Defence

Delivering outcomes that put our nations’ interests first.

As Australia and New Zealand’s largest sovereign Defence Prime, Downer works quietly behind the scenes to help enable critical defence capability.

With a history that spans more than 80 years supporting Defence, Downer is one of the only integrated services companies that has a whole of Defence capability lifecycle offering and mindset. Our Sovereign Industrial Capability delivers to the needs of Defence, National Security organisations, major primes and other government agencies.

What we offer

Supporting Defence personnel

Downer’s Defence base services contracts in Australia and New Zealand provide critical support that enables Defence personnel; ensuring their living, working and training environments are optimised so they can focus on the defence of the country and its national interests. We provide through-life sustainment capability built on decades of delivery managed services, asset management, facilities management, and support and operational services. Explore exciting new career opportunities

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Major Projects Managing Contractor

As the trusted partner for Defence’s major redevelopments, Downer is also delivering two significant Defence programs to the Department of Defence – the Woomera Redevelopment Program and the Riverina Redevelopment Program. Covering three States and eight bases, these base redevelopments are critical to Defence capability, underpinning Defence’s broader effort to recruit and train ADF personnel to meet future defence needs.

Downer Professional Services (DPS)

Complex challenges require strategic insight, technical expertise and collaboration that delivers. Downer Professional Services (DPS) is Defence’s trusted sovereign partner for delivery on projects of national importance. As a thought leader and key contributor to the modernisation of land, maritime, air, ICT, and intelligence systems, DPS ensures Defence is equipped with agile, assured, and future-ready capabilities. Our subject matter experts provide trusted support, helping Defence acquire and sustain the right capabilities: fit-for-purpose and ready for tomorrow.

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Uplifting the nation’s skills

In addition to an extensive security-cleared internal workforce, Downer Defence champions and incubates the growth and success of subcontractors – including Indigenous, Māori and Pasifika, and veteran-owned businesses. We are highly cognisant of our ability to influence broader social impact through our significant supply chain, comprising more than 900 small and medium enterprises across our vast trans-Tasman footprint, and are proud of the procurement practices that benefit local communities.

September 11, 2025

We are proud to announce that the Department of Defence has awarded Downer the Property Asset Services (PAS) contract for Queensland, New South Wales & ACT. Valued at approximately $3.05 billion for an initial term of 6 years, the PAS contract commences in February 2026, with two extension options that could see Downer delivering PAS for a total of 10 years.

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