What is the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP)?

TL;DR: The Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) is an Australian Defence initiative that ensures companies working with Defence or accessing sensitive information meet strict security requirements. It enables trusted collaboration and protects national security interests.

The Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) is a formal framework established by the Australian Department of Defence to govern how commercial organisations manage security when working with Defence. It applies to any business that:

• Provides goods or services to Defence

• Handles classified or sensitive information

• Requires access to Defence facilities, systems, or personnel

• Supports sovereign capability across defence sectors

DISP aims to enhance Australia’s sovereign security posture by ensuring that defence industry members meet baseline and advanced requirements for information, personnel, physical, and cyber security.

What DISP is designed to do

• Establish a trusted defence supply chain
  By vetting and approving companies against standardised criteria

• Promote good security culture
  Including awareness, training, vetting, and systems security

• Protect national interests
  Especially when classified data or infrastructure is involved

• Support secure collaboration
  Between government, primes, SMEs, and international defence partners

Is DISP mandatory?

While DISP membership is not legally mandatory for all defence contracts, Defence strongly encourages suppliers to hold it—particularly if they handle classified material or access Defence systems.

Many Defence tenders or primes require DISP membership as a condition of engagement.

Who manages DISP?

DISP is managed by the Defence Industry Security Office (DISO), part of the Defence Security and Vetting Service (DS&VS). They assess applications, monitor compliance, and provide security guidance to industry participants.

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