Demystifying Australian Defence Procurement: Insight into Law and Policy

Abstract

When compared to the extensive research explaining and examining legal aspects of European and U.S. defence procurement, there is a dearth of information on Australian defence procurement and the regulation thereof. This short article therefore aims to provide insight into the overlay of Australian federal law and defence policy which governs how officials contract with suppliers on behalf of the Department of Defence (Defence). The article is written with the global community of suppliers in mind and, thus, focuses on themes most relevant to suppliers who wish to enter into arrangements for the procurement of goods and services with Defence as the customer.