DISP Defends Business and Security

By Mark MacLennan

26 February 2020

In 2019, the Australian government announced reforms to the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP)¹. DISP ensures that goods and services contracted by Defence conform to a requisite level of confidentiality. Arrangements under the reformed DISP should increase industry’s access to defence contracts by simplifying the process of preparing for, and adhering to, security requirements.

Reformed DISP Process

Unlike the previous DISP process – where obtaining a relevant contract preceded membership to DISP – the reformed DISP reverses that process and businesses become members before obtaining contracts.² Businesses seeking membership self-nominate and undertake vetting procedures.³

Businesses with membership under the former DISP should be aware that they need to re-apply under the reformed DISP within 24 months.⁴

Benefits of DISP Membership

Once businesses have become DISP members, they have access to certain classified security information.⁵ This enables them to prepare for the specific requirements of Defence contracts.

Types of DISP Membership

There are four levels of DISP membership, each corresponding with different degrees of security. The levels are Unclassified, Protected, Secret and Top Secret.⁶ When applying for membership, businesses elect the level most suited to them.

 

1. Australian Defence Magazine, ‘DISP reforms to ease business with Defence’, Australian Defence Magazine (5 April 2019)
2. Australian Government Department of Defence, Welcome to Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) (Web Page) <https://www.defence.gov.au/dsvs/industry/>.
3. Ibid.
4. Stephen Kuper, ‘Defence Industry Security Program to support response to security challenges’, Defence Connect (17 April 2019).
5. Stephen Kuper, ‘Defence Industry Security Program to support response to security challenges’, Defence Connect (17 April 2019).
6. Stephen Kuper, ‘Defence Industry Security Program to support response to security challenges’, Defence Connect (17 April 2019).

Disclaimer: The information published in this article is of a general nature and should not be construed as legal advice. Whilst we aim to provide timely, relevant and accurate information, the law may change and circumstances may differ. You should not therefore act in reliance on it without first obtaining specific legal advice.