Defence begins at home

Australia has a unique opportunity to reinforce its national security by fostering a stronger domestic defence industry.

Rebooting Australia’s defence industry

Australia needs a powerful department that spans industry, trade and investment, mandated with extensive powers and equipped with resources to shape the economy to strategic needs.

Upgrading Australia’s defence production to industry 4.0

Australia has to radically rethink what various parts of Defence do and how to optimise the many opportunities presented by Industry 4.0 techniques.

An arsenal for democracy

Australia can become a key part of the arsenal of democracy by leveraging the benefits of Industry 4.0 and producing innovative weapons to help Ukraine and Taiwan resist the might of their toxic neighbours.

Defining priorities in defence industry production

Achieving defence industrial self-reliance depends on ensuring that appropriate administrative measures for defining and quantifying those capabilities are in place, and that each measure is fit for purpose.

The economics of defence industry self-reliance

Australia’s lacklustre productivity performance, vastly increased government debt from Covid-19, and structural deficits in the federal budget that are likely to persist for decades mean we must carefully prioritise Defence’s investment in capital equipment.

Filling the hollow middle in Australia’s defence industry

A number of issues are holding back Australia’s defence manufacturers from making the leap from SME to major player.

Rebooting Australia’s defence industry policy

Policymakers must seize the opportunity to develop a proper defence industry strategy that will boost Australia’s military capability as well as its economy as the strategic outlook continues to darken.