ECAG Newsletters

ECAG’s CEO

Following Workshop Two of the Global Export Controls Program in Canberra earlier this month, it is clear that the issues facing our sector are becoming more complex, more strategic and more connected to Australia’s broader defence, research, trade and technology priorities. AUKUS, dual-use criticality, sanctions, supply chain resilience and international collaboration are no longer abstract policy issues. They are practical realities for organisations operating across the export control environment.

As ECAG continues to build its work through the Global Export Controls Program, we are also asking industry to help shape what comes next. Our industry survey, released last month, is an important opportunity for professionals across defence, research, advanced technology, trade compliance, sanctions and international business to share the challenges, priorities and capability gaps they are seeing in the market.

This is especially important as we prepare to launch the ECAG membership program on 1 July. Membership will provide a practical platform for ongoing industry updates, professional resources, engagement opportunities and shared learning across Australia’s export control and trade compliance community.

Jess Rankin

ECAG CEO

We’re running a short industry survey to map where Australian organisations actually sit when it comes to compliance, capability, and risk.

It takes 2–3 minutes and covers:

• How confident organisations really are navigating export controls
• The biggest friction points (from permits to dual-use and ITAR/EAR)
• What support the industry actually needs next training, tools, or clarity
• Priority topics shaping the next 6–12 months (AI, supply chains, cloud, classification)

Your input will help shape our strategy and help enhance

The discussion covered the growing importance of compliance in fast-moving areas such as AI, drones and dual-use technology, the need for stronger regional supply chains, and the practical challenges of managing technical data in cloud-based and remote work environments.

Lonnie also highlighted the importance of security, reliability and compliance for Australian SMEs seeking to become trusted partners in allied defence and technology supply chains.