Workforce Overview
The Defence industry-sector is responsible for protecting Australia's national security interests. It supports regional stability and diplomatic efforts, deters potential threats, and protects Australia’s maritime borders.
Defence personnel work to counter threats both at home and overseas, and promote global peace through international collaborations.
The Australian Defence Force includes the:
- Australian Army
- Royal Australian Navy
- Royal Australian Air Force.
The Department of Defence manages many different groups within its organisational structure such as the Defence Science and Technology Group.
In 2024, Defence published two documents detailing their intended strategic direction, including the National Defence Strategy 2024 and the Defence Workforce Plan 2024. Regarding its workforce, these documents specify several recruitment and retention strategies to minimise Defence’s current strength deficit
Workforce Megatrends
In 2024, Public Skills Australia identified nine megatrends impacting across the Public Safety and Government industries. A brief overview of the key findings from 2024 are detailed below
Identified Challenges
Emerging Capabilities
The growing importance in Defence to operate within Space and cyber domains are catalysing upskilling and training requirements which may require bespoke qualifications and units of competency.
Professionalisation and Upskilling
Reducing reliance on contractors and consultants is increasing the needs to upskill the APS workforce and strengthening career pathways into the ADF through contemporary training for ADF Cadets.
Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans’ Suicide
Training pathways for transitioning Veterans, arising from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans’ Suicide.
Strategy
Training product development for emerging capabilities in the space domain
Public Skills Australia proposes to develop nationally accredited training products that meet the emerging skills needs of Defence in the space domain. This may include skills related to satellite imagery, intelligence, reconnaissance and communications.
Training product development for emerging capabilities in the cyber domain
Public Skills Australia proposes to develop nationally accredited training products that meet the emerging skills needs of Defence in the cyber domain. This may include practitioner skills to undertake risk assessments in ICT systems, or any other relevant skilling areas identified by key stakeholders.
Contemporary Cadet Training
Public Skills Australia proposes to Develop nationally accredited training products that meet the contemporary needs of ADF Cadets. This may include adjustment of current training products or development of new ones.
Development of Training Pathways for Transitioning Veterans
Public Skills Australia proposes to assist Defence in the development of training pathways and/or bridging courses and adjustment of existing training products to enable a more streamlined transitioning pathways for veterans.
Defence Training Package
The DEF Defence Training Package holds the formal training undertaken by Defence personnel. It is delivered through multiple training streams. As a Jobs and Skills Council, Public Skills Australia plays an important role in maintaining this training package.
To meet the needs of specific organisations, single units of competency are regularly delivered to satisfy industry needs.
Public Skills Australia works closely with employees and organisations from the Defence industry-sector, and the Australian Defence College to audit and keep the DEF Defence Training Package up to date.
Click here to learn more about the DEF Defence Training Package.
Members of Public Skills Australia from this industry-sector
Existing Industry Strategies
Existing Industry Strategies
Government Initiatives
References
Existing workforce strategies
Department of Defence, National Defence: Defence Strategic Review, Department of Defence, Australian Government, 2023.
Department of Home Affairs, Alternative Commonwealth Capabilities for Crisis Response: Discussion Paper – August 2023, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Australian Government, 2023.
Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22, Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Commonwealth of Australia, 2023.
Disclaimer
This data has been collected through consultation with industry-sector representatives as part of the Workforce Plan 2025: Public Safety. These figures represent a snapshot in time and are subject to change. Public Skills Australia Limited has made every effort to ensure that the information and data contained in this report are accurate, up to date and have been sourced appropriately. Our organisation will update these figures annually as part of its Workforce Planning function.