Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Conference

Post Command, Craig has undertaken various roles in Procurement and Acquisition.  As the Senior Military Advisor (Policy & Plans) in the UK Defence and Security Export department, Craig supported UK industry from across the submarine enterprise, offered advice and guidance to companies in the underwater domain (which included sonar into the Australian SEA1000 Programme).  As the Dreadnought Programme and Capability desk officer in the Defence Nuclear Organisation, he was responsible for future capability in the next generation of the UKs nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine, dealing with both the Ship builder and capability suppliers.  Returning to the frontline, he spent 3 years as the Assistant Chief of Staff for submarines in NATO where he took responsibility for oversight and operational control of submarines assigned to NATO, conducting operations and exercises as well as the wider aspects of support to Ukraine.

The final year of his Naval career saw Craig embedded into what was the Australian Nuclear Powered Submarine Task Force (NPSTF) in Canberra, now the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), as the UKs AUKUS liaison officer.  He returned to Navy Command Headquarters in the UK as the Head of Transitions AUKUS, to develop the UK AUKUS Pillar 1 concept of operations for the rotation of an Astute class submarine into Submarine Rotational Force – West.

As a career submariner with over three decades of experience, including submarine command, operations, international engagement, acquisition, exports and most recently AUKUS, Craig has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the submarine service and underwater battlespace.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History and a Masters of Defence Studies, both from the University of New South Wales, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

In early 2017 he published ‘The Navy and the Nation: Australia's Maritime Power in the 21st Century’ in which he outlined the extensive opportunities for Navy and Australia as steps are taken to implement the planned investment in naval capability outlined in the Defence White Paper 2016 and the National Shipbuilding Plan over the coming decades.

A long-time advocate of industry’s role in providing naval capability, Tim Barrett now advises on a broad range of maritime issues to government and sits on a number of related boards.

As a Board member for AMDA Foundation, Vice Admiral Barrett will also serve as convenor of the INDO PACIFIC 2022 International Maritime Exposition.

Baruah has worked on different aspects of maritime security and geopolitics supporting minilaterals and dialogues such as the India-Australia-France and Quad among others. Prior to her role in Washington DC, Baruah worked in think tanks in New Delhi and Tokyo and spent some time in Hawaii and Canberra working on different aspects of Indo-Pacific, foreign policy and maritime security.

Baruah is the author of “The Contest for the Indian Ocean: And the Making of a New World Order” (Yale 2024) and writes regularly for leading journals, policy reports, media and edited volumes.

Baruah earned a B.A.(Hons) in History from University of Delhi and MSc Econ in International Relations from Cardiff University, Wales (UK).

Hannah is born and bred Victoria Park. Having gone to school at East Victoria Park Primary School and St Joachim’s (now Ursula Frayne Catholic College), and living locally, Hannah understands the community and their priorities and values. 

Before entering Parliament, Hannah held senior executive positions across the not-for-profit and education sectors, including helping lead the team at local not-for-profit Western Australia Return Recycle Renew Ltd (WARRRL) to develop, roll out and administer the State’s highly successful container deposit scheme, Containers for Change.

Hannah has also worked across the private sector and government, including as speechwriter to two Western Australian Premiers, and was a successful entrepreneur, starting, growing and selling a profitable local retail business.

Hannah is Mum to two boys, one of whom lives with disabilities. When she’s not working, she can be found at her boys’ soccer and lacrosse games, or vintage shopping around Victoria Park.

Mr Beazley was born in Perth, Western Australia. He completed a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts at the University of Western Australia. In 1973, he was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship for Western Australia and completed a Masters of Philosophy at Oxford University.

Mr Beazley was a Minister in the Hawke and Keating Labor Governments (1983-1996) holding, at various times, the portfolios of Defence, Finance, Transport and Communications, Employment Education and Training, Aviation, and Special Minister of State.

From 1995 to 1996, Mr Beazley was Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Australian Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1996 to 2001, and 2005 to 2006. Mr Beazley served on parliamentary committees, including the Joint Intelligence Committee and the Joint Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. After his retirement from politics in 2007, Mr Beazley was appointed Winthrop Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at The University of Western Australia.

In July 2008 he was appointed Chancellor of the Australian National University, a position he held until December 2009.

Mr Beazley took up an appointment as Ambassador to the United States of America in February 2010. He served as Ambassador until January 2016.

Mr Beazley is currently Chair of the Perth USAsia Centre Board, Board Member of Luerssen Australia, Senior Distinguished Fellow of the Australian Strategic Policy Intitute, Advisor to Lockheed Martin Australia, Chair of the Council for the Australian War Memoiral and Advisor to TG & Associates.

Among the other positions he has held during his distinguished career, Campbell served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs, White House Fellow at the Treasury Department, and as Director of the Democracy Office at the National Security Council during the Clinton Administration. Campbell was an Associate Professor of Public Policy at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and served in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He is the author or editor of ten books including The Pivot: The Future of American Statecraft in Asia, Difficult Transitions: Why Presidents Fail in Foreign Policy at the Outset of Power, and Hard Power: The New Politics of National Security. He received his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego and his Doctorate in international relations from Brasenose College at Oxford University where he was a Distinguished Marshall Scholar. Campbell is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award.

Prior to joining HII, he co-led McKinsey & Company’s Aerospace & Defense practice in the Americas.

While in government, Eric was the Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of Defense. In this role he led the Secretary’s executive team, working across the military services, Joint Staff, Combatant Commanders, and senior civilian political appointees. He also provided counsel and advice to the Secretary on all matters concerning the Department.

Prior to serving as the Chief of Staff, Eric was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy. In this capacity, he was the principal advisor for analyzing the capabilities, policies, and overall health of America’s defense industrial base.

A former U.S. Army military intelligence officer, he is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to his military service, Eric was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley & Co. where he focused on corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions in the global industrials sector.

Eric received a MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia where he was recognized as a Shermet Scholar. He also earned a MA in international relations and BA with honors from the University of Chicago. He is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

From 2016 to 2019, Pat was Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure. In 2019, he was appointed Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Shadow Minister Assisting for Defence and Shadow Minister Assisting for Climate Change and Energy.

From 2008 to 2013, he was Principal Policy Adviser and then Deputy Chief of Staff to the Hon. Greg Combet, AM, MP, who served as a Minister in the Rudd and Gillard Labor Governments. In these roles, Pat worked in developing significant policies in areas including Defence Materiel, Defence Science and Industry and Innovation.

Born in 1979, Pat was raised on the NSW Central Coast and went on to study Economics at the University of Sydney, graduating with Honours in 2000.

Pat is married with two children and lives in his electorate of Shortland which covers the Eastern Lake Macquarie area and the Northern Central Coast. He enjoys cooking, playing rugby union and watching rugby league.

After completing his studies Roger worked for a number of Federal and State Members of Parliament including Jim McGinty, Stephen Smith and Senator Chris Evans in policy and electorate officer roles.

Roger is passionate about Aboriginal issues and served as the Chief Executive Officer of a number of Aboriginal Land Councils, along with a communications role assisting industry and government to reach agreement with Aboriginal Native Title groups. He was previously the National President of Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation.

Roger is a strong advocate for health and fitness, competing in regular triathlons, marathons and rides for muscular dystrophy along with the walk for diabetes. He is an avid supporter of the Western Force and Fremantle Dockers.

Roger Cook was born and raised in Western Australia. He lives with his wife Carly in Wellard, and has two adult children.

Curtis received the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service in December 2020 in recognition of her work at the NSC. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Radio Free Europe/Radio Free Liberty and is a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

After 10 years as Deputy Commissioner, he left WA for a national role in Canberra between 2014 to 2017 as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Crime Commission, amalgamating several agencies into the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. He also served as Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology during this period. 

He was appointed Commissioner of the Western Australia Police Force in August 2017, serving until July 2022. During the period of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Commissioner Dawson coordinated the State of Emergency and the Vaccine program. 

In the Australia Day Honours List for 2023, Governor Dawson was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to public administration through law enforcement roles, to reconciliation, and as the 34th Governor appointed in Western Australia.

He is married to Darrilyn Dawson, Education Consultant, with two married children and five grandchildren.

Since establishing the Centre in 2014, Professor Flake has worked to build stronger international relationships between Australia, the US and the broader Indo-Pacific. He has led the growth of several major international conferences in Australia and the region; and established a range of high-level diplomatic and policy dialogues on issues of shared concern for the Indo-Pacific.

Her operational tours include auxiliaries officer and first division officer on USS Shenandoah (AD 44); navigator and jumboization coordinator onboard USS Monongahela (AO178); operations officer on USS Moosbrugger (DD 980); combat systems officer and chief staff officer for Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2; executive officer of USS Stout (DDG 55); and assistant surface operations officer on USS George Washington Strike Group. She commanded USS Ross (DDG 71) and DESRON-21, embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). She also served as commander of Pacific Partnership 2010, embarked on USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).

Ashore, Franchetti's assignments include commander, Naval Reserve Centre Central Point, Oregon; aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations; protocol officer for the commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; 4th Battalion officer at the U.S. Naval Academy; diversion chief, Joint Concept Developmemt and Experimentation, on the Joint Staff, J7; deputy director of International Engagement and executive assistant to N3/N5 on the Navy staff; and military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy.

Her flag assignments include commander, U.S Naval Forces Korea; commander, Carrier Strike Group 9; commander, Carrier Strike Group 15; chief of staff, Strategy, Plans and Policy (J-5) Joint Staff; commander, U.S 6th Fleet/commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO/deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa; deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development, N7; director for Strategy, Plans and Policy (J-5), Joint Staff; and Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Franchetti assumed the duties as Chief of Naval Operations Nov. 2, 2023.

Her personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (five awards), Meritorious Service Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards). 

She also made significant contributions as a Consultant at Cardno ACIL, focusing on capacity building in Fiji's Education Sector Program. Her international experience extends to roles in Business Development with AXA Insurance and MTV Viacom in London. Earlier in her career, Darshi worked as a Performance Analyst with the Office of the Auditor General and as an economist with the Au stralian Bureau of Statistics in Canberra.

In addition, Darshi dedicated six impactful years as a board member at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania, concluding her tenure in January 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the Unive rsity of Western Australia and a Graduate Diploma of Computing from Curtin University. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Darshi's goal is to drive skill enhancement and workforce development, aiming to be a catalyst for economic success in Western Australia and beyond.

Denise has a portfolio of NED roles which includes Chancellor at Edith Cowan University, Chair of Western Power, Gascoyne Gateway and Navy Clearance Diver Trust, the Boards of Leichhardt Industrials and until recently the Board of ASC.

She was awardeded Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year in 2010 and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Paddy has extensive experience in the naval sector having worked for BAE Systems Submarines, based in Barrow-in-Furness. Paddy was the Head of Project for the second Astute Class hunter killer nuclear submarine build. In this role he worked closely with both the Ministry of Defence and Navy to ensure the project was successfully delivered. 

As Chief Operating Officer at Austal, Paddy had responsibility for the shipbuilding and sustainment operations in Australia, Philippines and Vietnam. This responsibility covered both new build of commercial and naval vessels, and the sustainment stream of the business focussed support for Australian Border Force and Royal Australian Navy. 

As Chief Executive Officer, Paddy joins the Board of Austal Limited and oversees a global company comprising 5 shipyards and 8 service centres in 4 countries, with more than 4,000 employees worldwide. 

Paddy is a Chartered Engineer and fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, with a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and a Masters in Business Administration from the Warwick Business School.

In 2009, Mr Hastie deployed to Afghanistan as a Cavalry Troop Leader. In 2010, he was selected for service with the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) as a Troop Commander, taking commands in maritime and special reconnaissance capabilities. He deployed to Afghanistan again in 2013 as a Troop Commander with the Australian Special Operations Task Group. During his service with the SASR, he deployed to various theatres in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Mr Hastie resigned from the ADF in 2015 to successfully contest the Canning by-election for the Liberal Party of Australia. He was re-elected in the general elections of 2016, 2019, and 2022. Mr Hastie has served as Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security from January 2017 to December 2020, and as Assistant Minister for Defence from December 2020 to May 2022. Mr Hastie was appointed the Shadow Minister for Defence in June 2022, following the general election. He was appointed Shadow Minister for Defence Industry; Defence Personnel in March 2024, along with his ongoing responsibilities as Shadow Minister for Defence. Andrew Hastie lives in Mandurah, Western Australia, with his wife Ruth and their three young children, Jonathan, Beatrice and Jemimah.

Hammond served extensively in Collins Class submarines. He also gained international experience in French, British and US nuclear attack submarines and Dutch conventional submarines. His Command of HMAS Farncomb included submarine operations across the Indo-Pacific. Subsequent shore postings included the Assistant Naval Attaché in Washington DC, Submarine Capability and Joint Exercise Staff roles, and 12 months as the Chief of Staff to the Chief of the Defence Force.

On promotion to Commodore, Hammond was appointed Director General Maritime Operations. Hammond then returned to the United States as the Liaison Officer to the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was awarded the United States Legion of Merit (Officer) for his performance in this role. On return to Australia in 2018 Hammond was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff roles.

On promotion to Rear Admiral in 2018, Hammond assumed duties as the Deputy Chief of Navy and, in late 2020, was appointed Commander of the Australian Fleet. In these demanding appointments Hammond first oversaw substantial workforce growth, and then focused on enhancing the resilience and warfighting capability of Navy’s people and Fleet during the COVID19 pandemic.

Vice Admiral Hammond assumed Command as Chief of Navy on 07 July 2022, the first RAN Recruit School and ADFA graduate to do so, and only the second submarine Commanding Officer to be appointed to the role. In 2023 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior command roles.

Vice Admiral Hammond holds a Bachelor of Science, Masters in Management and Masters in Maritime Studies, and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

Nick is a member of the board of Directors of Ultra Maritime and an adviser on maritime matters for Advent and Bain & Company consulting leading on strategic future capability. He is Chairman of the two UK secure companies Ultra PMES and Ultra Cyber ensuring UK Government equity is protected.

Hine’s military career was wide ranging - he spent the first twenty years of his career as a submariner on classified operations in the North Atlantic, the second in Command of HMS Splendid who tested and operationally employed the first Tomahawk missiles for the Royal Navy, then in Command of the nuclear submarine HMS Talent at 33. He also Commanded surface ships HMS Blackwater in the Northern Ireland troubles and then HMS Westminster. He spent a year under US Command in Baghdad leading on the reconstruction of the Iraqi Navy during the Iraq War in 2009. His senior Naval career took him from procurement to being the sole military adviser in HM Treasury working directly to the Chancellor, then into policy and strategy development and finally delivery as Second Sea Lord.

Nick is chairman of UK Charity Resources for Autism, bringing his own autistic experiences and change management skills to help the charity move to the next level in delivering world-beating support to individuals and their families.

Hine has taken on the Chairmanship of the ADS International group working to influence Government in support of industry and is a member of the Corbett Group, the influential
academic think tank for maritime matters.

Hine has been decorated by the UK and US Governments and was knighted in 2023.

Erich has been invited to participate in numerous Government Committees including Future Manufacturing Industry Innovation Council, Manufacturing Leaders Group and Resource Sector Supplier Advisory Forum and many more. 

Hofmann Engineering provides specialised engineering services to Australian and International industry leaders. With a commitment to continuous quality improvement and a belief that innovation and technological change is the essence of survival, Hofmann Engineering is continually developing and refining new processes and methodologies as an integral part of the business.

Hofmann Engineering is also dedicated to training and has an ongoing commitment to Apprentice and Engineer training. We have a dedicated apprentice and engineer training programs that encompasses the most advanced manufacturing technologies that utilizes industry 4.0 systems.

As an Executive Director of Hofmann Engineering, Erich Hofmann has steered the business units such as Energy, Mining, Manufacture, Defence, Aerospace, Rail, Sugar, Cement and others. With green energy we have been involved with Wind, Hydro, Tidal, Wave and Solar.

As Managing Director, Erich has worked hard to keep Hofmann Engineering strong in a very competitive market environment and since taking over in 2003 he has orchestrated the companies continual growth and purchase of additional branches (most with workshops attached) in Australia; including Melbourne, Bendigo and Newcastle and internationally in Chile, Peru, Canada, India and China. This now sees half of our products exported around the world.

Erich is a long term member of the AGMA (American Gear Manufacturing Association) and has presented gear technology and engineering papers at international conferences worldwide.

Previously, Dr. Hooks served as the vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Mission Systems’ Ground Systems line of business. She also served as the vice president of the Strategic Systems business area within the M&SS line of business where she supported the hypersonics and strategic deterrence missions for the Navy and Air Force. Dr. Hooks provided leadership for more than 1,400 employees across many programs, including launch control systems for ground based and submarine launched nuclear ballistic missiles, weapon system security solutions, guidance, navigation and electronic systems, high assurance communications systems and international work for the UK and Egypt. 

Prior to working at Mission Systems, Dr. Hooks was the director of engineering at General Dynamics Electric Boat for the Integrated Product Development Environment program, responsible for implementation of a model-based environment to design, build and sustain all submarine programs. Dr. Hooks also served as director of engineering, Waterfront, where she was responsible for construction support of all new construction and overhaul and repair submarines in the shipyard. Prior to that, Dr. Hooks was director 2 September 1, 2022 of engineering, Combat and Weapon Systems responsible for Non-Propulsion Electronic Systems on all classes of submarines and the Strategic Weapon Support Systems for Ohio and Columbia class. 

Prior to working at Electric Boat, Dr. Hooks served as director of engineering for Mission Integration Systems at General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. She was responsible for leading more than 1500 engineers covering domains from undersea to space. Dr. Hooks led the engineering council, setting the strategic vision for over 4000 engineers. She supported the General Dynamics Corporate Engineering Council throughout her career as director of engineering providing thought leadership on innovation and best practices across the corporation. 

Dr. Hooks holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She was recognized as the Large Business Innovation and Leadership Woman of Innovation in 2014 by the Connecticut Technology Council and holds two patents. She serves on the boards of the Naval Submarine League and the National Defense Industrial Association – New England Chapter, and previously served on the Board of Regents for the Strategic Deterrent Coalition

In Parliament David was inter alia, chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee, was appointed by Prime Minister Howard as Minister for Justice and Customs in 2007, was Opposition spokesperson as Shadow Minister on Minerals Energy and Tourism and then Defence from 2009 to 2013 and then Minister for Defence 2013 and 2014.

David has a strong commitment to Australian Defence Industry and the current Australian Government’s budgetary support of the Defence portfolio particularly focussing upon Australian naval ship and submarine building.

David has previously sat on the Board of SAAB Technologies Australia, International SOS (advisory board), The Centre for Defence Industry Capability (advisory board), The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (Council), Pelican Clean Energy Pty Ltd (LNG wholesaler), is an adjunct Professor at UWA, is Chair of the University’s Defence and Security Institute, was a Governor of Sail Training Ship Leeuwin and was for five years the Commonwealth’s Advocate for Australian Defence Industry Exports.

David is currently the chair of Clean Sub Sea Limited, a technology start-up specialising in environmentally secure in-water hull cleaning of large commercial vessels and warships for the RAN. 

David also consults to a listed geophysics specialist company DUG Technologies on the application of inground waveform analysis to the maritime and space environment.

David’s family is currently also engaged in gold mining and has a small operation south east of Meekatharra in the Murchison goldfields of Western Australia.

Prior to taking on his portfolio responsibilities, Matt served on a wide range of committees including the House of Representatives standing committees on Economics, Agriculture and Water Resources, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services.

Born and raised in Kelmscott, Matt attended school in Armadale and went on to study law at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle and London. 

Before entering Parliament, Matt’s legal career started in a local Kelmscott firm before working as a Federal Prosecutor focusing on corporate crime. Matt then joined the litigation practice of a leading international law firm in Perth specialising in financial services regulatory, anti-bribery and corruption work.

Throughout his legal career Matt worked alongside various organisations to benefit the community including as Chairperson of local family and domestic violence service, Starick, President of the Law Society of Western Australia, a Director of the Law Council of Australia and Chairperson of Law Access WA.

Matt and his wife Annabel have two children.

He has been privileged to command four ships: the mine hunter HMS SANDOWN, the frigates HMS IRON DUKE and HMS LANCASTER, and the aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS.

Shore appointments have included Resources and Plans in MOD, an advisor to the Iraqi Director Joint Staff in Baghdad, the UK’s Permanent Joint HQ, and HQ Air Command. He has also served as Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff. From April 2013 to July 2015 he was Flag Officer Sea Training, responsible for recruiting as well as individual and operational training across the Royal Navy.

Promoted to Vice Admiral in February 2016, he was the Royal Navy’s Fleet Commander from then until March 2019. He then served as the Chief of Joint Operations, prior to his appointment as First Sea Lord in November 2021. He was awarded the US Bronze Star in 2006 for his service in Baghdad, appointed CBE in 2016 and KCB in 2021.

Ben and his wife Elly have 3 children and make their home in Dorset. He is a governor of a school founded by his grandmother, and holds Honorary Degrees from his old university and the University of Plymouth. A Freeman of the City of London and a Younger Brother of Trinity House, he holds a Diploma from the Institute of Directors and is an alumnus of the London Business School. Now much better at talking about sport than actually playing any, he is President of a number of Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces sports."

As a Shadow Minister, a former political adviser and through Parliamentary committee work, she was a regular visitor to Northern Australia and has been deeply engaged in issues surrounding development in the north.

Minister King has a strong interest in ensuring the benefits of economic development are shared fairly and create opportunities for all segments of Australian society.

Minister King has a law degree from the University of Western Australia in Perth.

She is also a keen hockey enthusiast, and was a member of the WA Women’s Masters Hockey Team from 2012 to 2015.

Shore duty assignments included Joint Duty as Navy Security Assistance Programs Officer for the Commander U.S. Pacific Command, three tours on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington D.C. and as Deputy Commandant and Chief of Staff, Naval District Washington.

Kitchens commanded USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (BLUE) where the crew earned the U.S. Strategic Command Omaha Trophy. He also commanded Naval Station Pearl Harbor, where he led the merger with Hickam Air Force Base to form Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and earned the Commander-In-Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence as the Navy’s top base.

Upon leaving the Navy in 2014 he joined L3 Communications, Communication Systems East where he led undersea business development and strategy for C5 and cybersecurity systems, securing key wins on Columbia and Virginia Class submarines and Orca Extra Large UUV program. Following the L3-Harris merger in 2019 he joined the Maritime Sensors division as Director, Business Development & Strategy leading the division’s business development, strategic planning and capture efforts.

Kitchens holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Camp Ohana Foundation, the Naval Submarine League Advisory Council and the NDIA Undersea Warfare Division Executive Board.

He joined the Australian Army after schooling in Western Australia, and graduated from the Royal Military College Duntroon in 1975. His 33-year career in the military culminated in his appointment as Major General, Special Operations Commander Australia. 

In 2005, Duncan joined the National Security Division within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and was appointed as Australia’s inaugural National Security Adviser in 2008. In 2011, building on almost four decades of experience in defence and national security communities, Duncan was appointed Secretary of the Department of Defence. 

Late in 2012, Duncan was appointed Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO. On 15 September 2014, Duncan was appointed Director-General of Security and head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. 

Duncan was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia in 2005 for his service as the inaugural Special Operations Commander Australia.

Wendy was posted to the Directorate of Naval Officers Postings from February 2000 to December 2001 and during this period completed a Masters in Commercial Law. A challenging and rewarding posting in the then-Defence Materiel Organisation followed as the Project Manager for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Project during the period of this weapons introduction into service. Wendy was promoted to Captain as Director Anzac Systems Program Office in 2010. In this capacity, she was responsible for maintenance, logistics support and in-service engineering for the RAN’s eight Anzac Class frigates and shore facilities in Fleet Base East (Sydney) and Fleet Base West (Rockingham). Wendy was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2015 Australia Day Honours List “for meritorious devotion to duty as the Anzac System Program Office Director”. 

Wendy left the Navy in 2015 to take up a position with Saab Australia as the Transition Manager for the new support enterprise for the Anzac ships, before returning to Navy in 2017 and appointed as Director General Specialist Ships with responsibility for sustainment of Patrol Boats, Pacific Patrol Boats, Hydrographic Vessels, Minehunters, Mine warfare and diving systems.  On 7 December 2018, Wendy was promoted to Rear Admiral and appointed as Head Maritime Systems within Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group with responsibility for acquisition and delivery of all specialist, patrol, and minor maritime vessels. Wendy was appointed  a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours List “for exceptional service in surface ship sustainment in the Australian Defence Force”.

Vice Admiral Mead joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1984. On completion of initial training, he commenced Mine Clearance Diving and Explosive Ordnance training; and served as Executive Officer of Clearance Diving Team One. In 1993, he trained as a Principal Warfare Officer, which was followed by sea postings as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer of HMA Ships Melbourne and Arunta, and Executive Officer of HMAS Arunta.

In 2005, Vice Admiral Mead assumed the position as Commanding Officer of the frigate HMAS Parramatta. He saw active service in the North Arabian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, with the ship’s efforts recognised with a Meritorious Unit Citation in 2007 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his exceptional service in warlike conditions. During 2007, Vice Admiral Mead undertook studies at the National Defence College of New Delhi and was appointed Australia’s Defence Adviser to the Republic of India.

In 2010, Vice Admiral Mead returned to Canberra to take up the position as Director Naval Personnel Policy. Following his promotion to Commodore in July 2011, he deployed to Bahrain as Commander of Combined Task Force 150 (Maritime Counter Terrorism) on Operation Slipper, and was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service.

On promotion to Rear Admiral in January 2015, he spent the next three years as the Head of Navy Capability in Canberra. From January 2018 to November 2020, Vice Admiral Mead served as Commander of the Australian Fleet. In June 2020, Vice Admiral Mead was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia for his service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior management and command roles. Upon promotion to Vice Admiral in November 2020, he assumed the position as Chief of Joint Capabilities and Command of Joint Capabilities Group.

In September 2021, he was selected as the Chief of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce, and from 1 July 2023 he commenced as the inaugural Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency.

Vice Admiral Mead holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations, a Master’s Degree in Management, and a PhD in International Relations. He has published a book on Indian national security.

Rory Medcalf’s professional background involves three decades of experience across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, academia and journalism, including as founding Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute from 2007 to 2015. In government, he worked as a senior strategic analyst with the then Office of National Assessments (now the Office of National Intelligence), Canberra’s peak intelligence analysis agency. He was also an Australian diplomat, with wide experience including a posting to New Delhi, a secondment to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, truce monitoring after the conflict in Bougainville and policy development on Asian security institutions. He has contributed to three landmark reports on nuclear arms control: the 1996 Canberra Commission, 1999 Tokyo Forum and 2009 International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament. His earlier work in journalism was commended in Australia’s leading media awards, the Walkleys, in 1991.

Professor Medcalf has been prominent in developing Australia’s relations with India, and convenes informal diplomatic dialogues (‘track 1.5’ and ‘track 2’) with many Indo-Pacific powers. He has been recognised as a thought leader internationally for his work on the Indo-Pacific concept of the Asian strategic environment, as articulated in his 2020 book Contest for the Indo-Pacific (released internationally as Indo-Pacific Empire and translated into Japanese and Chinese).

He was an independent adviser to the Australian Government’s 2016 Defence White Paper. He is a member of the editorial board of the Australian Journal of International Affairs. He has been a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution and the Lowy institute. His is a member of the Board of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, the ASEAN Regional Forum Register of Experts and Eminent Persons, and the Scientific Advisory Council of the Finnish Institute for International Affairs.

In 2022, Professor Medcalf was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to international relations and tertiary education. That year he was also recognised with a commendation from the Japanese Foreign Minister for services to Australia-Japan relations. In 2023, he was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Institute for International Affairs (FAIIA) for contributions to understanding of the Indo-Pacific.

Paul and his wife Gillian were self-employed in small business when he was approached to consider pre-selection for WA Labor in the lead up to the Peel byelection in late 2006. 

Paul was elected to the seat of Peel in February 2007, then elected to the new seat of Warnbro in September 2008 and re-elected to that seat in 2013, 2017 and 2021. 

Paul served in the Shadow Ministry after WA Labor lost office in 2008 as Shadow Minister for Tourism, Local Government, Education, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, Corrective Services and Defence Issues. 

In March 2017 Paul was appointed as a Minister in the new McGowan Government, with the portfolios for Tourism, Racing and Gaming, Small Business, Defence Issues, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. 

Following the State Election in 2021, Paul was appointed as the Minister for Police, Road Safety, Defence Industry and Veterans Issues. 

 In December 2023, Paul was appointed as the Minister for Police, Corrective Services, Racing and Gaming; Defence Industry and Veterans Issues.

Published in a number of major Australian newspapers, Jennifer is regularly featured in Australian and international print, digital, radio and TV media.

Jennifer has served for more than 20 years with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). During her time in the RAN Jennifer specialised as a Principal Warfare Officer, including undertaking deep specialist training with the Royal Navy in Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer.

Jennifer has extensive operational experience from the Middle East to the Caribbean, and most areas in between. She has undertaken a series of naval appointments nationally and internationally in areas including force design strategy, career management, international exercise planning and operations. That included service as an exchange officer with the Royal Navy.

Jennifer’s last appointment in the RAN was as Director of Operations in Bahrain of the Combined Maritime Forces, a 38-nation coalition promoting national security in the Middle East and Indian Ocean region.

Sarah’s core purpose is to Engineer Success for Sovereign Capability and delivers this through a guiding philosophy of partnering. Sarah was awarded 2021 Consultant of the Year in the Australian Defence Industry Awards, and has written three White Papers, the latest entitled Micro-Partnerships in the Age of AUKUS which was launched in the US in April 2023.

Sarah is the Vice Chair for the Board of the Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) and is on the Steering Committee of the NSW Defence Innovation Network (DIN).

In assignments ashore he served as the Commandant, U.S. Naval Academy and was the Navy’s Chief of Legislative Affairs responsible for the Department of the Navy’s interaction with Congress.   Admiral Roughead was also the Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Command during the massive relief effort following the 2004 tsunami in South and Southeast Asia.   

Admiral Roughead is the Robert and Marion Oster Distinguished Military Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.  He serves on the boards of directors of the Northrop Grumman Corporation, Maersk Line, Limited, and is a Trustee of Dodge and Cox Funds.  He is a Trustee of the Johns Hopkins University, serves on the Board of Managers of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, is the Chair of the National Academy of Sciences Naval Studies Board, chairs the U.S. Export Import Bank’s Council on China Competion, and advises the Institute for Maritime Policy and Strategy Research in Haifa, Israel.. 

He co-chaired the Congressionally appointed commission that reviewed the Trump administration’s National Defense Strategy,and co-chaired a Council on Foreign Relations Task Force addressing America’s response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.  He is active in policy fora with Japan and China. 

The daughter of Italian migrants, Rita grew up on her parents’ orchard in Roleystone and spent her school holidays picking fruit. Her mother worked as a cook and her father was a labourer who cleared land for housing developments, fenced properties for pastoralists in the regions, and built train stations along the Armadale and Fremantle train lines. From a young age, Rita’s parents taught her the values of hard work, fairness, and opportunity. 

After finishing her schooling at Kelmscott Senior High School, Rita gained a Bachelor of Business at Curtin University. As economist by trade, she then moved to Canberra to work at the Department of Finance before returning to Western Australia to work at the Department of Treasury. 

In 1997, Rita commenced working for then-Opposition Leader Geoff Gallop as an economic adviser, continuing this role into Government before ultimately becoming Chief of Staff to Premier Alan Carpenter. Rita was elected as the Member for West Swan in 2008 and became a Shadow Minister in 2013. 

She has three young children, a 14 -year-old and 12-year-old twins. When not at Parliament, Rita can usually be found with her family at the footy cheering on her team, the Fremantle Dockers.

Previous Assignments :

MAR 2006 CO, JS ISOYUKI
MAR 2007 Staff of Fleet Escort Force
JUL 2008 U.S Naval War College : NCC
JUL 2009 Staff of Plans and Programs Division, MSO
JUL 2010 Chief of Plans and Programs Section, Plans and Programs Division, MSO
AUG 2011 Commander, Escort Division Fourteen
JUL 2012 Director of Education Division, MSO
AUG 2013 Director of Assignment Division, MSO
AUG 2014 Commander, Escort Flotilla One
JUL 2016 Chief of Staff, Commander Fleet Escort Force
AUG 2017 Superintendent MSDF Officer Candidate School
AUG 2018 Director General of Operations and Plans Department
AUG 2020 Commander, Fleet Escort Force
DEC 2021 Vice Chief of Staff, MSO
DEC 2022 Commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet
JUL 2024 Present Assignment

Mr Smith holds a Masters of Laws in Public International Law, (London University 1982). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (1979) and Bachelor of Laws (1977) from the University of Western Australia.

Mr Smith lived, worked and studied in London from August 1979 – March 1983.

He completed the Bar Exams (Middle Temple) and was admitted as a Barrister of the Bar of England and Wales.

While in the UK, Mr Smith lectured and tutored law and completed a Masters Degree in Public International Law at London University (LSE).

Mr Smith has been a Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter since 1980.

With a highly distinguished career spanning over four decades in the Royal Australian Navy, Philip is the most suitable representative to achieve the Western Australian Government’s defence industry objectives.

His permanent naval service included overseas exchanges and multiple sea commands. His operational experience included fisheries and border protection, service in Northern Ireland, the former Yugoslavia and Fiji, and multiple deployments to the Middle East.

Promoted to the Navy senior leadership group as a Commodore in 2009, he held positions focused on operational planning, organisational risk, and preparedness. After transitioning from full time to reserve service in 2015, he undertook further appointments focusing on joint and combined training, capability planning and management, and infrastructure development.

Selected for promotion to Rear Admiral in 2020, Philip undertook specialist reviews into Australia’s future submarine capability requirements, and the optimal location for an East Coast submarine base.

His outstanding service and contribution to the nation and allied forces has been recognised through the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia, a Commendation for Distinguished Service, and the Distinguished Service Cross. In 2009, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his exceptional performance as a Coalition Task Group Commander during a Middle-East Region operation.

Philip formed his own consultancy business in 2020 and has since provided support to several clients across industry and academia. For three years, he also provided specialist advice on maritime sustainment infrastructure to the Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group. He sits on the management and advisory boards of several defence focused companies.

In support of his clients, Philip draws upon a broad range of skills acquired during his 41 years of military service, and an extensive network across Defence, Government and industry. He is passionate about working to understand requirements, delivering innovative solutions to problems, and delivering results.

Philip and his wife Karen live in Canberra and have two adult daughters.

Education & Professional Career
Mar. 2004 LL.B. (Bachelor of Law,) University of Tokyo
Mar. 2006 Master of Public Policy, Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo
Apr. 2006 Journalist of a newspaper company “Yomiuri Shimbun” Headquarters
Mar. 2008 Officer, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
May 2010 Director, a private educational institute
Apr. 2015 Member of the Shimane Prefectural Assembly
Apr. 2019 Member of the Shimane Prefectural Assembly (re-elected)
Oct. 2021 Member of the House of Representatives
Aug. 2022 Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Justice (The 2nd KISHIDA Cabinet)
Jan. 2024 Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defense (The 2nd KISHIDA Reshuffled Cabinet)

LDP Political Career

• Deputy Director, Youth Division
• Vice President, Central Institute of Politics
• Vice-Chairperson, Federation of SHIMANE Prefecture Liberal Democratic Party Branches
• Chief Secretary, Project Team on Regulatory Reform of the Administrative Reform Promotion Headquarter

Favorite words and phrases “Do your best and see where it leads.”

Hobby Spectating Sports, Strolling with Family

Prior to joining Bechtel, Jim completed a 39 year Navy civilian career, 20 years of which were as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) working for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Roles within NAVSEA included:

NAVSEA Headquarters:

• Assistant Deputy Commander Industrial Operations Puget Sound Naval Shipyard:
• Nuclear Engineering and Planning Manager
• Head Nuclear Engineer
• Refueling Engineering Division Manager
• Reactor Engineering/Reactor Compartment Disposal Division Manager
• Nuclear Facilities and Equipment Manager
• Head of Crane Engineering
• Refueling Advanced Planning Branch Head
• Alternate Chief Refueling Engineer
• Shift Refueling Engineer