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DMTC Official Launch

Australia’s Defence capability is about to get a whole lot stronger with the launch of DMTC today.

From the site of core partner Thales Australia’s Land and Joint Systems in Bendigo, DMTC was launched jointly by Federal Minister Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator The Hon. Kim Carr, Federal Minister Defence Science and Personnel The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP and Parliamentary Secretary Defence Procurement The Hon. Greg Combet AM MP.

Victorian Ministers for Regional Development, The Hon. Jacinta Allan, and Industry, The Hon. Martin Pakula, represented the State Government. Federal Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons MP and Mayor City Greater Bendigo Kevin Gibbins also attended.

DMTC is Australia’s first Defence Future Capability Technology Centre (DFCTC). The establishment of these joint defence research ventures was announced by the Government in 2007 to combine expertise and resources that will develop and deliver technologies to enhance future defence capability.

From its headquarters based within the compound of core partner Swinburne University in Melbourne, DMTC will combine the engineering and scientific skills of its core and supporting partners from Defence, defence related industries and research agencies.

Together, these partners will work towards enhancing Australia’s defence capability by developing innovative materials and manufacturing technologies.

DMTC’s main focus is innovation through the development and application of new materials across four programs – Aircraft Platforms, Maritime Platforms, Armour Applications and Propulsion Systems.

Chief Executive Dr Mark Hodge said research and technology in these four areas was absolutely critical for building superior performance equipment that enhances Australia’s defence capability.

“DMTC is a real solution to the challenge of enhancing defence capability for Australia. The research ideas generated via the four programs will be put into action by our industry partners support Australia’s defence capability and expand the scope to support defence ability,” he said.

“Clever use of technology plays a big part in protecting Australia but ultimately our defence personnel must have confidence that the equipment we are providing has the most advanced capability to protect and defend.

Since its establishment as a constitutional entity in July 2008, DMTC has already initiated a number of projects within each of the four programs.

“From a standing start we have already achieved a great deal,” Dr Hodge said.

“At the moment 16 projects are underway and we have successfully reached some early milestones.”

DMTC’s business structure is modeled on the successful Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) whereby projects are led by its 14 core and 15 supporting partners.

Operating as a private company limited by guarantee, DMTC was funded by cash and in-kind contributions including $30M from the Commonwealth, $9M from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland State Governments with the balance of its $85 million underwriting coming from its collaborative partners.