Defence Law at Nitre Law

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Our firm provides legal support to Australian defence industry participants, including SMEs in the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN), and innovators. We navigate the intricate web of Australian regulations (such as Defence Export Controls and ITAR equivalents), assist in securing subcontracts on Commonwealth Projects, and protect sensitive technologies, ensuring your operations remain compliant, and competitive, in alignment with the Defence Industry Development Strategy.

1. Defense Contracting We draft, negotiate, and review contracts within Australian defence projects, securing optimal terms while meeting stringent Commonwealth standards. We resolve disputes and protect your interests in defence programs.
2. Regulatory Compliance We advise on adherence to Commonwealth procurement rules, Defence Export Controls, ITAR, EAR, and sanctions regimes. Our team builds robust compliance programs to safeguard classified projects and international exports for AIDN members.
3. Intellectual Property Protection We can work with third parties to secure patents and trademarks for advanced Australian defence technologies, manage trade secrets, and structure IP licensing or transfers with commercial partners, or AUKUS collaborators.
4. Government Relations and Policy Advocacy We advocate on your behalf to influence defence policy, procurement rules, and funding priorities under initiatives. Our strategic counsel can help keep you ahead of regulatory shifts in AUKUS and Quad partnerships.
5. Cybersecurity and Data Protection We implement Essential Eight cybersecurity requirements, respond to data breaches, and ensure compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework for handling classified information in Australian defence operations.
6. Ethics and Compliance Programs We design anti-corruption (Australian equivalents to FCPA) training, conduct internal investigations, and manage whistleblower risks to uphold the highest ethical standards for Australian exporters.
7. Risk Management and Insurance We assess legal risks in your participation in Australian defence programs, work with your insurance broker to structure insurance for contract liabilities and develop strategies to limit exposure under contract,  Commonwealth regulations and export controls.
8. Procurement and Supply Chain Management We advise on compliance with Commonwealth Procurement Rules, assist in vetting supply chains for cybersecurity and counterfeit risks, and negotiate vendor agreements for resilient Australian supply chains.
9. Employment and Labor Law We advise on security-cleared personnel contracts, Fair Work Act compliance, and regulated workforce restructuring to maintain operational continuity for Australian defence firms.