Defence

The Regional Mobilisation Capability and Capability Study (RMCCS) is an ongoing project Synergy is undertaking within Defence. The intent of the work is to ground-truth assumptions formulated in mobilisation planning activities by assessing the capability and capacity of select regions of Northern Australia to support sustained mobilisation demand.

Synergy was engaged by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC) to deliver a National Civil Preparedness Risk Profile and Prioritisation Assessment Methodology Model to inform a risk-based approach to National Resilience decision making and reporting.
Our team developed a National Civil Preparedness Risk Profile which extensively explored research on 20 primary risks to the civil sector from a major or concurrent national crises and related disruptions.
Fuel security was a key risk identified, and research efforts were focused on highlighting vulnerabilities, in governance, policies, infrastructure and supply chains including contingency plans for emergency fuel distribution. Existing controls to manage fuel risks were derived from open-source research that included government policies and the role of the private sector to inform recommendations for further controls where gaps were identified (e.g. stockpiling and reserves, diversification of supply sources, rationing, and the coordination with states and territories. These controls were prioritization by the data model.

Synergy was engaged by Defence’s Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group to provide expert, independent advice for the development of the Defence Strategic Mobilisation Plan (DSMP). To support this, Synergy developed and delivered an ‘Analysis of the Mobilisation Environment’. This body of research sought to collate quantitative and qualitative evidence to explore the capability and capacity of key national Industries ( private and public), Infrastructure, Critical Material, Workforce, Industry, Science and Technology, Legal Frameworks, and Defence assets to the continuity of the Australian economy during times of strategic regional competition or crisis. These findings from the analysis and research into the broad scope of factors informed the development of the Defence strategic mobilisation plan. The plan was able to address identified vulnerabilities and gaps in national regulatory frameworks, public policies, governance arrangements, investments proirities and broad approaches to national resilience.

Australia's strategic policy has suffered from a crisis of identity for decades. We are not alone in changing political priorities, mismanaged projects or having to adjust to evolving strategic circumstances. But we want to have it both ways, all the time, and without due care to how long it takes or how much it costs.

In a 1979 interview with Ray Bradbury, the acclaimed science-fiction author lamented that he was often asked to play the role of futurist: "People ask me to predict the future when all I want to do is prevent it. Better yet, build it. Predicting the future is much too easy, anyway. You look at the people around you, the street you stand on, the visible air you breathe, and predict more of the same. To hell with more. I want better."

Defence administers one of the largest Graduate Programs across the Australian Public Service. Synergy Group was engaged to build and execute the 2024 Defence Graduate Program campaign for the Department of Defence.