Australian-first not-for-profit export controls group launches to support Defence industry and academia with AUKUS

An Australian first not-for-profit export controls group will support the Defence, academia and advanced technology industries – including small-to-medium enterprises – navigate the system so they can more easily export and play a part in defence and global supply chains, including the once-in-a-generation AUKUS agenda. The new group, Export Controls Australia Group (ECAG), has been launched to represent and support industry on all aspects of domestic and international export and trade controls. This includes support throughout the introduction and implementation of the Australian Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill, anticipated to be introduced into law shortly. ECAG will support Defence, industry and academia by: • Supporting with advocacy and representation • Influencing current and emerging domestic and international policy impacting the Australian technology industrial base • Delivering timely information and updates through webinars and events • Exchanging ideas, lessons learned and updates with domestic and international industry   peers • Creating collaboration opportunities to better influence, advocate and inform the Australian export control discourse ECAG CEO and Founding Director Jessica Rankin said: “We’re really excited to be launching Export Controls Australia Group, an Australian-first not-for-profit group that will make life easier for the University, Defence and advanced tech sectors in Australia who are wanting to support the AUKUS trilateral partnership. Our non-profit status is really important to us because it’s a strong signal to our stakeholder and member base of our mission to provide commercially unbiased trusted insights and unwavering advocacy in the area of export controls and strategic trade. “We recognise it’s tough for the Defence and advanced tech and R&D sectors in Australia, especially SME’s, to navigate sometimes tricky export and trade control information. “AUKUS presents a huge opportunity for Australian companies, businesses as well as our research sector– and we’re seeking to simplify the requirements and contribute to an easier export controls process for them. “Export Controls Australia Group is a one-stop shop source to support industry and academia on all aspects of export and trade controls and ensure they are well-placed to maximise their opportunities under the inaugural AUKUS agenda.” Recognising the challenges faced by SMEs in navigating export and trade control information, Rankin highlighted the significant opportunities presented by AUKUS for Australian companies and the research sector. ECAG aims to simplify requirements and contribute to an easier export controls process, positioning industries and academia to maximize opportunities under the inaugural AUKUS agenda. ECAG is actively seeking grants, corporate partnerships, and offering memberships to interested parties. For more information about Export Controls Australia Group visit: www.ecag.com.au Contact: Export Controls Australia Group CEO and Founding Director Jessica Rankin [email protected] For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]