A partnership between a majority Indigenous-owned business and the Australian Defence Force is having a positive impact on First Nations economic self-determination while reducing the ADF's carbon footprint.
The deal has seen Bennelong Energy Services rollout electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at bases across the country, assisting Defence move towards its targets for both Indigenous procurement and emissions reduction.
The program is enabling Defence to transition its white fleet of vehicles (non-warfighting vehicles) to EVs where appropriate as part of the Defence Net Zero Strategy, while providing Bennelong's Indigenous workforce with valuable commercial experience.
Bennelong managing director Gaven Sheehan said leveraging the Indigenous apprentices in his company's program benefitted both Defence and Bennelong.
"Bennelong Energy Services helping support Defence to eliminate carbon pollution is a positive step," Mr Sheehan said.
"Using our Indigenous apprentices is also a step in the right direction for both Defence and Bennelong to support their education and growth within the Indigenous apprenticeship program we manage internally."
Bennelong recently undertook installations of the charging stations at Joint Logistics Unit – East, in they Sydney suburb of Moorebak, with the charging stations part of a program delivering EV charging infrastructure across the Defence estate.
Directorate of the Clean Energy Transition director Stephen Priest said leveraging Bennelong's experience had delivered a positive outcome for Defence.
"These two EV chargers at the Joint Logistics Unit – East, Moorebank, are a great milestone," Mr Priest said.
"Defence is transitioning to low-emissions vehicles where we can, as required under the Commonwealth Fleet Vehicle Selection Policy. Having the infrastructure in place on Defence bases to support this transition is vital.
"We're rolling out over 70 charge points across 12 Defence bases over the coming year in support of this. And supporting Indigenous employment opportunities while we do so is a shared opportunity."