DCNS, French defense contractor that will be building Australia’s future submarines, has signed a letter of intent with the Australian Indigenous Defence Consortium (IDC) to explore opportunities to include Indigenous Australians and Indigenous businesses within DCNS’s supply chain.
The partnership is the first agreement signed by the IDC since it was founded in March 2016. The letter was signed in Canberra by Sean Costello, Chief Executive Officer, DCNS Australia and Adam Goodes, Chief Executive, IDC.
“DCNS Australia and the IDC see the mutual benefits associated with supporting and assisting one another in relation to our role in one of Australia’s most complex defence projects, the Future Submarine Program,” said Sean Costello , Chief Executive Officer, DCNS Australia.
“We hope to discover more about how the indigenous business community is participating in major projects in Australia and develop effective and efficient ways of working together,” said Mr Costello.
Adam Goodes , Chief Executive IDC said he was looking forward to supporting DCNS directly and indirectly with the nation building future submarine program.
“We already have six Indigenous businesses providing services to DCNS across a couple of contracts,” said Goodes.
“We are excited about partnering with DCNS to flush out more long term opportunities and contracts for Indigenous business that will help build sustainable capabilities and showcase the ability of the Indigenous Business Sector.” said Mr Goodes.
DCNS and the IDC have agreed to meet regularly to review the progress of their activities and identify potential opportunities in the Future Submarine Program.