Forum Objectives and Topics

This Forum aims to:

• Contribute to the development of the defence white paper and national security strategy by identifying the role and implications of PMCs
• Identify the extent to which outsourcing of traditional military and government tasks has occurred to PMCs and the degree of dependence on PMC services for global security
• Identify the trends of PMC growth with implications for the structure and training of conventional armed forces
• Identify trends in the use of PMCs by industry, NGOs and government agencies
• Define the legal framework and regulation of Australian-related PMCs operating in foreign countries
• Identify the key initiatives and players in enhancing standards and regulations relevant to PMCs
• Determine if there is a need for an Australian association of PMCs to advance the interests of PMCs, government and clients

Potential Topics

• Lessons of PMC successes and challenges
• Impact of PMC growth on ADF and police retention
• Different roles for PMCs before, during and after a conflict
• Use of PMC in sensitive areas, eg interrogation and intelligence
• Use of PMC in Australia’s area of operation
• Cooperation between PMC and humanitarian organisations
• Legal status of PMC, and implications for humanitarian law, protection and accountability
• Relationship of PMC and Australia’s national interest
• PMC self-regulation
• Best-practice codes of practice and sanctions for PMCs
• Australian-related PMCs and their operations and capabilities