Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Australia’s Defence industry is entering a new era of growth. SMEs are essential to building a sovereign defence industrial base, and opportunities to contribute are increasing every year.
But there’s a catch. To bid, win, and deliver Defence or Government contracts, you need to meet strict security and workforce compliance requirements.
The Opportunity for SMEs
Be Defence-Ready. Win More Contracts.
Defence has committed to building an innovative, resilient, and competitive industry base. This means new contracts and more entry points for SMEs, especially in:
- Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities including shipbuilding, cyber, ISR (intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance), munitions, and manufacturing.
- Major national programs like AUKUS submarines, advanced air and land combat systems, and infrastructure.
- Support services and supply chains — not just Defence primes, but their hundreds of subcontractors.
SMEs that can demonstrate a cleared and compliant workforce are best positioned to win and deliver on these opportunities.
The Defence Industry Development Strategy places workforce at the heart of capability – creating unprecedented opportunities for SMEs to secure contracts, strengthen supply chains, and contribute directly to Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base.
Why Conduct Employment Suitability Checks?
The essential first step to a Trusted Workforce.
Employment Suitability Checks are the first step in security clearance sponsorship – but they’re also a best-practice workforce risk control for SMEs.
- Mandatory for clearances – Under DISP requirements, an ESC must be completed before any clearance application can begin.
- Risk-based assurance – ESCs are aligned with AS4811:2022, tailoring checks to the level of risk for each role.
- Beyond Defence – Even for roles that don’t require a clearance, ESCs give you confidence in the integrity and reliability of new hires.
- Audit-ready records – ESC results provide clear documentation for tenders, compliance reviews, and client assurance.
Learn more about Employment Suitability Checks.
Why Get Your Workforce Security Cleared?
A Pre-Screened and Vetted Trusted Workforce is your gateway into Defence.
Without security clearances, your workforce can’t access classified information, facilities, or systems – which are prerequisites for most Defence and Government contracts.
- Eligibility for tenders – Many contracts require your people to already hold, or be in the process of gaining, a Baseline, NV1, or NV2 security clearance.
- Access to higher-value work – Security cleared talent can take on more complex roles and responsibilities, positioning your business for larger contracts.
- Workforce flexibility – With a security cleared workforce, you can respond quickly to new opportunities without waiting months for clearances to begin.
- Competitive advantage – A cleared team demonstrates to Defence primes and Government buyers that your business is ready to deliver securely and reliably.
Learn more about our Security Clearance Sponsorship services.
Our services
How We Support Your Defence Journey
WorkSec provides SMEs with a complete personnel security solution; everything you need to be Defence-ready. With WorkSec, SMEs don’t just tick compliance boxes – they gain a competitive edge in tendering and prove they’re ready to deliver.
Risk-based screening & assessment in alignment with AS 4811:2022.
Baseline, NV1 & NV2 sponsorship for eligible & suitable individuals.
Outsourced personnel security governance for Defence & Government contractors.
Recruitment referrals to skilled, security-cleared Government & Defence-ready personnel.
Ready to Compete for Defence Contracts?
SMEs play a vital role in delivering Australia’s sovereign Defence capability, but only if they can meet security requirements. WorkSec makes your workforce Defence-ready, so you can focus on winning contracts and delivering outcomes.
