What sets Core Defence Australia (CDA) apart is that veteran employment is not an adjunct to its business model - it is one of the ways the organisation creates value.
CDA sits at the intersection of the veteran community and complex Defence demand. It understands how niche ADF experience can be translated into commercially relevant capability and then applied to real Defence outcomes. This is particularly important for veterans whose experience in aviation, logistics, engineering, capability, intelligence, project delivery or operational support may not align neatly with conventional civilian job titles.
CDA provides specialist expertise across capability development, portfolio, program and project management, engineering, integrated logistics support, operational analysis, governance, risk, business support, finance, continuous improvement and data analytics.
CDA is also recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice via the Veteran Employment Commitment.
CDA also supports the full service continuum: transitioning members, established veterans and serving reservists. This allows current military knowledge, deep Defence experience and contemporary industry practice to coexist within one workforce.
Veterans at CDA are not confined to entry-level transition roles. They contribute across executive leadership, business development, governance, recruitment, project delivery and workforce mentoring. This creates visible progression pathways and ensures military experience influences how the organisation makes decisions, supports clients and develops its people.
The organisation brings together veterans, Australian Defence Force reservists and civilian specialists with experience across Defence, the Australian Public Service and industry. This combination of operational knowledge, technical expertise and contemporary professional practice enables CDA to understand client requirements and contribute effectively within complex, high-accountability environments.
More than 70 per cent of its workforce are veterans. This demonstrates that its public commitment is supported by genuine employment outcomes.
CDA’s vision is to strengthen Australian sovereign capability through excellence. Its work is underpinned by professionalism, integrity, collaboration, innovation and respect, with a focus on delivering practical outcomes that support Australia’s national interests.
