"The Defence Industry Workforce Strategy Discussion Paper released today by the Federal Government is a positive initial step towards mapping the skilling issues within the sector and developing long term solutions for industry stability and growth," Australian Industry Group Defence Council Executive Director, Innes Willox, said today.

"This focus on skills comes at a time when the sector is under intense pressure at both Prime and SME level especially from the resources sector competing for skilled workers and putting pressure on wages.

"In additional to national security, the defence industry plays an important role in manufacturing innovation and R&D more broadly.

"This Discussion Paper, together with the announcement of the likely initial funding of the Future Submarine Program, are encouraging signs the Government is interested in developing deeper industry involvement in the capability delivery process.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Government in developing a strategy to meet the future skills needs of the defence sector. This will be especially important over the coming years when the capability needs of the ADF will undergo significant change," Mr Willox said.

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