Monday, May 29, 2023
  • About us
    • Write for us
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy Policy
  • RSS Feeds
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
DefenceTalk
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
DefenceTalk
No Result
View All Result

Defence Equipment Boss Quits Amid Changes to Buying Powers

by Australian Security Policy Institute
July 11, 2011
in Army News
2 min read
0
US should consider military options against NKorea
14
VIEWS

The man in charge of Defence procurement has resigned, as speculation grows that the organization he headed will have its independence dramatically curtailed by the Defence Minister, Stephen Smith.

Steve Gumley quit his role as chief executive of the Defence Materiel Organization yesterday after almost eight years as the man responsible for acquiring everything from pencils to Abrams tanks. His interim replacement is his deputy, Warren King.

Sources said Dr Gumley went voluntarily but that he was deeply unhappy about the expected reforms, which are likely to bring the organization back under the umbrella of the Defence Department. They also said he had a fraught relationship with the secretary of the department, Ian Watt.

”He probably didn’t want the crap that would come with the new arrangement,” a source said. Dr Gumley has presided over a tumultuous period at the DMO, with a series of equipment-related debacles and schedule blowouts drawing public criticism from Mr Smith.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the Navy’s entire amphibious fleet was inoperable and that Defence has spent $40 million on small boats that do not fit onto its amphibious ships. Blame for the seemingly endless saga of the Collins Class submarines has also been laid at the organization’s door.

The Herald also revealed last year that there were serious problems with some equipment issued to troops and that the process through which they could complain was deficient.

However, experts said yesterday criticism of Dr Gumley and the DMO over problem projects was at least partly unfair and that he has implemented important reforms in the organization, particularly in introducing commercial-style rigour. There is a belief in the Department that in making the organisation more businesslike, Dr Gumley made it too remote from its sole customer, the Defence Force. As a result, critics say, a gap has arisen between what the Defence Force asks for and what it receives.

Andrew Davies of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said that most of the problems stemmed from the sustainment of equipment that was purchased long before Dr Gumley took over the organization, such as the submarines and amphibious ships.

”DMO is a very thankless job and there will always be negative headlines. But, having said that, he certainly moved it in the direction of increased professionalism, has upskilled the staff in contract and project management, and the increased focus on off-the-shelf procurement has seen some really good outcomes,” Dr Davies said.

Tags: Abramsaustraliaequipmentprocurement
Previous Post

EU defence ambitions stuck in no-man’s land

Next Post

Could British Defense Reforms Be Model for DoD?

Related Posts

Indonesia Orders Additional CAESAR Artillery Systems

France to send more mobile artillery to Ukraine

February 1, 2023

France will ship 12 more Caesar truck-mounted howitzers and fresh air defence equipment to Ukraine to bolster the fight against...

Leopard tanks to arrive in Ukraine around late March: Germany

Leopard tanks to arrive in Ukraine around late March: Germany

January 27, 2023

Leopard tanks pledged by Germany to help Ukraine repel Russia's invasion will arrive in "late March, early April", Defence Minister...

Next Post
Gates reveals budget efficiencies, reinvestment possibilities

Could British Defense Reforms Be Model for DoD?

Latest Defense News

China made third-largest air incursion this year, says Taiwan

China would gain swift air superiority over Taiwan, US leaks show

April 19, 2023
china third aircraft carrier PLAN

China sends warships and aircraft around Taiwan for second day

April 8, 2023
Japan defence ministry seeks $50 billion budget

Japan changes rules to allow aid to foreign militaries

April 6, 2023
Trump order targets Chinese internet giants TikTok, WeChat

TikTok hit with UK fine, Australia government ban

April 6, 2023
Finland gears up for historic NATO decision

Long NATO delay spells trouble for Sweden and alliance: experts

April 6, 2023
Russia says fired anti-ship missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan

Russia says fired anti-ship missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan

March 28, 2023

Defense Forum Discussions

  • Turkey - Geopolitical & Geostrategic.
  • Russian Army/Ground Forces Discussion and Updates
  • Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0
  • The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread
  • AI
  • US Army News and updates general discussion
  • NATO
  • UAS developments and/or issues
  • General Aviation Thread
  • Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) update
DefenceTalk

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com

Navigate Site

  • Defence Forum
  • Military Photos
  • RSS Feeds
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com