Indian Ocean Defence Security
26-28 May 2026,
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)
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INNOVATION

PITCH JUDGING PANEL

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Michele Clement
Michele Clement (Chair)

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.


Craig Butler
Craig Butler

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.


Daniel Milford
Daniel Milford

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.


Philip Spedding
Philip Spedding

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.


Gary Hale
Gary Hale

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.


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