Shadow Minister for Defence visits DECO Australia to survey defence capabilities, including non-combustible aluminium products

Shadow Minister for Defence Richard Marles has reportedly paid a visit to DECO Australia’s manufacturing facility in Minto, New South Wales to observe the company’s defence capabilities, including surface finishing, protective coatings, and non-combustible aluminium building products.

Deco founder and director Ross Doonan discussed defence procurement policies with the Shadow Minister Richard Marles and advocated for greater inclusion of local SMEs in defence contracts.

“Australia has a wealth of local suppliers who would be an asset to the defence industry,” said Ross Doonan adding that “And yet they are underrated and often overlooked by Australian defence, and by the Prime Contractors they work with. It is difficult to become involved – often, SMEs are not even sure where to start.

He also said, "It is crucial that these innovative, creative businesses receive greater opportunities to be included in defence contracts and make the valuable contribution of which they are capable.”

The discussions between Richard Marles and Ross Doonan included the importance of recognising Australian manufacturers in crucial defence projects, the vital need for government to assist SMEs in overcoming barriers to trading Prime Contractors, and reviewing the Australian Industry Capability programme to increase its benefits to SMEs.

The also discussed the urgency of providing stronger protections for the Intellectual Property of Australian businesses to prevent inventions being plagiarised by overseas suppliers and lower-quality alternatives usurping quality Australian product offerings.