The Albanese Government has awarded two grants to a Shoalhaven-based business that provides defence capabilities and supports local jobs.
Under the first round of the Defence Industry Development Grants program, SMETEC Services at Woollamia will receive $81,106 under the Sovereign Industrial Priorities funding stream to acquire and commission advanced coating facilities for fabricated metal components used in armoured combat vehicles.
The specialised material processing, engineering and fabrication service will also receive $218,373 through the Export Funding stream to purchase, install and commission a fibre laser cutter.
The new laser cutter will be used for the manufacturing of large steel sheeting to support the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, and the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
This financial year the Federal Government has awarded 58 grants worth $16.5 million awarded to Defence suppliers across the country in four streams, including exports, skilling, security and sovereign industrial priorities.
The grants will be used to make or acquire a diverse range of components and support upskilling for production and development in areas such as rocket motors, armoured vehicles, radar and surveillance systems, communication systems, drone and anti-drone technologies, robotics, submarines and cyber security.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy said the investment by the Albanese Government in local businesses and jobs would provide vital support to people who were making a critical contribution to our national security and a future made in Australia.
“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting Australian small to medium enterprises and growing the skills of our workforce to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security,” he said.
“The new Defence Industry Development Grants initiative creates one cohesive program, contributing to a stronger and more resilient sovereign defence industry that is able to meet the challenges of the future.”
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the grants would support the local veteran-owned manufacturing business operated by Tim and Louise Smeets.
“It’s crucial that we support smart, innovative local businesses like SMETEC that work alongside Australian and international defence companies, including Global Defence Solutions and Sikorsky Australia also located here in Nowra,” Mrs Phillips said.
“These companies provide hundreds of local jobs and training opportunities, boost our local economy and play a crucial role in supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“The local defence industry continues to grow and evolve. And is not just important to Nowra, it’s important to the nation.”
SMETEC director Louise Smeets said the grants would significantly enhance the company’s ability to manufacture and finish high-quality components for key defence programs.
“This investment improves our productivity, precision, and capacity to meet defence’s stringent quality and security standards,” she said.
“As a veteran-owned SME based in regional NSW, we specialise in precision fabrication and finishing for defence projects.
“We employ and upskill local tradespeople and engineers, creating sustainable, skilled jobs and helping to build Australia’s sovereign industrial base.
“We’re proud to continue serving Australia through industry, contributing to national security and capability.
“These grants help us grow, innovate, and support the people and platforms that protect our country.”
nd supports local jobs.
Under the first round of the Defence Industry Development Grants program, SMETEC Services at Woollamia will receive $81,106 under the Sovereign Industrial Priorities funding stream to acquire and commission advanced coating facilities for fabricated metal components used in armoured combat vehicles.
The specialised material processing, engineering and fabrication service will also receive $218,373 through the Export Funding stream to purchase, install and commission a fibre laser cutter.
The new laser cutter will be used for the manufacturing of large steel sheeting to support the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, and the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
This financial year the Federal Government has awarded 58 grants worth $16.5 million awarded to Defence suppliers across the country in four streams, including exports, skilling, security and sovereign industrial priorities.
The grants will be used to make or acquire a diverse range of components and support upskilling for production and development in areas such as rocket motors, armoured vehicles, radar and surveillance systems, communication systems, drone and anti-drone technologies, robotics, submarines and cyber security.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy said the investment by the Albanese Government in local businesses and jobs would provide vital support to people who were making a critical contribution to our national security and a future made in Australia.
“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting Australian small to medium enterprises and growing the skills of our workforce to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security,” he said.
“The new Defence Industry Development Grants initiative creates one cohesive program, contributing to a stronger and more resilient sovereign defence industry that is able to meet the challenges of the future.”
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the grants would support the local veteran-owned manufacturing business operated by Tim and Louise Smeets.
“It’s crucial that we support smart, innovative local businesses like SMETEC that work alongside Australian and international defence companies, including Global Defence Services and Sikorsky Australia also located here in Nowra,” Mrs Phillips said.
“These companies provide hundreds of local jobs and training opportunities, boost our local economy and play a crucial role in supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“The local defence industry continues to grow and evolve. And is not just important to Nowra, it’s important to the nation.”
SMETEC director Louise Smeets said the grants would significantly enhance the company’s ability to manufacture and finish high-quality components for key defence programs.
“This investment improves our productivity, precision, and capacity to meet defence’s stringent quality and security standards,” she said.
“As a veteran-owned SME based in regional NSW, we specialise in precision fabrication and finishing for defence projects.
“We employ and upskill local tradespeople and engineers, creating sustainable, skilled jobs and helping to build Australia’s sovereign industrial base.
“We’re proud to continue serving Australia through industry, contributing to national security and capability.
“These grants help us grow, innovate, and support the people and platforms that protect our country.”
