The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™), as the national peak body for the project profession, welcomes the release of the Defence Industry Development Strategy 2026 and commends the Australian Government for recognising the critical role of project management capability in delivering Australia’s future defence priorities.

“The Defence Industry Development Strategy 2026 sends a clear signal that project management capability is now recognised as a strategic national workforce priority,” said Dr Darius Danesh, CEO of AIPM™.

“The Strategy rightly acknowledges that the successful introduction of new and enhanced Defence capabilities will require significantly higher levels of education, training and professional expertise across the Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service workforce.”

Importantly, the Strategy identifies project management as an immediate workforce priority and highlights the need to strengthen procurement and project management skillsets while embedding these capabilities broadly across Defence.

“This recognition reflects the growing understanding that complex national initiatives — particularly in defence capability acquisition, infrastructure, sovereign industry development and transformation programs — cannot succeed without highly capable project professionals leading and governing delivery outcomes,” Dr Danesh said.

AIPM™ supports the Strategy’s focus on building internal capability within the APS. Developing a professionalised project workforce equipped with contemporary standards, governance disciplines, delivery expertise and leadership capability will be essential to ensuring Defence projects are delivered effectively, efficiently and in the national interest.

“AIPM™ has long advocated for stronger project capability across government and industry, including investment in professional certification, capability frameworks, lifelong learning and recognised standards of practice,” Dr Danesh said.

“The inclusion of project management as a priority capability area within the Strategy represents an important milestone for both Defence and the broader Australian project profession.”

AIPM™ remains committed to supporting the implementation of the Defence Industry Development Strategy 2026 and advancing APS professionalisation by working collaboratively with government, Defence, industry and education partners to strengthen Australia’s project delivery capability for the future.