Key Questions for Defence in the 21st Century

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) is pleased to respond to the Public Discussion Paper and welcomes the preparation of a Defence White Paper. This Submission is confined to ATSE’s mission of fostering the development and application of technology that will improve and sustain our society and economy.

Summary

• ATSE considers that, there are significant opportunities to expand or develop high technology defence supply industries capable of servicing civilian markets if more support is provided for research through the Defence budget.
• A ‘win-win’ scenario is possible if support is provided for the development of new defence related technology locally as it will improve the performance and cost effectiveness of the ADF at the same time underpins the growth of new high technology industries in Australia.
• A strategic approach to expanding the Defence research budget is needed, starting with a comprehensive audit of research requirements and an analysis as to how these can be met.
• A Defence Research and Technology Plan needs to address how Defence research expenditure can be more effectively used to leverage funds from elsewhere and how it can be better integrated into more mainstream research activities taking place in public and private enterprises.
• Should the Defence Research budget be expanded it will need to be accompanied by well managed assessment and monitoring programs.