Launch of Downer Defence

07/06/2021

Downer Group today launched Downer Defence, the consolidation of several business units under one leadership structure. Downer Defence includes the Group’s Professional Services, Base and Estate Management, and Estate Development and Base Upgrade offerings into Defence.

Downer Defence is led by Jacob Bonisch as Executive General Manager. Mr Bonisch, who has been Executive General Manager Defence of Downer’s Spotless business since 2018, will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of Downer Group, Grant Fenn.

Downer is Australian owned, with an Australian Board and the company has been supporting Defence since 1941. During its 80-year history with Defence, Downer and its partner SMEs have developed strong relationships, comprehensive knowledge, and targeted offerings to meet Defence’s requirements. Downer Group employs 45,000 people in Australia and New Zealand and its capabilities extend across a broad range of industries, including professional services, facilities management, asset services, roads, rail, public transport and utilities.

“We have built long term partnerships with Defence as a sovereign industry provider with interests aligned to the Australian Government,” said Mr Fenn.

“Recent challenges to Australia’s resilience, including COVID-19, bushfires and floods, have further reinforced the need for strong onshore capabilities. Downer Defence offers the skills and focus required to assist the Australian Government and Defence to achieve its Sovereign Industry Capability Priorities.”

Downer Defence consists of three businesses:

• Downer Professional Services (formerly Downer Defence Systems)
• Base and Estate Management (formerly part of Spotless)
• Estate Development and Base Upgrades

“The establishment of Downer Defence reflects our strong support for a more self-reliant and resilient Australia,” Mr Fenn said. “We look forward to building on our proud 80 year history supporting Defence.”