BAE Systems has achieved 90 percent Australian Industry Content on its Hydrographic In-Service Support program in Cairns. BAE Systems spent A$41.5 million across its suppliers in 2020, with 90 percent of that spent with Australian owned and operated businesses. Since 2008, BAE Systems has maintained the LEEUWIN and PALUMA Class vessels as part of the Hydrographic In Service Support (HISS) contract, employing around 60 people and working closely with almost 200 regional and national suppliers. As the program enters its 13th year, BAE Systems has committed more than A$400 million to its trusted and enduring suppliers, many of which are based in the Cairns region.
Maritime Sustainment Director Greg Laxton said, “We will ensure that enduring industry activities continue to be part of our role in the region, regularly engaging with industry to create more opportunities, enhancing capability and capacity for continuous naval sustainment. This program has enabled the growth and development of the supplier ecosystem within the region and supports the delivery of increasingly complex work scope, while reducing risk for the Commonwealth and Navy. We will continue our work with supply chain partners to support their bespoke development needs by facilitating engagement with the Centre for Defence Industry Capability, industry associations and regional development authorities. This kind of support is invaluable to our supply chain partners as it reduces the burden on them to understand and address what can be complex obligations and requirements.”
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