The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP Minister for Defence

FOREWORD FOR ANZIDECC

Australia and New Zealand have a strong strategic relationship based on a long history of collaboration. Our countries' defence industries provide the capability to equip our forces with cutting edge systems and technologies vital to our respective national interests.

As Australia's Minister for Defence, I recognise the strategic importance of a vibrant, sustainable and globally competitive Australian defence industry, to support the operational requirements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Australian Government is working with defence industry to build a culture of innovation, underpinned by key goals including ensuring a 'fair go' for local companies in major projects, improving the skills base, supporting research and development to promote global competitiveness and facilitating access to global supply chains.

Australian and New Zealand companies continue to make significant and valued contributions to numerous Defence projects which are vital to the protection of Australia and its interests.

This directory is a valuable resource for the Department of Defence, industry and other potential customers in the civil and export markets on providing details of companies that supply defence related goods and services.

I commend ANZIDECC 2008 to you.

The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP
Minister for Defence