Australian Department of Defense, The signing of the Australia-US Treaty on Defense Trade Cooperation during the APEC leaders’ week in Sydney is a significant moment in the history of military industry cooperation between our two nations.
The improved access for Australian industry to sensitive US technology and the removal of bureaucratic barriers will simplify the process for sharing equipment, information, spare parts, services and technical data.
This is a significant boost to Australian industry. It will deliver cost savings by reducing the time and resources required when dealing with US defence industry. It will provide more opportunities for increasing trade and more jobs by enhancing the competitiveness of Australian companies.
Last year 2361 export licences and 312 technical data agreements were approved for Australia. At a conservative estimate at least half of these approvals, which can take 90 days or more, will no longer be required under the Treaty. This will save hundreds of person-years of processing time and, through certainty, reduce delays to project schedules by months each year.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and US armed forces will benefit from increased cooperation in technology application in areas such as counterterrorism and information sharing.
One of the significant benefits expected for industry will be certainty with regard to workforce planning. Previously, with companies having to wait for licenses to be approved, some elements of the industry workforce may have been in limbo for long periods of time.
Another significant benefit is in relation to ‘retransfers’ of technology. The new arrangement means that once equipment has been received it will be transferable between companies who are part of Australia's approved community without the need for further US Government approvals.
This agreement is a demonstration of the importance the US places on its relationship with Australia. It also reinforces the high regard in which Australian technical skill, innovation and initiative is held by the US.
The Treaty is an important step forward in the Australia US alliance. It comes on top of the Prime Minister’s announcements on increased Defence cooperation with the US in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as enhancements to joint training.
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