In February 2024, the Government released its plan defining the strategic rationale for a sovereign defence industrial base and setting out pathways to maximise support for Australian industry and its critical contribution to national security.

My focus for the Defence + Industry Conference (D+I) 2024 will be to inform delegates of the changes required in the Defence sector to ensure we deliver on the National Defence Strategy, the underpinned Defence Industry Development Strategy and the Integrated Investment Plan, to meet the challenges ahead.

D+I 2024 will be an essential platform to optimise the effective collaboration and partnership required between Defence and industry for success.  The program will again be informative, thought provoking and enable delegates to engage with presenters through our live question sessions.

I'm looking forward to welcoming you to this year's conference.

Chris Deeble

Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group