Commercial, Contracting and Ethics Working Group

The Australian Industry Group Defence Council (the Defence Council) is the peak national representative body for the Australian defence industry.

A close partnership between Defence and industry is fundamental to delivering outcomes for the Australian Defence Force, for building a strong and capable local defence industry, and implementing Industry as a Fundamental Input to Capability.

The Defence Council brings Government,Defence and defence industry together for the benefit of Australia’s national security and the growth and development of locally based defence industry. The role of the Defence Council is to address significant issues that impact defence industry as a whole.

The Defence Council convenes various Working Groups to inform policy development, exchange information with thought leaders and develop the shared interests of Defence and industry.

Purpose of the Working Group

The purpose of the Commercial, Contracting and Ethics Working Group is to:

• Bring Government, Defence and industry representatives together to discuss matters of shared interest in relation to Defence commercial, contracting and ethical issues
• Provide a forum for industry consultation to help inform Defence commercial and contracting policy development in a collaborative and constructive manner
• Share information and expertise on areas of mutual interest such as best commercial practice, professionalisation and skills development
• Provide a forum to discuss areas of mutual interest on implementation of the Defence First Principles Review,including Smart Buyer and Industry as a Fundamental Input to Capability
• Share information and exchange ideas in relation to ethical issues affecting Defence and defence industry,such as pre-tendering, tendering and probity matters
• Build our Defence and defence industry community through networking and events

Principles of the Working Group

Working Group members recognise the critical role they play in support of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, Australia’s national security and to the benefit of the broader community.

Working Group members understand the importance of proactive engagement and involvement, as well as the frank exchange of views.Members are encouraged to contribute to the extent possible on Working Group matters and initiatives.

The Working Group will operate in accordance with the relevant Competition and Consumer legislation, as well as any other applicable, laws, regulations and policies.

Membership

Membership of the Working Group will comprise representatives from:

• The Department of Defence, led by the First Assistant Secretary Procurement and Contracting (or future equivalent) and including Fraud Control and Ethics representatives
• Ai Group Defence Council National Executive company representatives

Subject matter experts will be invited as guests on an as-required basis.

A Probity Officer will be invited to meetings on an as-required basis. 

Co-Chairs

The Co-Chairs of the Working Group are:

• the First Assistant Secretary Procurement and Contracting (or future equivalent)
• the Executive Director of the Ai Group Defence Council.

Meeting schedule and administration

The Working Group will meet quarterly unless otherwise agreed.

The Co-Chairs will nominate a deputy from within the Working Group to cover leave or unexpected absences.

The Executive Director of the Ai Group Defence Council will provide agendas and record meeting outcomes for distribution and comment by members. The final outcomes of the meetings will also be provided to Defence and to the AiGroup Defence Council National Executive at its quarterly meetings.