ABN: 28 597 845 793
Registration: A0032332G
AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY & DEFENCE NETWORK VICTORIA
PO Box 336
Ashburton
Victoria, 3147
Australia
Tel:
+61 (3) 9886 9278
Fax:
+61 (3) 9889 0006
email: aidnvic@aidnvic.org.au
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: tetazjr@specon.com.au
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 F35 JSF, the Boeing 7E7, and the Airbus A400M military transport. For further information please
contact Sue Smith at AIDN <admin@aidn.org.au> 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 multirole 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.
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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 <aidnvic@aidnvic.org.au> 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
The Simulation Industry Association's (SIAA) has recently called for papers for its next annual
conference and exhibition (SimTecT 2004), which will be held at the National Convention Canberra, in
Canberra, from 24 to 27 May 2004. For further information visit
http://www.simtect.com/simtect/2004/2004.htm
EW 2004 24 - 26 May 2004 Novotel London West Hotel Conference Centre is the World's leading
independent electronic warfare event. It combines a world-class conference with a world-class
exhibition and provides a unique opportunity to meet the leaders of the EW community. For more
information visit www.electronicwarfare2004.com
NATIONAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Technology Futures 2004, Australia’s National Electronics Industry conference, will be held on 3-4
June in Adelaide. The event is convened by EIA in association with AEEMA. Visit
http://www.aeema.asn.au/docs/TFC2004regLoRes.pdf or contact Jennifer Liston, tel (08) 8172 1410 /
0412 272 659, e-mail jliston@aeema.asn.au
Defence + Industry Conference 2004 will be held on 21-24 June 2004, at the National Convention
Centre in Canberra. More details will be sent to members shortly.
DefDoc04 - 22nd to 23rd June 2004 Canberra. New directions for standards in Defence
documentation including S1000D, DEF(AUST) 5629B and ATA iSpec 2200 is the inaugural event
where documentation specialists and project offices can gather to hear from representatives from both
Defence and industry on the implications of using the latest standards in producing Defence technical
documentation. This conference will include leading European and US speakers in the S1000D
documentation field as well as practical case studies of publishing applications that comply with these
standards. Who Should Attend This event is specifically concerned with Defence technical
documentation and is the only event dedicated to gathering the Defence technical documentation
community together to discuss and share information and experience in the use and implementation of
these standards. To find out more about DefDoc04 visit www.defdoc.com
Farnborough International 2004 will be held from 19th-25th July 2004. Acknowledging the growing
importance of space programmes and systems to civil, commercial and military capabilities in the air,
on land and at sea, Farnborough International 2004 will see the launch of the first International Space
Pavilion at the world’s premier aerospace business event. For further information visit
http://www.farnborough.com/
The CRC for Microtechnology and Department of Primary Industries, Government of Victoria, are very
pleased and excited to announce that we have been successful in obtaining a grant to conduct the
"Converging Technologies for Agriculture and Environment"
conference under the International Conference Support Scheme Sir Mark Oliphant-International
Frontiers of Science and Technology.
The conference will be carried out with assistance of funds made available by the Department of
Education, Science and Training under the Innovation Access Program.
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The conference will be held from the Monday 9th to Thursday 12th August at the Duxton Hotel, 328
Flinders Street. Melbourne. For further information contact Richard Gill, CRC for Microtechnology,
Phone: 03 9505 6528 Email: richard.g@microtechnologycrc.com
Land Warfare Conference 2004 will be held during 28-30 September, 2004 at the Melbourne
Convention Centre. For further info visit www.dsto,defence,gov.au/corporate/conferences/landwarfare.
AIDN is considering having a stand, similar to AirShow 2003, at this big event. More information
shortly.
New Zealand Defence Industry Association Defence Forum'04 will be held at Te Papa, Wellington
on 19/20 October 2004. This years theme will be "ACQUISITION to SUPPORT" reflecting the change
in emphasis and hence the opportunities for Industry as the New Zealand Defence procurement
program moves from an acquisition phase to through-life-support. As the programme develops, details
will be available at http://www.defencetech.co.nz/index.html
Australian International AirShow 2005 will be held from Tuesday to Sunday, 15-20 March 2005
(note revised dates). The theme adopted for the 2005 show is 'The Shape of Things to Come', and will
present the latest in aviation and aerospace hardware and technologies. For further information visit
www.airshow.net.au AIDN is planning on having a stand, similar to AirShow 2003, at this huge event.
More information soon.
GENERAL NEWS
Australia-United States FTA Guide released
To help Australian exporters make the most of the opportunities to be opened up by the AustraliaUnited States Free Trade Agreement, the Government has released an easy-to-read Guide to the
Agreement. The Guide (available at http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/negotiations/us_fta/guide/index.html)
makes it easier for you to find out what the Agreement means for your business or organisation, so you
can start planning now.
The release of the Guide follows publication last week of the full text of the Agreement (available at
http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/negotiations/us_fta/text/index.html).
The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement will streamline access for Australian companies
and organisations to one of Australia's most important trading partners. The Agreement is expected to
come into force sometime after 1 January 2005, following respective domestic approval processes and
passing by the Australian Parliament and US Congress of any necessary legislation.
To keep up-to-date with Austrade initiatives in relation to the Agreement, register your interest via the
link on the Austrade website http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/negotiations/us_fta/text/index.html. For
further information about exporting to the US, email <info@austrade.gov.au> Austrade or call on 13 28
78.
Industrial Laser Operator Course
A training course for industry – by industry covering • Industrial Laser Operation • Laser Safety • Laser
Principles • Trouble Shooting • Production Principles • Machine Set-up • Cut Quality • CNC Principles
Swinburne Centre for New Manufacturing offers an answer.
Description
Using the latest laser equipment participants will be trained in industrial laser safety (CO2 & YAG),
production methods, trouble shooting, cut quality, CNC production principles and other aspects of
industrial laser operation. In addition, trainees will make an industry visit to see the theory in practice.
Pathway
Are you a machine operator looking for a change of direction? This course forms part of a nationally
recognised qualification. Make it your first step towards a better, brighter future in a cutting edge
industry.
Course Details
Dates: Monday 3rd – Friday 7th May 2004
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: $795
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Registration Details
Short Courses Enquiries: 9726 1500
Registration Hotline: 9726 1700
Website: www.shortcourse.swin.edu.au
News Items for Future Editions
Any members wishing to have an article published in future editions of our electronic newsletter are
asked to have their article submitted by the middle of the month. Articles are to be limited in size and
submitted by email to <aidnvic@aidnvic.org.au>. This is a free service to members.
Sue Smith
Editor
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed in the AIDN-Vic Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIDN-Vic. Not all third-party
events included in the UPCOMING ACTIVITIES section are endorsed by AIDN-Vic. No responsibility is accepted
by AIDN-Vic or the editor for the accuracy of information contained in the newsletter or the consequences of any
person relying upon such information.
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