NT Defence Week 2024: Reflecting on Northern Territory’s Contribution to the Defence Industry
The recent ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit convened to address the strategic position of Northern Australia within the broader Indo-Pacific region and it’s crucial role in Australia’s national security architecture. The summit tackled various themes, including ADF capabilities in the North, infrastructure investment, defence as a driver for local economic growth, and the challenges associated with building acquiring and sustaining a skilled workforce to support defence operations.
The agenda encompassed a diverse range of topics, commencing with a welcome reception featuring Chief Minister Eva Lawler’s address the significant opportunity for Territory businesses to scale up in sustainment and our new Northern Territory Defence Industry Strategy.
The conference day featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and case studies, covering critical areas like regional development, infrastructure initiatives, engagement with the defence sector in Northern Australia, and geopolitical implications for the region. Funding priorities were topical, including the Northern Territory’s $13+ billion pipeline of Commonwealth defence projects over the next 10 years.
Notable sessions included discussions on enhancing regional development, creative funding for defence projects, challenges and opportunities in local industry engagement, the geostrategic significance of Darwin and Northern Australia, and navigating Asia-Pacific geopolitics.
At the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) NT Defence Industry Awards and Gala Night. The awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the best businesses, innovators, and veterans working hard to support Australia’s defence industry. SPEE3D is taking home yet another AIDN NT Innovation Award, adding to the list of accomplishments recognised within the Territory.
A prestigious gathering of industry leaders and innovators, notable guests included a diverse array of influential figures shaping the landscape of defence technology and investment. From leading aerospace and additive manufacturing companies, each attendee brought invaluable expertise and insights to the Paspalistable, fostering collaboration and innovation within the defence sector.
Notable Attendees
- Kelly Ralston, serving as the Territory Investment Commissioner for the Northern Territory Government.Â
- Hamish Campbell, the Director of the North Australia Centre for Autonomous Drone (NACAS)Charles Darwin University.Â
- Steven Camilleri, the CEO of SPEE3D, a deployable metal 3D printing technology provider used by organisations in Defence and commercial industries around the world.
- Amy Frost, a Marketing Specialist at SPEE3D.Â
- Brett Hill, CEO of Praetorian Aeronautics, dedicated to advancing aerospace technologies for defense applications. With a focus on innovation and reliability,
- Simon Gwozdz, CEO of Equatorial Space Systems, a Singaporean rock propulsion technology company.
- Dan Webster, CEO of Amphibian Aerospace Industries, a Darwin-based company manufacturing and providing through-life support for the Albatross 2.0 Amphibian Aircraft.Â
- Geoff Thomas, Principal of Axant Corporate Advisory and Senior Investment Manager of PASPALIS.Â
- Alex Farrugia, Investment Manager at PASPALIS and Mentor at the Darwin Innovation Hub.Â
- Dante St James, Director – Innovation & Investment Readiness & Mentor at the Darwin Innovation Hub. Â
Highlights of NT Defence Week 2024
- Chief Minister’s Welcome Reception Address: Served as the formal opening ceremony for NT Defence Week 2024.Â
- NT Defence Industry Awards and Gala Night: Celebrated excellence in defence industry contributions, honoring innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to supporting Australia’s defence sector.Â
- 2024 Northern Australia Defence Summit: Strategic discussions and networking opportunities showcased Northern Australia’s capacity for defence projects, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders.Â
- Exhibition Booths: Various organisations showcased their capabilities, including indigenous businesses, small enterprises, and veteran-focused initiatives. Â
- Key speakers at the summit included government officials: The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry & Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and The Hon Eva Lawler MLA, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. Additionally, senior defence personnel, industry leaders, SMEs, academics, and strategic analysts contributed their insights.Â
 - Networking Opportunities: Speed networking sessions and industry roadshows facilitated collaboration and strengthened relationships between local industry stakeholders and visiting delegations.Â
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Event Outcome
NT Defence Week 2024’s significance extends beyond its immediate impact, laying the groundwork for enduring collaborations and initiatives. Insights gathered and connections forged during the event are poised to drive economic growth, spur innovation, and fortify national security. Incorporating concrete data and examples underscored the lasting impact of this pivotal gathering.
 The hosting of defence industry events like the Chief Ministers Welcome Reception Address for the AIDN NT Defence Industry Awards and Gala Night, and the Northern Australia Defence All Day Conference Summit 2024 served as a vital platform for networking, promotion, knowledge sharing, recognition, and policy discussions within the sector.
About SPEE3D
SPEE3D is an Australian-based company specialising in metal 3D printing technology. Their unique approach, known as supersonic 3D deposition (SP3D), involves using a combination of metal powders and kinetic energy to rapidly print metal parts. This process allows for the production of high-quality metal parts at significantly faster speeds compared to traditional methods, making it suitable for various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense. SPEE3D’s technology is known for its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to produce large-scale metal parts with minimal waste.
Read more about SPEE3D Technology
About Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund
Helping to foster Manufacturing Advanced business sectors in the Northern Territory, PIIF has invested in SPEE3D and other similar companies since 2019.
Paspalis is one of Australia’s leading private investment firms. Their business aligns its interests with those of their investors and partners for lasting impact in Australia’s North.
Paspalis invests in both Australian and Offshore high growth companies looking to grow their businesses in the Northern Territory. When Paspalis invest, they are able to leverage their reputation, knowledge, programs and network, providing meaningful positive value to their investees.
