Regional Development and Decentralisation Committee Inquiry
Regional Development and Decentralisation Committee Inquiry into Regional Development and Decentralisation Department of Defence Written Submission September 2017 Executive Summary 1. Defence has a significant presence in regional Australia and contributes to the socio- economic fabric of these communities. For the purpose of this submission the term ‘regional’ is defined as any area outside of the main metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra. 2. The location of Defence personnel, bases and facilities is driven by strategic priorities underpinned by the 2016 Defence White Paper, the 2016 Defence Integrated Investment Program (IIP) and the Defence Estate Strategy. The IIP was developed through a comprehensive Force Structure Review that assessed Defence’s capability needs and priorities to determine Defence’s future presence, comprising: location, equipment, information and communications technology, infrastructure and workforce requirements. 3. Defence has an integrated workforce, including permanent Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, Reservists, Australian Public Service (APS) employees, contractors and other service providers who work together to deliver Defence capability. The quality of the workforce is the foundation of Defence’s capability, effectiveness and reputation. As at 30 June 2017, the total number of Defence personnel in regional centres across Australia was 33,300, which equates to around 34 per cent of its total workforce of 97,911. This presence has enabled Defence to develop
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