The large number of defence projects currently being tendered is a massive opportunity for Australian SMEs who are willing to think big, adopt new manufacturing processes and get involved in global supply chains, says the outgoing Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) National Executive Officer.
Ms Smith, who headed both the National and Victorian defence networks for 15 years before her retirement late last year, grew the AIDN-Vic membership by over 360 per cent over 18 years to around 40 per cent of the total national membership.
“In Australia the outlook is very positive,” Ms Smith told the AAMC in an interview this week. She praised the many innovative companies she has worked with over the years.
“Because I had previously worked for a defence SME I had a real affinity for what a struggle it can be for defence SMEs,” she said.
During Ms Smith’s tenure, the AIDN lobbied to lower the access threshold of Australian Industry Capability (AIC) plans, and Ms Smith arranged the signing of a number of MOUs with major international defence industry associations.
AIDN’s work has helped open the door for many SMEs to a larger number of Australian defence projects.
Seeing Australian companies become significant contributors to international projects such as the Joint Strike Fighter had been hugely rewarding, Ms Smith said. “I hope in some way I have assisted them in this journey.”
Over the years, Ms Smith developed excellent relationships within the defence industry, and with Australian Defence Force personnel and overseas industry associations, and was invited to join the Ai Group Defence Council National Executive in 2008.
John (Johnno) O’Callaghan, Executive Director of the Ai Group Defence Council paid tribute to her work this week. “Sue Smith was a positive contributor to the work of the Defence Council over nearly a decade, always representing the best interests of AIDN and the hundreds of outstanding SMEs in Australia’s defence industry,” he said.
Australian SME defence companies are currently supplying innovative solutions to some of the world’s largest aerospace, defence and transport organisations, including the US Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Airbus, Thales, BAE, Boeing and Ford.
She worked closely with defence Ministers, particularly Robert Hill, Brendan Nelson, Bronwyn Bishop, Greg Combet, Stephen Smith, David Johnston and Christopher Pyne.
“It was extremely important, on behalf of the members, to have a strong relationship with the defence related ministers in order to advocate on their behalf,” Ms Smith says.
Renowned for nurturing and fostering relationships, Ms Smith says organisations need to have a single-minded focus on the interests of their members, and develop a high level of trust.
“With diplomacy, you must have discretion and integrity, and be able to act on behalf of the member’s interest without having any conflicts of interest,” she says.
The Executive AIDN role ensures small-to-medium sized businesses in the defence industry can access key information on possible opportunities, including tenders and registration for key major projects, and is an independent advocate on behalf of members.
There is also skilling assistance through the current Defence Industry Internship Program (DEIP), where 30 engineering interns have been engaged annually by SMEs around Australia over the past 5 years.
“My strong desire, now that I have retired, is that SMEs will continue to get this sort of support,” Ms Smith says.
“Maintaining integrity, trust and discretion, and delivering on what you say you are going to do, are what people value. It helps if you are passionate about what you are advocating.”