Department of Defence to ‘enable, not gatekeep’ industry on sensitive data, expertise guidelines

Nockels highlighted that Australian defence businesses are facing growing opportunities to expand into global markets and have a role in engaging confidently with international markets while meeting Australia’s national security obligations.

In an era of increasing strategic competition, there needs to be confidence that sensitive data and expertise will be handled responsibly, he said.

There will be much closer scrutiny (on security), emphasis on trusted supply chains with like-minded collaborators. Without trust there will be no access to high-level collaboration and opportunities with high-value trusted markets, he said.

Crucially, Nockels assured the industry that his team will be an ally, not an obstacle.

Think of us as an enabler not a gatekeeper. We’re not designed to slow exports but to ensure Australian defence companies that they can trade with confidence repeatedly, he said.

It’s no longer about what (equipment) is crossing the borders but also data sharing, retention and disposal.

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Nockels outlined a major shift across the domestic defence industry, with the new AUKUS licence-free environment expected to reduce time and cost barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises, promote repeat collaboration and reduce administrative burden.

“Engage early with the support available. You don’t have to navigate this alone,” he said.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.