The Morrison Government’s investment in a Brisbane small business has paid off, with EPE securing a $10 million contract with Leidos Australia to deliver chemical and biological defence capabilities to the Australian Defence Force.

EPE has secured a $10 million contract with Leidos Australia to deliver chemical and biological defence capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (Picture source: Leidos)

Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, said veteran-owned EPE received an AUS$300,000 funding boost last year from the Morrison Government’s Defence Innovation Hub to help the business expand and develop its technologies. “What this shows is that our record investment in Australia’s defence capability is helping businesses grow and succeed, all while building a strong and sustainable defence industry,” Minister Price said. “EPE’s selection is indicative of the depth and capability of the defence industry in Queensland and Australia more broadly.”

Federal Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans, said EPE specialises in technologies to protect personnel from emerging threats such as the risk of chemical and biological attacks. “EPE will provide a detection capability that is critical to enabling the protection of Defence personnel in chemical and biological threat environments,” Mr Evans said. “Minister Price and I visited EPE in June last year to announce their Defence Innovation Hub contract, so we’re thrilled to see how our Government’s support has given them the leverage to secure this significant contract. “I congratulate this fantastic local Brisbane business on helping to ensure the ADF has the best capability to defend Australia’s national interests.”