Director - Western Australian Defence Science Centre (DSC)
Michele Clement is the Director of the Western Australian Defence Science Centre (DSC) within the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The DSC aims to build strong collaborations across Defence, universities and industry, facilitating defence-relevant research and technology connections that supports defence and national security outcomes. It supports the commercialisation of defence-related research and cultivates a competitive local defence industry that will diversify and strengthen the State's economy and create new jobs.
Prior to this Michele was the Director Innovative Science, in the Department of Commerce; supporting research and innovation and promoting science and technology as major drivers of Western Australian economic, social and environmental growth.
Michele spent nine years working for the Commonwealth in the then Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, Research and Territory Education undertaking both program delivery and policy roles and also managed the Department’s budget process involving the securing of federal funding for a number of new programs and initiatives.
Michele has a background in banking and finance, particularly investment in small technology and bio-technology businesses. Michele holds a Masters in Business Administration.
Industry Engagement Manager, Defence Science Institute
Craig Butler has over 30 years’ experience of general and technical management in the Defence, Aerospace, Automotive and Infrastructure sectors having held positions in the RAAF, Rosebank Engineering, RUAG Australia, McMillan Engineering Group and Pitt & Sherry Operations before joining DSI.
He has hands on experience with manufacturing technologies applied in the aerospace control, automotive manufacturing and armaments industries.
Craig’s focus has been enterprise growth and sustainment, including the establishment of operational sites and business units, strategic planning and plan execution, expansion of domestic markets and establishment of international business.
Craig is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia.
CEO, Chironix
Daniel is the founder and CEO of Chironix, a robotics software engineering company headquartered in WA which develops robot behaviours to meet the needs of business and people. Chironix operates throughout the Indo-Pacific region supporting defence, utilities and resources customers.
Daniel Milford has an extensive federal government background, having worked in the Department of Defence in military planning, technology and complex capability realisation. He is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon; Capability and Technology Management College (Joint); and Australian Command and Staff College (Joint). Daniel was also a research fellow with the Perth U.S. Asia centre, with a key focus on strategy as well as disruptive technology. He was a Finalist in the Young ICT Professional of the Year Awards in 2015.
Daniel has three master's degrees, in Capability & Technology Management (UNSW); Systems Engineering (UNSW); and in Strategy, Defence and War Studies (Australian National University). He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Nuclear Weapons Disarmament.
Defence Advocate
Philip Spedding assumed the role of Defence Advocate in early 2023.
He provides independent advice to the Western Australian Government and promotes the State’s Defence industry capability and capacity. Philip served for 41 years in the Navy, spending more than a decade in the senior leadership group.
His final roles were to lead reviews into a possible location for an east coast submarine base and the suitability of conventional and nuclear-powered submarines to meet Australia’s future defence needs. Running his own consultancy business since 2019, Philip also sits on the management and advisory boards of several defence focused companies.
Director, National Resilience & Security Program Office (NRAS)
Gary Hale holds the position of Director for the National Resilience & Security Program Office (NRAS) and Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Curtin University. In this capacity, he is tasked with fortifying the university's infrastructure to foster resilient and sustainable world-class science and innovation partnerships. His role is pivotal in developing nationally significant sovereign capabilities for Australia.
Gary oversees the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and is instrumental in expanding the Defence and Space research portfolio through strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders. His extensive expertise in space, defence, digital, and cyber domains, combined with a vast network of professional contacts, enables him to cultivate a secure and resilient environment for scientific and innovative pursuits.
Gary’s primary objective is to support and enhance strategic partnerships with governmental, defence, industrial, civil, and academic entities, thereby advancing Curtin University's mission to lead in critical research and development initiatives.
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)