Existing DISP members have 24 months to re-apply for membership under the new DISP. As part of the application, Defence will consolidate multiple memberships under a single entity membership.

Businesses are required to hold an appropriate level of DISP membership when:

• Working on sensitive or classified information or assets;
• Storing or transporting Defence weapons or explosive ordnance;
• Providing security services for Defence bases and facilities; and
• There is a Defence business requirement.

The new DISP offers four levels of industry membership to better align with governance, physical, personnel and cyber security classifications:

• Entry level – Unclassified/DLM;
• Level 1 – Protected;
• Level 2 – Secret; and
• Level 3 – Top Secret.

In addition, businesses no longer need separate memberships for each Defence contract, and can sponsor their own employees’ security clearances up to NV2.

The new DISP, launched on 9 April, strengthens Defence security practices in partnership with industry, providing better protection of sensitive and classified information and securing industrial intellectual property.

The Department of Defence, in consultation with industry, has reformed DISP to provide industry increased opportunities to work with Defence and easier access to Defence security services.

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More information, including registering for support as part of the reformed DISP program, is available here. 

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.