Base-support services should improve under new contracts

Services to Defence bases and establishments around the country are set to improve through the next generation of contracts.

FILE PHOTO: Flying Officer Kevin Pfitzner, a C-130J pilot with 37SQN at RAAF Base Richmond. Story by Tegan Smith.

The services include cleaning, waste and resource recovery, land management, hospitality and catering, transport, access control and estate maintenance services.

The Base Services Transformation program will encompass all of the Defence estate, including 70 major bases, 100-plus training ranges, more than 1000 leased or owned properties, and 30,000 built assets.

Wide-ranging employment and economic opportunities will be created for industry, including small to medium enterprises and Indigenous businesses, as well as veteran, serving ADF personnel and their spouses, and social enterprises.

Luke McLeod, Assistant Secretary Base Services Transformation and Estate Data Systems, said the program’s collaborative contracts, worth about $1.7 billion a year, would enable Defence capability by providing modern, seamless and intuitive service delivery.

“Sustaining our estate capabilities, contributing to the achievement of Defence outcomes and improving daily life for ADF personnel and their families, APS staff and contractors, are at the centre of the Base Services Transformation program,” Mr McLeod said.

The program will benefit everyone who lives, works or trains on the Defence estate, including ADF personnel, Australian Public Service staff and contractors.

Sergeant Rogers Oku, a soldier with the Royal Military College – Duntroon, said Base Services supported his work-life balance and wellbeing when not out in the field.

CAPTION: Sergeant Rogers Oku, a soldier with the Royal Military College, Duntroon, at the Duntroon obstacle course.

“I have access to everything I need when I’m on base through the mess, live-in accommodation, the gym and other services,” Sergeant Oku said.

At RAAF Base Richmond, Flying Officer Kevin Pfitzner, a C-130J Hercules pilot with 37 Squadron, said he couldn’t conduct his role if it wasn’t for the services provided to maintain airfields.

“Being part of a Hercules aircrew has its complexities, and I’m grateful for the role that base services contractors play to ensure we have a safe and available airfield every time we fly,” Flying Officer Pfitzner said.

Petty Officer Beau Franke relies on base services contractors to ensure the wharf cranes are in safe working order.

“Our capabilities need to be operating at the safest possible levels, and we know the quality services provided by contractors help us get to sea,” he said.

Defence requested proposals from contractors late last year, and co-design workshops with shortlisted applicants will start this year.

CAPTION: Defence contractors work alongside HMAS Choules at West Dock Wharf in Fleet Base East, Sydney.

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