Synergy Group’s Post

Precision Public Affairs congratulates the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, on the release of the 2024 National Defence Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program, and was delighted to join him and the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy, at the National Press Club of Australia today.  As an Australian Veteran Owned Business proudly serving a range of incredible #defenceindustry clients, we fully understand the complexity of Australia's current strategic circumstances, PPA appreciates the many and varied challenges the Australian Government has faced in pursuit of an establishing an ADF that is fully equipped to defend Australia and deny any potential adversaries. #YourADF #DefenceIndustry #NDS #IIP #governmentrelations #auspol #publicpolicy 

Australia's announced contribution to RIMPAC underscores a pressing concern, posing an alarming gap between the government's ambitious rhetoric and the stark reality of our defence capabilities. Despite a strategic pivot aimed at transforming the ADF into an "integrated, focused force," our contribution this year is only a mere fraction of past commitments—highlighting a troubling shortfall. It may come across to our allies and adversaries alike that Australia may not be prepared to uphold its defence commitments. Without immediate and substantial reforms, we risk not only our national security but also our standing as a reliable strategic partner. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g43hjSPj #RIMPAC24 #AustralianDefenceForce #MaritimeExercise #InternationalPartnerships #DefenceCooperation #IndoPacificRegion

Here's the press statement on the IRE gov effort to enhance the resilience of critical national services- as mandated by the EU. I await with interest, hope, and a lot of skepticism. This should be a whole-of-society conversation.

Let's see the howls from the big end of town on this! Only replicates the barest of base line set aside support long provided to both US and UK owned and operated SMEs Recommendation 2 3.58 The committee recommends that the Australian Government consider: increasing the procurement targets for non-corporate Commonwealth entities to source at least 20 per cent of procurement by value from SMEs and 35 per cent of contracts, by value, with a value of up to $20 million from SMEs set out in the Commonwealth Procurement Rules. reviewing the Commonwealth Procurement Rules with a view to ensure that official procurement guidance to officials is aligned with the broader Future Made in Australia package.

European Union defence ambitions: a reality cheque Ester Sabatino 12th August 2024 The planned appointment of a defence commissioner within the European Commission could prove the catalyst for further reform and better coordination, but good intentions in this area have all too often failed to deliver the desired outcomes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will begin in early September to select candidates for commissioners, including for an anticipated new dedicated defence position. The incumbent will face the Herculean task of reforming the continent’s still ineffective defence spending and underperforming defence-industrial base. How much power and financial clout the post-holder will have, or will hope to acquire, will help determine the extent of their success or failure over their five-year tenure. Besides establishing a defence commissioner, von der Leyen’s goals for the 2024–2029 commission also include creating a European Defence Union to ‘support and coordinate efforts to strengthen the defence industry’.

The #EPP: The next decade must become the decade of #European #Defence. Building on the political momentum of the Commission’s proposal for a dedicated #Commissioner for Defence, the EPP shared what it thinks Europe needs for a #European #Defence #Union: 🔸A Single Market for Defence 🔸Investing in Future Technologies 🔸A Change in Strategic Culture 🔸Boosting Investment and Reducing Red Tape 🔸A Strong Voice in Defence and Security Read our latest article in EU defence #regulatoryaffairs where we unpack what Europe’s #DefenceSector must monitor - the EU is turning ideas into policy! #EuropeanParliament #Security #DefenceIndustry #EDU #DefenceRegulation #EIB

📌 Preparedness saves, unpreparedness costs The EPP Group is pushing for stronger cooperation and coordination among Member States on defence issues. 🇪🇺 Today, the #EPlenary will debate the Niinistö report on Europe’s defence and crisis resilience. #EUDefence

Last week I met up with Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps, to hear how about the largest enhancement of our national defence capabilities in decades. Our defence spending baseline will be raised to 2.5% by 2030. The increased investment will begin immediately and gradually rise each year until we achieve this goal. This initiative involves an additional £75 billion in expenditure over the next six years. The funding will be entirely self-sustained, without any rise in borrowing or debt, and will be supported by a well-defined strategy outlining how and when the funds will be allocated. I absolutely welcome this huge step forward for our armed forces in capability and resilience— for our people, and for the industrial capacity that underpins them. #Defence #DefenceBudget

3 More Days for the First Sri Lanka Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action (SLDP) The Ministry of Defense Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Anticipatory Action Working Group (#SLAATWG), is hosting the inaugural Sri Lanka Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action (#SLDP). This platform is bringing together key stakeholders across Sri Lanka to build a shared understanding of anticipatory action. Through interactive dialogues, participants will exchange knowledge, share best practices, and learn valuable lessons to drive a major shift in the humanitarian system, moving from reaction to anticipation. Stay tuned for more updates! #AnticipatoryAction #SLAATWG #SLDP #DisasterResilience #SustainableFuture

🇳🇿 Since its 2021 assessment and 2022 follow-up, New Zealand has enhanced its framework to combat #moneylaundering and #terrorismfinancing. According to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Procedures for mutual evaluations, #NewZealand reported on its progress, leading to re-ratings on five Recommendations: Recommendation 14: upgraded from partially compliant to largely compliant Recommendation 16: upgraded from partially compliant to largely compliant Recommendation 19: upgraded from partially compliant to compliant Recommendation 22: upgraded from partially compliant to largely compliant Recommendation 23: upgraded from partially compliant to largely compliant New Zealand is now compliant on 9 Recommendations and largely #compliant on 25, with 6 Recommendations remaining partially compliant. The country will report back on further progress in its 5th round mutual evaluation.