APDR News in Brief 4 May 2021

Australia supports Vietnam’s mission to South Sudan: Australia has supported Vietnam’s contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) by airlifting Vietnamese military personnel and equipment. A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster provided the airlift during late March and late April, allowing Vietnam to rotate its UNMISS Level Two Field Hospital contingent. Chief of Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, said the Australian Defence Force’s work alongside Vietnam demonstrates the close ties between our two countries. “Vietnam is an important partner for Australia in the Indo-Pacific, and I am proud the ADF has supported their deployment to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan,” Bilton said. “The peacekeeping partnership between our two countries is a key element of our defence relationship. It highlights our shared vision of a peaceful, inclusive and resilient region actively supporting global security.” Over the last two months the airlift transported more than 120 passengers and over 55,000 kilograms of cargo between Vietnam and South Sudan. The cargo included medical and dental equipment, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, food stores and cold chain. Australia has now provided airlift support to three rotations of Vietnam’s UNMISS contingent, the first in October 2018 and the second in November 2019. All Australian Defence Force personnel involved in the airlift complied with Australia’s and Vietnam’s COVID-19 protocols and control measures. Consultation start on royal commission: Over the past fortnight consultation has started on the themes for the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Royal Commission is a chance to unite the veteran community and everyone has a chance to have their say as we consult widely on the Terms of Reference. “I have already held discussions with hundreds of veterans, serving members and families and the feedback has been extremely thoughtful and constructive,,” said Darren Chester, minister for veterans’ affairs. “They are not interested in arguing among themselves, they want the wider military community to unite and make the most of this important opportunity to shape the direction of the Royal Commission. My role is entirely consistent with other Royal Commissions where the portfolio Minister undertakes consultation, but the actual drafting of the Terms of Reference is undertaken independently of my Department by the Attorney-General. However, I recognise that some veterans may not be comfortable engaging in this process through DVA. The government has listened to the concerns of these veterans who don’t wish to provide their input to DVA as part of this process and I have provided this feedback to the Attorney-General Michaela Cash, who has agreed to accommodate those concerns and ensure that all voices can be heard.” Veterans, family members and service personnel can send their submissions for the Terms of Reference directly through the Attorney-General’s website: Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission – Public Consultation | Attorney-General’s Department (ag.gov.au). All feedback to either DVA or the Attorney-General’s Department is required to be submitted by 21 May 2021 and will be carefully considered as the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission are finalised. archTIS wins Defence deal: archTIS Limited, a global provider of innovative software solutions for the secure collaboration of sensitive information, today announced that the Company has entered a contract with the Australian Department of Defence for the expanded deployment of NC Protect. The contract, valued at A$296,000, is a software support engagement for archTIS for architecture and implementation services for the migration of NC Protect. The contract is effective immediately for a fixed term ending 30 June 2021. The contract is subject to standard termination clauses in the event of a material breach of contract, however the contract cannot be cancelled by either party before expiry of the fixed term for convenience only or without cause.The contract is otherwise subject to standard terms and conditions for contracts of this nature. Daniel Lai, archTIS Managing Director, said: “I am pleased that our footprint within the Australian Defence ecosystem for NC Protect is quickly expanding. The need to securely share sensitive and classified information is paramount for defence. archTIS portfolio solutions are uniquely able to deliver secure policy-based access and sharing to safeguard even the most sensitive information.This project provides further validation of our merger with Nucleus Cyber and the synergy between our products.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]