Defence has instituted new strategic partnering arrangements with Qantas and Ansett.
The new partnering arrangements, developed by Defence's National Support Division, recognise the value and diverse nature of about 30 different business activities and interests that constitute Defence's overall relationship with both Qantas and Ansett.
The new arrangements establish the framework and working environment that will allow Defence and the airlines to optimise the benefits of their respective business relationships.
These benefits include enhanced defence capability, a clearer business-planning environment for the airlines and a range of specific opportunities for mutual advantage.
Both Qantas and Ansett have supported Australia's military activities in all major and most minor conflicts since the Second World War. Through the provision of airlift, maintenance and administrative support, the two airlines have provided the Australian Defence Force with a range of important capabilities in peacetime and during military conflicts.
The new partnering arrangements will be formalised through individual Strategic Partnering Charters to be signed with Qantas and Ansett. The Charters provide the broad strategic vision and principles for developing and enhancing the long-term working relationship that exists between Defence and the two airlines.
Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Des Mueller, who chairs the partnering meetings with each of the airlines, said that Defence's relationship with both Qantas and Ansett is of vital importance due to the key capabilities and support that they can provide, particularly in augmenting the ADF's strategic airlift capabilities.
"Having access to these key capabilities allows the Australian Defence Force to better focus on its military role and the effectiveness of our access to these essential capabilities in contingencies will be enhanced by having a high quality relationship with the major airlines in peacetime," he said.
LTGEN Mueller said the Strategic Partnering Charters with Qantas and Ansett aim to formalise and encourage such a relationship.
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Strategic Partnering Arrangements with Qantas and Ansett
