What are the purposes of the Defence Delivery Agency?
Six listed matters: acquisition, sustainment and disposal of materiel; independent advice across the capability lifecycle; an integrated delivery workforce; stewardship of the domestic defence industry; policy and specialist advice including cost estimation; and other tasks the Defence Minister requires.
Clause 8(1)(d) says the purposes include six matters. The word include matters: the list is not closed, and the sixth matter is an open tasking power for the Defence Minister.
The six matters in our words
First, acquire, sustain and dispose of materiel for air, land, maritime (not nuclear-powered submarines) and space capabilities, consistent with the National Defence Strategy. Second, advise the Department of Defence and the Defence Minister independently through the capability lifecycle, including when a project enters the Integrated Investment Program, on delivery options, cost, feasibility and effects on the defence industry. Third, build a professional and integrated delivery workforce. Fourth, act as steward of Australia defence industry and as the main Defence contact for government and international engagement that supports industry opportunities. Fifth, supply policy and specialist services, including cost estimation, for defence capability. Sixth, take on other relevant work the Defence Minister asks for.
Why the purposes matter beyond a mission statement
The corporate plan must state the purposes of the entity and the key activities that deliver them. The performance measures must meet Rule section 16EA, and the annual performance statements must measure performance against the purposes. A plan that measures project delivery only will leave the advice, workforce, industry and policy purposes without evidence.
When is the first plan due?
Rule section 16E(7) relaxes the publication date for an entity that starts part way through a reporting period, but it does not remove the obligation to prepare the plan. The plan must still go to the Finance Minister alongside the responsible Minister before publication. The default date would otherwise fall two months into the reporting period.
What evidence should exist?
A purpose map, the plan with four-period coverage, the measure register with baselines and data sources, and the section 37 performance records. The kit lists them with an owner and a due date.
Where to read it in the record
The source
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Defence Delivery Agency) Rules 2026 (F2026L01074) and its explanatory statement, read against the PGPA Act 2013 and the PGPA Rule 2014 Compilation No. 64. Retrieved 2026-10-20. The answer is our own statement. Not legal advice; does not certify.
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