Businesses operating in the Australian Defence supply chain can have a range of professional, contractual, cyber and operational exposures.
The appropriate insurance depends on the services provided and the requirements of each contract.
Professional Indemnity Insurance #
Professional Indemnity Insurance can be important for businesses providing:
- Engineering.
- Design.
- Technical advice.
- Project management.
- Consulting.
- Systems advice.
- Testing or certification.
- Other professional services.
It can respond to certain claims alleging that professional services caused financial loss.
Public Liability Insurance #
Public Liability Insurance can be relevant where the business:
- Works at Defence facilities.
- Attends client sites.
- Performs physical work.
- Has employees or contractors working away from its own premises.
Cyber Insurance #
Cyber Insurance can be particularly relevant where a business stores, accesses or transmits sensitive commercial or Defence-related information.
Cyber Insurance does not replace Defence security requirements.
What other cover can be relevant? #
Depending on the activities, businesses may also need:
- Management Liability Insurance for certain director, officer, employment, company and statutory liabilities.
- Product Liability Insurance where the business manufactures, supplies, modifies or distributes products.
- Contract Works Insurance where the business is responsible for construction or installation projects.
- Marine Cargo or Transit Insurance for equipment, components or products being transported.
- Commercial Motor Insurance for vehicles used in the business.
- Business or Property Insurance for office contents, specialist equipment, tools, machinery and portable electronics.
- Corporate Travel Insurance where employees travel interstate or overseas for Defence-related work.
The overall insurance program should reflect the business activities, assets, travel and contractual requirements.

