Registration: A0032332G
AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY & DEFENCE NETWORK - VICTORIA
PO Box 336 Tel: +61 (3) 9886 9278
Ashburton Fax: +61 (3) 9889 0006
Victoria, 3147 email:
Australia web: http://www.aidn.org.au
NEWSLETTER No 3 of 2004
NEW MEMBER
A warm welcome is extended to the following new member of AIDN-Vic.
Specialised Conductives Pty Ltd
Specialised Conductives, established in 1987 provides overseas products to the Defence and non Defence industries in Australia and New Zealand. We provide products for EMI shielding, EMC and ESD including ferrites, gaskets, copper beryllium finger strips, windows, films, vents, nickel powders for paint, radar absorbers, reflectometers to measure radar absorption, conductive tissues for composites, EMI cable sheathing materials, stainless steel fibres for injection moulding conductive plastics and conductive polyester taffeta materials. For further information please contact Dr John Tetaz, Phone: 03.98461490, Mobile 0410 651 928, Email:
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Aerospace Industry Action Agenda Launched in Melbourne:
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Warren Entsch, has launched the Government's new Aerospace Industry Action Agenda, at the facilities of Production Parts, the first company to complete a Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) contract relating to component for the fighter's GE Aircraft engine. Titled 'Partnering in the Global Context: and Australian Aerospace Industry for the 21st Century', the new Action Agenda targets the integration of local aerospace production capacity and technical expertise into the global supply chains of firms such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, EADS and BAE Systems. Major future business opportunities are seen in the F-35 JSF, the Boeing 7E7, and the Airbus A400M military transport. For further information please contact Sue Smith at AIDN <> 03.98850907
Melbourne Firm Wins Australia's First JSF Software Contract
Melbourne-based Adacel Technologies will supply speech recognition software systems for the $US200 billion global Joint Strike Fighter program. Adacel is a world leader in aviation simulation and training systems and air-traffic management software, and is the first Australian company selected to provide software for the JSF program. This is a significant achievement for Adacel - with the potential to generate work during the production phases of the program in which more than 4500 of the multi-role stealth fighters are expected to be manufactured. Under a Memorandum of Agreement signed with JSF prime contractor Lockheed Martin, Adacel will develop a speech-enabled cockpit control system as part of the 10-year System Development and Demonstration phase of the JSF program.
For further info contact Russell Meacham, Sales & Marketing Manager Phone 85307777
ADI Completes Us Army Vehicle Purchase
The final six of the 40 interim high mobility engineering excavator vehicles (IHMEE) ADI Limited has designed and manufactured for the US Army at Bendigo were shipped to the US today.
The 40 IHMEEs are being spread widely across the US Army’s network of bases. They will be in service at bases in Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, Louisiana, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
ADI managing director, Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo, described the IHMEE as a “breakthrough vehicle for Australia.” “It is the first Australian developed military vehicle to be purchased in volume by the US and it has created further export opportunities with the US,” he said.
The IHMEE is believed to be the only vehicle in the world to offer the cross-country performance of a four-wheel drive, the earth moving functions of a front-end loader and backhoe and a highway speed of 100km/h.
“Given their need to be effective in the most demanding environments, Australia, with its snow, desert and extremely challenging terrain, has proven to be an ideal development ground for the modern military vehicle.”
For further information: Leigh Funston, Group Manager, Corporate Communications, ADI Limited Tel: (02) 9562 2552 (Business) 0414 866 697 (Mobile)
Final ANZAC Ship Launched at Williamstown:
The tenth and final vessel in the seventeen-year ANZAC frigate project has been launched at Tenix's Williamstown shipyard in Victoria by Margaret Gee, daughter of the late Able Seaman First Class Allan Gee, who survived the sinking of the first HMAS PERTH. Defence Minister Hill says the new ship Perth is to be equipped with the latest communication, navigation and fire control systems when it is delivered in June 2006. It will be capable of firing the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile (ESSM) and will be armed with a five-inch gun. PERTH will have an upgraded Combat Management System, the first ship in the ANZAC-class to have this system fitted.
AIDN NATIONAL
The AIDN National meeting was held in Adelaide on 1 April 2004. Peter Nicholls, President AIDN-Vic attended this meeting. Stay tuned for some exciting updates in conjunction with the AIDN web site.
AIDN-Vic ACTIVITIES
BAE Systems Briefing (Wednesday 14 April) at Leonda. This function is being held in conjunction with the AiG Defence Council. BAE Systems will provide a brief on capabilities of interest to support its future growth and there will be an opportunity at the end to meet with the presenters and ask questions related to items covered in the brief. Contact <> for more information.
DEFENCE INDUSTRY
Air Warfare Destroyer Design Competition Begins
Defence Minister Hill has launched a competition between three international ship designers to conclude by mid-2005, the selection of a preferred designer for Australia’s three new air warfare destroyers, to be procured under project Sea 4000. Heading the list of competitors is: Spanish ship builder IZAR, offering an evolved concept based on the ‘Alvaro De Bazan’-class F100 frigate, currently in service with the Spanish Navy and already integrated with the US ‘Aegis’ air warfare system; Blohm+Voss of Germany, with an evolved concept based on the ‘Sachsen’-class F124 frigate currently in service with the German Navy, but incorporating a version of the ‘Aegis’ system; and US-based Gibbs & Cox with an evolved ‘Arleigh Burke’-class guided missile destroyer (DDG-51), of the sort currently in service with the United States Navy.
M1 Abrams chosen as Replacement Tank
The Government will equip the Australian Army with a fleet of 59 United States M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management main battle tanks to replace the ageing Leopards, Defence Minister Robert Hill has announced. The project cost is about $550 million.
The Government accepted Defence’s advice that the Abrams is the best capability and the best value for money with the lowest risk of the three replacement tank options examined. Senator Hill said the new tanks would be introduced into service from 2007 and would be based with 1st Brigade in the Northern Territory.
“The tanks will be used by the Army In addition to the tanks, extra refueling, recovery and transport support vehicles, training simulators and an integrated logistic support package will be acquired from the United States. All these elements of the capability are included in the purchase price. Australian industry is expected to be involved in the provision of through-life support for the Abrams.
Joint Operations Command
An internal review of senior Defence command arrangements just approved by the Government is to see the establishment of a new Joint Operations Command, to be headed by the current Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders. As such, Shalders will now become the first Chief Joint Operations (CJOPS), whilst also continuing current responsibilities to assume the Chief of Defence Force position when General Cosgrove is overseas. Shalders will report directly to Cosgrove, and will consolidate under his responsibilities: the Strategic Operations Division, Headquarters Australian Theatre (HQAST), operational responsibilities for Headquarters Northern Command (NORCOM), and the deployable Joint Force Headquarters. The current Commander Australian Theatre, will become the Deputy to Vice Admiral Shalders (DCJOPS).
New Chief for DSTO's Land Operations Division: Brigadier Steve Quinn, a former senior Australian army officer has taken up the reins as Chief of DSTO's Land Operations Division, based in Edinburgh, SA. Brigadier Quinn was formerly Director-General Land Development in Defence HQ, Canberra.
Defence Procurement Advisory Board
Defence Minister Robert Hill and Finance Minister Nick Minchin announced, on 8 March, the appointment of two prominent business leaders to the Defence Procurement Advisory Board. Dr John White, Managing Director of Global Renewables Limited and Mr Kevin McCann, Chairman of Partners for law firm Allens Arthur Robinson, will join the previously announced Chair, David Mortimer, and board members Malcolm Kinnaird, the Secretaries of Defence, Finance and Administration, and Treasury, and the Chief of the Defence Force to complete the Advisory Board. The Board will report to the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Finance and Administration.
Government Urges Employers to Adopt Defence Reserve Leave Guidelines
Employers have been urged by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mal Brough, to consider new guidelines for leave for members of the ADF Reserves. New guidelines just unveiled by Defence Force Chief Cosgrove provide a framework for employers to develop policies that provide for security of employment for leave taken within the context of the Employer Support Payment Scheme, which financially compensates employers while their employees are undertaking Defence service. Although the guidelines are not compulsory, the Australian Government encouraged employers to adopt them. Employers can access the new private sector leave guidelines www.defence.gov.au/drsc or by calling 1800 803 485.
STATE GOVERNMENT
Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame 2004 Gala Dinner
The 2004 Gala Dinner will be held on Wednesday 19 May 2004 at Flemington Racecourse New Members Stand. This is a major event on the manufacturing calendar for this year with up to 800 local and international guests expected to attend. Tickets are available through Peter Jones Special Events on (03) 9326 3433. Sponsorship opportunities for the Gala Dinner are also available – for further details please contact Karen Piil at Public Domain Communications on (03) 9699 1272.
OTHER GOVERNMENT
Customs shortlists Bayclass maintenance contenders
Seven companies have been short listed as potential full-service providers for the complete maintenance service contract for the Australian Customs Service fleet of eight (8) Bay-class vessels, for which expressions of interest closed in October last year. The short-listed companies are:
• Adsteam Offshore Pty Ltd
• Austal Ships Pty Ltd
• Defence Maritime Services Pty Ltd
• G A Glanville & Associates Pty Ltd
• Integrated Group Pty Ltd
• Mermaid Marine Australia Ltd
• Tenix Defence Services Pty Ltd
Customs has also short listed nine (9) companies for the provision of partial services. These are:
• ADI Ltd
• Australian Laboratory Services Pty Ltd
• Domain Consulting Pty Ltd
• Darwin Ship Repair and Engineering
• Electrotech Pty Ltd
• Eden Technologies Pty Ltd
• MRO Software Aust Pty Ltd
• Operations Solutions Management
• Xantic (Spec Tech Pty Ltd)
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Defence Services Asia - DSA 2004, 12-15 April 2004 in Kuala Lumpur. For more information visit www.dsa2004.com
1st Pacific International Conference on Applications of Lasers and Optics April 19 - 21, 2004 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Melbourne. PICALO is the first of potentially a series of conferences focusing on the growth and application of lasers and optics in the Pacific region. PICALO aims to bring together researchers, engineers, equipment suppliers and industry personnel to hear the latest developments and progress in lasers and applications and to share knowledge, experiences and visions. For further information visit http://www.laserinstitute.org/conferences/picalo/index.php3
Ballistics 2004: 21st International Symposium on Ballistics 19-23 April 2004, Adelaide. This is an invitation to academics, commercial organisation, defence research institutions and military organisation to attend and/or offer papers. Abstracts are due 30 May 2003. Contact SAPMEA Conventions Tel 08.82746055 or visit www.sapmea.asn.au
UAV Concepts, Tactics & Technologies for the 21st Century 20-22 April 2004, Westin Hotel Sydney For further information visit www.uvasiapacific.com
MEPLEX 2004 - Middle East Police and Law Enforcement Exhibition & Conference, Dubai U.A.E. 3-5 May 2004. MEPLEX is the Middle East’s showcase for law enforcement a unique platform to showcase products & technological capabilities to decision makers in the police, security and intelligence agencies throughout the region. MEPLEX combines four distinct elements: a conference; related workshops; a trade exhibition and live demonstrations. International Trade Show Management Pty Ltd (ITSM) is the Australian agent for MEPLEX 2004, and your local contact. Information can be found on the website www.meplex.com
CeBIT Australia 4-6 May 2004, Sydney Convention Centre - Australia's leading B2B event for Information and Communications Technology. Save $25 by registering on-line at www.cebit.com.au for more information.
Defence Technology Asia 2004 International Conferences & Exhibition (DTA 2004) DefenceDirectory, a global defence exchange specialising in the Asian and ASEAN defence markets, is conducting the region's first Defence Technology Asia 2004 International Conferences & Exhibition.
This Event, a first-of-its-kind, to be held on 11th and 12th May 2004, in Singapore, brings together four major Conferences under one roof:
* Submarine & ASW Asia 2004 (SASW 2004), * Naval Surface Ships Asia 2004 (NAVSA 2004)
* Air Defence Technology Asia 2004 (ADTA 2004), * Homeland Defence Asia 2004 (HLD 2004)
As part of the Event, there will be an Exhibition which will provide a unique platform showcasing the latest technologies in equipment and operational systems from the world's leading defence and security industries. Please visit http://www.defencedirectory.com/conference for further details.
Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame 2004 Gala Dinner will be held on Wednesday 19 May 2004 at Flemington Racecourse.
Association for Manufacturing Excellence Pacific Rim Conference. The Best of the Best, The X2X program has 6 out of the top 10 presenters from the Chicago and Toronto conferences
18-21 MAY 2004, GRAND HYATT MELBOURNE The AME is an International , not for profit association of 6000 manufacturing executives who wish to improve their personal and organisations' performance though shared learning. Under the theme "Xcelerate to Xellence", the conference will feature practitioner presentations from around the world, key note presentations and workshops by some of the leading Lean thinkers from North America and Australia including Bruce Baggaley, Richard Kunst and Peter Hines, as well as Industry Plant tours including Bosch, Toyota and Dana Australia and much more. With 14 confirmed leading international presenters this will be the most important manufacturing excellence event that the Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) has ever hosted outside North America. Details were sent to members on 22 March.