The Hodgman majority Liberal Government has a strategy to further grow our defence supply industry which includes adopting a recommendation to appoint a full-time Tasmanian Defence Advocate.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rear Admiral (Rtd) Steve Gilmore as Tasmania’s first full-time Defence Advocate and Strategic Adviser for Maritime Industry and National Security Affairs to build on the groundwork he has already done in gaining access to the top decision makers in the military world.
Rear Admiral (Rtd) Gilmore has played a pivotal role in helping Tasmanian businesses make their mark in the defence sector, with the likes of Liferaft Systems Australia, CBG Systems, Penguin Composites, Taylor Bros, Direct Edge and Pivot Maritime International all recently winning significant supply contracts here and around the globe.
Tasmania has about 30 businesses and 2000 employees currently working in the defence sector which generates nearly $350 million in sales revenue and we are looking to further leverage off the Australian Government’s commitment to invest $195 billion in defence during the next 8 years.
The recently released Tasmanian Defence Industry Strategy 2023 – Making our Contribution recommended the appointment of a full-time Defence Advocate as part of the next phase of Tasmania increasing its share of the lucrative defence market held by local companies.
Tasmania will now be the first state with a full-time Defence Advocate, ensuring that we are strongly represented at national and international defence industry forums and further increasing opportunities for Tasmanian businesses to win key defence, maritime and national security contracts, and creating jobs locally.
The Defence Advocate will take on an expanded role helping local industry to take advantage of growing opportunities in the maritime and national security sectors. Local businesses, such as Incat, have already indicated that they are benefiting from the contribution made by the Defence Advocate to their sector.
Rear Admiral (Rtd) Gilmore’s appointment is for a period of three years.
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is taking Tasmania to the next level by ensuring our reputation for high-quality niche manufacturing products grows and giving more Tasmanian businesses the confidence and opportunity to take a bigger slice of the defence market.
The Tasmanian Defence Industry Strategy 2023 – Making our Contribution is available at www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au
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