The Ai Group Defence Council appreciated the opportunity to provide a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade for its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2023-24.

As the peak national representative body for the Australian defence industry, the Ai Group Defence Council brings together Government, Defence and industry to strengthen national security and support the sector's development. It also serves as a trusted advisor to a wide range of Defence and industry stakeholders.

To inform this submission, the Ai Group Defence Council consulted its member companies. This submission outlines key issues raised by Defence Council members, including funding allocations to meet strategic priorities, development of the industrial base and industry engagement. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring defence industry is positioned to meet Australia's evolving national security challenges. Greater visibility of Defence's processes and progress on key initiatives and programs will help build industry confidence to continue to invest in critical technologies and workforce.