Using standard designs and modular construction will save time and money, especially for projects in northern and remote areas.”
- Industry Engagement: Regular communication and collaboration with industry representatives are crucial for the successful delivery of Defence projects. “We are committed to maintaining strong relationships with industry through regular meetings and biannual briefs,” Tilley reiterated.
The brief provided a clear vision for the future of the Defence Estate, emphasising resilience, efficiency, and strategic investment to enhance Australia’s defence capabilities. The ongoing commitment to industry engagement and procurement reforms underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving these ambitious goals.
Author: Darian Macey
Darian is a former Engineering Officer with the RAE with tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Project Management. He is a leading practitioner within Australia's NSI sector with previous employment in Government, project management and building contractor organisations.
