UWA DEFENCE AND SECURITY INSTITUTE MASTERCLASS SERIES AUKUS: PILLAR II
This essential course has been designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of AUKUS Pillar II (Advanced Capabilities) and its strategic impacts on Western Australia and the broader region. This course will explore the vision, technologies and innovations that form the foundation of Pillar II, and how all stakeholders can lean into WA’s ability to deliver these advanced capabilities by connecting the dots inside and outside the ecosystem to make WA an integral part of this nationwide endeavour.
Who should attend?
This 1-day Masterclass has been designed for those who need to understand and enable the possibilities and the practicalities of Pillar II, including defence industry from innovators and manufacturers to consultants, exporters and peak bodies; academics; government; Defence ; commerce bodies and investors.
Why will this course benefit you?
The presenters will be leading Australian and international policymakers, experts and practitioners, from Defence, government, industry and universities.
Upon completion of the course participants will understand:
- How in WA can we take advantage of the capability and talent that exists in defence and other sectors, and how in WA do we achieve the necessary STEM/advanced technology future workforce
- Who in WA or for WA has talent and capabilities, partnerships, resources, and translation abilities for catalysis, translation and delivery of advanced capabilities under Pillar II
- What in WA needs to happen to enable catalysis, translation, and delivery of advanced capabilities under Pillar II, including support, visibility, capital, and processes/frameworks
- Where in WA can and will talent/capability, innovators, infrastructure, and information be found and shared
- When in WA will all of this happen
This 1-day course, comprising approximately 8 hours of content delivery from national and international experts, may be suitable for attendees looking to claim Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credit with their professional member body such as Engineers Australia (EA), The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (CAANZ), CPA Australia, Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), or other relevant bodies. A certificate of participation can be issued for these purposes; please indicate during the registration process if a certificate is required.
This is an in-person event only and will not be livestreamed.
Please note that in order to receive a certificate of participation you will need to check in with us at the start and end of each day. Please also note that award of credit will be subject to justification according to your individual learning needs and the requirements of your particular professional body and we are unable to guarantee approval upon submission of this certificate to claim credit.
Event Schedule: Wednesday 9th October
- Registration: 8:00am – 8:30am
- Masterclass proceedings: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Closing Reception: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Ticket Category and Pricing: Registration closes Friday 4 October
- General Admission: $495.00
- Student Admission: $275.00
- Non-for-profit/University Admission: $385.00
- Group Booking (5+): $385.00
All tickets include:
- Catering for the full day
- Conference materials
- Networking opportunities with the speakers
With support from
Keynote speakers and panellists
Confirmed speakers and panellists* —
*listed in alphabetical order by surname.
HEADLINE SPEAKER
Stephen Moore
First Assistant Secretary, Defence Industry Policy, Department of Defence
Stephen Moore commenced as the inaugural First Assistant Secretary AUKUS Advanced Capabilities in July 2023, responsible for implementation of Pillar II of AUKUS across the Defence organisation. Prior to that, he served as First Assistant Secretary Defence Industry Policy since December 2021, where he developed and implemented international and domestic defence industry policy. …[read more] Stephen has held a number of senior positions in Defence, including Deputy Director of the Defence Intelligence Organisation, a long-term acting role as First Assistant Secretary International Policy, and as a senior advisor to a Minister. Prior to those roles, Stephen held the position of Assistant Secretary Global Interests, in the Department of Defence’s International Policy Division.Stephen joined the Australian Defence Department when he commenced working for International Policy Division early in 2006, covering a wide range of areas including the Pacific, North Asia and the Middle East. He has been responsible for developing strategic and operations policy relating to Australia’s military commitments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan as a policy advisor to Australian commanders in theatre.Stephen has science degrees in Neurobiology and Geophysics, and came to the Australian Defence Department after a career in the oil and gas industry. He also holds a Masters Degree in International Relations from the Australian National University.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Hon. Paul Papalia CSC MLA
Minister for Police; Corrective Services; Racing and Gaming; Defence Industry; Veterans Issues
Paul was born in Bunbury and raised in the small south west town of Burekup. He entered the Royal Australian Navy in 1978 and served in the military for 26 years eventually qualifying as a Navy Clearance Diver, serving in the counter terrorist squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment and deployed on operations to Iraq on two occasions. In the course of his military career, Paul commanded a Clearance Diving Team, a navy patrol boat and the Navy’s submarine escape and rescue service. He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross and Commendations from both the Land and Maritime Commanders before leaving the service in early 2004.…[read more]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 by-election 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 and 2017. Paul served in the Shadow Ministry after WA Labor lost office in 2008 as Shadow Minister for Tourism, Corrective Services and Defence Issues.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Air Commodore Guy Adams
Director General Data and Systems Design
Force Integration Division
Air Commodore Arndell Guy Adams was born in Moree, NSW, in 1972 and grew up on farms in western NSW and the NSW North Coast. He joined the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1991. Graduating in 1993, he continued his studies at Sydney University, graduating with a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering in 1994. His junior officer postings included Maintenance Officer at 75 Squadron and Directorate of Personnel.…[read more] In 1999, then Flight Lieutenant Adams completed the Flight Test Engineers course at the Empire Test Pilot School in the UK, where he remained to complete a Master of Science in Flight Dynamics from Cranfield University. He returned to Australia in 2000 and was posted to the Aircraft Research and Development Unit. Between 2004 and 2007, at Air Combat Group and 77 Squadron, then Squadron Leader Adams undertook operational tests on the RAAF fast jet fleet, being involved in the introduction of several significant aircraft upgrades. These included Hornet upgrades and F-111 AGM-142 integration. In late 2007, Air Commodore Adams was promoted to Wing Commander and posted to the Tactical Fighter System Program Office as the Program Engineering Manager for Hornet systems and weapons upgrades. In 2009, Air Commodore Adams transferred to the Reserves and worked for Nova Systems. During this time, he worked as a Commonwealth Design Engineer/Flight Test Engineer on the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and was the Program Manager for the company’s Aerospace business unit. He was also the Project Manager for the Commonwealth Counter Improvised Explosive Device capability. In 2012, then Group Captain Adams returned to the Air Force on promotion and was posted to Air Force Headquarters, where he was Director Flight Test Review, Director Combat Capability, and Director Unmanned Aerial Systems. He was posted to the Joint Strike Fighter Division as a Project Director in January 2017 and returned to Air Force Headquarters in 2020 as Director Joint Strike Fighter and Director Combat Capability. Air Commodore Adams completed an Executive Masters throughout 2020 and 2021 and, in 2022, was posted to the Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce as the Director of Joint Force Integration. He was promoted to Air Commodore in 2023 and posted to the Director General Data and Systems Design within the Force Integration Division. Air Commodore Adams’ interests include aviation, photography, water and snow skiing, and good red wine. He has run one marathon and walked the Kokoda track. That will be enough. He is married to Air Commodore Jules Adams
Peta Arbuckle MVO
Executive Director, Defence West
Peta Arbuckle was recently appointed Executive Director Defence West, a career public servant serving the Commonwealth and Western Australian governments over 25 years.
Peta’s career includes the Department of Defence – International Policy Division and the Defence Intelligence Organisation. Her overseas assignments included missions to Bougainville, Cambodia and a posting to Papua New Guinea as First Secretary Defence, the Department of Education – postings to Taiwan and Japan (with responsibility for the Republic of Korea).…[read more] Peta’s experience includes 10 years at the Department of Premier and Cabinet, including Deputy Chief of Staff in a ministerial office. Peta assumed the role of State Director Royal Visit during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2011 and was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order by Her Majesty, The Late Queen. Peta has also served on various federal government taskforces. She holds a Bachelor of Economics and Politics (Honours) degree from Monash University and a Masters of Strategic Studies and International Relations from the Australian National University.
Peter Baker
Director of Growth, Greenroom Robotics
Peter Baker is the Director of Growth at Greenroom Robotics, Australia’s leader in maritime autonomy and AI-driven solutions. With a focus on advancing the commercialisation of cutting-edge autonomous technologies, Peter aims to enhance defence and maritime capabilities in support of AUKUS initiatives. His career spans the development and deployment of maritime autonomous systems across both undersea and surface domains, from R&D to full-scale operations, bringing innovative robotics solutions to complex challenges.…[read more]
Peter’s expertise extends across the entire lifecycle of autonomous systems, from initial concept and prototyping to field deployment, making him a key contributor to the evolving landscape of maritime defense technology. He is passionate about leveraging AI and autonomy to drive strategic advancements in defense and beyond.
Peter holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Western Australia..
Glenn Callow
Chief Technology Officer, Austal
Glenn graduated in the UK with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science from the University of York and an Engineering Doctorate with Loughborough University. Glenn’s doctoral thesis was focused on novel techniques to improve the Systems Engineering of increasingly Autonomous Systems.Whilst in the UK, Glenn began his career in the defence sector with BAE Systems at their Advanced Technology Centre (ATC). At the ATC Glenn held a number of scientist positions, becoming Technology Lead for Intelligent Autonomous Systems and Advanced Information Processing in 2010.…[read more]During his time at BAE Systems, Glenn and his team developed numerous novel robotic and data processing systems for defence customers. This included the advanced demonstrator for the UK’s current generation bomb disposal robot, autonomous mules for supporting dismounted troops and decentralised technologies for improved tracking and situational awareness in the digital battlespace.
Glenn joined Rio Tinto in 2012 and was involved with a significant number of Rio Tinto’s technology developments. This includes the world’s first fully operational deployment of Autonomous Haulage and subsequently scale out, as well as supporting autonomous drills and autonomous rail developments and deployments. He also led the program in Rio Tinto to develop and deploy the world’s first Autonomous Water Truck at Rio Tinto’s Gudai-darri mine, in partnership with CAT. A primary focus of his work at Rio Tinto was the development and deployment of the Rio Tinto Mine Automation System (MAS). This operational digital twin platform, deployed at all of Rio Tinto’s major surface mines, provides a platform for the research, development and deployment of decision automation technologies that enable a broader integrated, automated mining value chain.
In 2023 Glenn joined Austal as Chief Technology Officer. Glenn’s role at Austal oversees a number of technology areas, including:
– Australasia and Corporate ICT services and support,
– Austal Group’s in-house Research and Development,
– Sales and Support of Austal Digital Technology products, such as the Marinelink Control & Monitoring suite and the LUSI Asset Management solution.
Dr John Chappell
Chief Executive Officerr, Scitech
Dr John Chappell is the CEO of Scitech, Western Australia’s dedicated STEM engagement organisation. Through the Scitech Discovery Centre, travelling Scitech exhibitions, STEM experiences delivered to regional and remote areas of the state, and professional learning programs that support teachers, John is responsible for fulfilling Scitech’s purpose of encouraging all Western Australians to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.…[read more]
With a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Queensland, the early part of John’s career was as a research chemist in the resources sector. He progressed quickly into senior positions due to his leadership abilities, before transitioning to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in 2011. As AIMS Chief Operating Officer, John was responsible for securing new funding, improving organisational safety, developing crucial stakeholder relationships within Government and corporate sectors, and delivering organisational and financial success.
In February 2022, Dr Chappell was appointed CEO at Scitech and this marked a turning point for the organisation. His firm belief is that a successful organisation is driven by a mix of dedication, passion and talent built on a collaborative and forward-thinking foundation.
John’s devotion to science and the way it influences our everyday lives, reflects in his leadership approach and Scitech’s aim to elevate STEM literacy and capabilities that can deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for the state.
Michele Clement
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.…[read more] 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.
Paul Colley
Chief Executive Officer, Total Marine Technology Pty Ltd
Paul is a founder and the CEO of Total Marine Technology which has a 23-year track record of developing leading technology in Remotely Operated Vehicles and intervention tooling for the offshore energy and terrestrial mining sector. TMT have the only Australian developed workclass ROV system capable of reaching depths greater than 6000m for fibre optic cable repair tasks. TMT employs over 200 people and has active offices in the UK, Malaysia, and Brazil.…[read more]He has a passion for high tech manufacturing in Western Australia and exporting home grown knowledge and capability to the world. He sits on several boards and is active in the not-for-profit sector. In his spare time Paul runs kite making and flying community workshops.
Sally Dawkins
Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Western Australia State Office
Sally Dawkins commenced as Director in January 2022. In this role Sally leads the Department’s engagement with its diverse stakeholders in Western Australia, including government, business, academia and the community. Sally has served overseas with the Department in Geneva (United Nations), Paris, West Africa and most recently in Ankara, as Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Turkey. …[read more] In Canberra, Sally has worked on a number of initiatives to support Australian businesses overseas, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, the Africa Down Under mining conference, and the Shanghai World Trade Expo. She has also worked as an Adviser to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific.
In 2017-19, Sally managed government relations and social investment for Newcrest Mining in Papua New Guinea, based in Port Moresby. In this role she sat as a Director of Newcrest’s subsidiary corporations, and represented Newcrest at the PNG Chamber of Mines & Petroleum.
Sally graduated with Honours in Bachelors of Laws and Arts from the University of Western Australia, and is an admitted solicitor. She speaks fluent French.
Linda Dawson
Deputy Director General Industry, Science and Innovation, Department of Jobs Tourism Science and Innovation
Linda Dawson is a senior executive with more than 25 years’ experience working in large Australian and multinational organisations across the resources and utilities sectors. Over Linda’s career she has led corporate services, community development, human resources, health safety and environment, corporate affairs and operational functions.Linda currently works for the Department of Jobs Tourism Science and Innovation in the Western Australian Government, as Deputy Director General Industry Science Innovation.…[read more] Linda has a strong belief in equality and respect for all in society, learning from our First Nations people, empowering women and giving back to the community. She has been a Chair of the MCA Indigenous Community of Practice, mentor with WIMWA and a past Chair of the CMEWA Pilbara Regional Council.
Linda is currently a Board Member of Workpower, Vice Chairperson of Midland Women’s Health Care Place and a Member of the Sir Charles Gardiner and Osborne Park Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee. She holds a Masters of Education and Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Western Australia, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Certified Professional of the Australian Human Resource Institute and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.
Scott Elson
Director, Business development, L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Australia (IMSA)
As a proud Western Australian, Scott Elson, is currently the Director , Business Development for L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Australia, a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. based in Perth, Australia. Scott has been with the company for over 20 years, which was a SME called Nautronix at the time.…[read more]
Current duties include the strategy and sovereign development of maritime research and development projects which include underwater acoustic communications, coastal security monitoring software and secure communications. Recent focus has been on technology transfer within L3Harris under AUKUS and alignment with Australian projects related to submarine, autonomy and maritime surveillance.
Professor Christophe Gaudin
Director, UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia
Christophe is an offshore geotechnical engineer and scientist specialising in advancing marine renewable energy through multidisciplinary approaches. He has held several leadership roles at UWA, including Head of the Oceans Graduate School, Director of the National Geotechnical Centrifuge Facilities, Director of the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, and founding Director of Marine Energy Research Australia.…[read more]
In his current role as Director of the UWA Oceans Institute, he supports industry, scientists, and government in developing cutting-edge offshore renewable energy technologies and shaping the future energy landscape in Australia and globally.
Christophe’s work spans multiple ocean and marine sectors and he is skilled at bringing multi-sector stakeholders together to tackle the scientific and societal challenges facing our oceans today.
Rachel Geddes
Director Strategic Engagement & Comms, Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Defence
Rachel commenced as Director of Strategic Engagement and Communications at the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) in July 2023, and is responsible for managing key partnerships for the organisation, in addition to managing the communications for all ASCA activities. Prior to that, she served in the department as the Governance and Policy Manager for the Next Generation Technologies Fund, where she supervised over 100 research and development projects occurring across 11 critical themes.…[read more]Prior to those roles, Rachel worked at Defence West, WA Government as the Manager and then acting Director for the Defence Industry Development and Veterans portfolio, making her intimately aware of the key strengths and capabilities WA industry and universities can contribute to Defence. Rachel has spent the past 10 years working at the intersection of innovation and capability in the defence sector, through various positions. Her engagement with AUKUS Pillar II comes through ASCA’s supporting role in accelerating aspects of the advanced capabilities, most recently in the AUKUS Innovation Challenge Series.
Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC
Executive Director, Australian Missile Corporation, and a Non-Executive Director, AUSTAL, the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, and OCIUS Technologies.
Lee Goddard is the Executive Director of the Australian Missile Corporation, and a Non-Executive Director of AUSTAL, the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, and OCIUS Technologies. He also an Advisor to the Minderoo Foundation, SALUS Ventures, and SARONIC Technologies, as well as the Chairman (Race Director) of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. He was previously a Director of The Whiskey Project Group.…[read more] Prior to assuming his current industry roles, he was dual appointed as Commander, Maritime Border Command and Operation Sovereign Borders, responsible for the law enforcement and operational oversight of Australia’s maritime economic and security zones covering more than 10 percent of the earth’s surface. This was preceded by a two-year secondment into the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet. On promotion to Commodore in 2014 he assumed the role of Commander Surface Fleet, commanding 18 major warships, and he has Commanded warships and joint-agency Taskforce’s at every senior Navy rank from Commander to Rear Admiral. He continues to serve as an active reserve officer following 34 years full time service up until January 2021, and in 2023 he conducted the Chief of Defence Force Leadership Review.
Tim Grabert
Test and Evaluation Capability Lead, Nova Systems
Tim Grabert is the test and evaluation capability lead at Nova Systems Australia. Tim previously served as an officer in the Australian Army as a rotary wing flight test engineer which included a posting as the flight commander overseeing helicopter flight test activities for the Australian Army. He is currently leading the rollout of the Nova Systems Test & Evaluation Centre of Excellence where he is responsible for identifying the essential skills, knowledge and tools required by the next generation of test & evaluation practitioners for Australian industry.…[read more]He is currently managing research and development projects in the fields of model-based systems engineering, operational experimentation and the adoption of AI, the use of synthetic environments for test & evaluation, and mission engineering. He is a graduate of the UK MoD’s Empire Test Pilots’ School, and holds a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering from RMIT University, Postgraduate Certificate in flight dynamics from Cranfield University, UK, and an MBA from Central Queensland University.
Charlie Gunningham
Charlie has spent more than 25 years in Perth’s innovation ecosystem. He’s been a startup founder, angel investor, media commentator and university lecturer. Originally from the UK, he worked in Singapore before arriving in Perth in the late 90s. He graduated top of UWA Business School with an MBA and co-founded property listings site aussiehome.com in 1999, which was acquired by REIWA in 2010. He then ran reiwa.com, went on to be CEO of Business News, run Startup News, work for a $485M federal government startup fund and run the WA government’s New Industries Fund programs. He has recently been appointed to the WA Government’s Innovation Advisory Board.
Emily Hall
Assistant Secretary, Defence Export Controls, Department of Defence
Ms Emily Hall commenced as the Assistant Secretary Defence Export Control in the Department of Defence on 5 October 2023.
Prior to joining Defence, Emily held a variety of national security roles across the Commonwealth Public Service, including within the Attorney-General’s Department, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Home Affairs portfolio.…[read more] She holds a Masters in Laws (International Law) from the Australian National University and is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Jo Hawkins
Director, Startup WA
Jo is a deep tech enthusiast with a passion for translating innovative ideas into real-world solutions. She has 20+ years of experience in strategy, innovation and business development in global companies. At the University of Western Australia (UWA), Jo develops policies, programs and partnerships to drive innovation and industry engagement. She has experience developing deep science and technology from IP to startup and commercialisation as an advisor, strategist, and ecosystem builder. Jo is skilled at connecting stakeholders from different backgrounds.…[read more]She speaks the language of startups, industry, universities, and government – and helps them understand each other’s perspectives. Jo is also a non-executive Director of Startup WA, a non-profit entity that works to advance the startup industry in Western Australia through representation, advocacy, and public policy. In 2021, she was recognised as one of Western Australia’s 40 under 40 business leaders.
The Honourable David Johnston
Chair, UWA Defence and Security Institute
The Honourable David Johnston is the Chair of the UWA Defence and Security Institute, leading initiatives to enhance defence and security research, engagement, and policy development in Western Australia. Born and educated in Perth in Western Australia, David attended Wesley College from 1967 – 1973 and then graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1981 with law degrees B.Juris LL.b. David was elected to the Australian Parliament as a Senator for Western Australia in 2001 and was a Senator for 15 years.…[read more] Prior to that he was a Barrister and Solicitor in Western Australia practicing in the areas of Mining and Crime and lived and worked on the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia for 12 years before returning to Perth to continue in the Law and as a Barrister and In-House Counsel providing advice and representation mainly pertaining to mining matters in Western Australia. 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 is currently sitting on the Board of SAAB Technologies Australia, MCB Ltd (mining), 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) and is the Commonwealth’s Advocate for Australian Defence Industry Exports.
Adrienne (Adi) LaBombard
Director, Policy & Advocacy, The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA
As a member of CME’s leadership team, Adrienne (Adi) LaBombard is responsible for leading the development CME policy positions and guiding the delivery of CME’s policy and advocacy strategy. She is passionate about role of industry associations in informing policy development and works closely with members, government and other stakeholders across a diverse range of areas relevant to the Western Australia resources sector.
Adi joined CME 12 years ago, commencing in the Environment portfolio in September 2012 and went on to manage both the people and safety and economic competitiveness portfolios.…[read more]Prior to joining CME, Adi worked with the strategic policy team at the Western Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Adi relocated to Perth from the United States in 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, Montreal and a Masters of Arts from Murdoch University, Perth.
Matthew Leach
Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group
Matt Is a Managing Director and Partner at the Boston Consulting Group and leads BCG’s Perth office. Matt started his career in the RAAF, graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1995 and then completing pilot training, after which he spent 10 years flying the F/A-18, including qualifying as a Fighter Combat Instructor. Matt also spent time as the operational SME on the F/A18 EW upgrade, working closely with the US Navy in the United States, and supporting Operational Test and Evaluation activities for the F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade program.…[read more] Since leaving the RAAF in 2009, Matt spent 5 years working for BHP Iron Ore as part of their major projects team, including leading the trial of Autonomous mining trucks at their Jimblebar mine for several years. In his 10 years at BCG, Matt has worked for Defence, utility, resources, and public sector clients across multiple topics including strategy, organisational transformation, operations, digital and large capital project delivery. Matt has a Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) and an MBA from UNSW.
Oscar Leslie
Managing Director, Phase Alpha Pty Ltd
Oscar is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Phase Alpha, Australia’s first veteran-owned venture capital firm investing in frontier Defence and National Security technologies. Oscar brings a capability-first approach to VC, layering a rich operational background with a passion for emerging technology. He is a firm believer in unifying end-user needs, private capital, industry capability and leading research to deliver advantage to Australia and its allies.
Major General Fergus (Gus) McLachlan AO (Rtd)
Senior Advisor, Defence & National Security, The University of Sydney
Gus McLachlan is a retired Major General who served 37 years in the Australian Army. Born in Melbourne, he attended the Royal Military College – Duntroon and the University of New South Wales, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1986. Throughout his career, Gus held key operational, training, and leadership roles, including command of the Army’s 1st Brigade in Darwin, which was involved in operations in Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands, and East Timor.…[read more]As a senior leader, he oversaw the development of Defence capabilities in cyber, robotics, AI, and command systems. Gus also led Land Forces Command from 2016 to 2018, managing 35,000 personnel and the generation of combat brigades, helicopters, and drones. His international experience includes a 13-month tour in Afghanistan, where he was awarded the US Legion of Merit for his work as a senior campaign planner.
Since leaving the Army, Gus has transitioned to senior leadership roles in the private sector, including as an Executive General Manager at Boral. He holds advisory roles with Monash University, the University of Sydney, and several defence technology companies. Gus was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and continues to advise on leadership, strategy, and technology. He is married with two sons.
Sophie Mayo
Policy Analyst, Office of the General Partners, Salus Ventures
Sophie will shortly be joining Salus Ventures, a national security-focused venture capital firm, where she will be working on policy and operations in the Office of the General Partners as the Policy Analyst, Office of the General Partners, Salus Ventures. Sophie was previously the Research Associate with the Foreign Policy and Defence Program at the United States Studies Centre and former consultant with FTI Consulting and research assistant with Global Access Partners. Sophie is a former consultant with FTI Consulting and research assistant with Global Access Partners. She is a Pacific Forum Young Leaders Program scholar…[read more] She holds a Bachelor of Global Studies (Communications) from the University of Technology Sydney, a Graduate Certificate in Commerce from the University of Sydney and a Masters of International Relations (American Foreign Policy) from the University of Sydney. Her dissertation explored US-China strategic competition in critical and emerging technology
.
Paul Myler
Former Deputy Chief of Mission, Australian Embassy Washington, D.C.
Paul Myler has just completed a five year stint at the Australian Embassy in Washington. As Deputy Chief of Mission, Paul managed 300 embassy staff through an executive team of twenty, representing the breadth of the Australian Government forward deployed to Washington. From 2019 he supported Ambassadors Hockey, Sinodinos and Rudd through the major geopolitical and economic shifts of the last five years including: COVID19; China’s economic coercion and our responding diversification of markets and prioritisation of trusted supply chains, including on critical minerals; re-emergence of the Quad and founding of AUKUS; designing Australia’s response to the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act; and the revival of the threat of major power conflict.…[read more]During this time, he also oversaw the reconstruction of the Australian embassy and relocation of embassy staff – a significant change management challenge against the backdrop of COVID19.
Prior to Washington, Mr Myler held the positions of Assistant Secretary, North East Asia and Assistant Secretary, India and Indian Ocean with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), spearheading efforts to increase strategic and defence cooperation, diversify Australia’s economy and generate a more robust Indo-Pacific regional architecture. This included conceiving, designing and delivering the Australian Government’s India Economic Strategy under the guidance of Peter Varghese. Mr Myler led Australia’s civilian participation in key INDOPACOM military exercises in 2017 (Talisman Saber) and 2019 (Pacific Sentry)..
Siriana Nair
U.S. Consul General, Western Australia
Siriana Kvalvik Nair is a career Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, currently serving as the Deputy Political Counselor at U.S. Mission Brazil. Prior to her arrival in Brasilia, Ms. Nair served as the Acting Political Counselor at the U.S. Mission in Jakarta, Indonesia, during a time of significant political transition. As the Director of the United States’ International Narcotics and Law Enforcement regional office for North Africa (based in Rabat, Morocco), she established and managed multi-million dollar programs in law enforcement, judicial reform, and border security. She has served previous assignments with the Department of State in India, the Philippines, and Washington, D.C.…[read more] Prior to joining the State Department, Ms. Nair served as an English teaching fellow in Nanjing, China. She has a Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and degrees in Political Science and Biology from Wellesley College. She is married to Jai Nair, a fellow Foreign Service Officer, and they have four children.
Joel Nevin
Managing Director, Blacktree Technology Pty Ltd
Joel commenced her career in 1990 after Graduating from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Commerce. Joel held various positions in the Banking and Finance sector in Perth and Melbourne across front line and head office environments. She was involved in the implementation of productivity improvement programs along with roles in a major program that involved in design, test and implementation of new software platforms for a large Australian financial institution.…[read more] Prior to leaving this sector, Joel held the position of Project Manager, leading teams to implement organisational change across 50 locations in metropolitan and regional areas.
Following the success of previous programs, Joel co-founded Blacktree Technology and established the project management and administration functions to support the company as it provided technical solutions to complex radio and satellite communications problems in challenging environments in Australasia.
While originally focused on the resources sector, Joel played a key role in the company’s transition into Defence Industry. During the past 8 years Joel has worked alongside her codirector to steer the
company from a micro to small-medium SME with 40 employees across locations in Perth and Canberra.
She now takes on an executive leadership role overseeing the future growth of the organisation in Australia and overseas.
During her career, Joel has undertaken several executive positions with community not for profit and Industry organisations and is currently a board member of the Australian Industry Defence Network. Joel is passionate about the importance of Australian SME’s in Defence Industry and supporting Veteran employment.
Xavier Orr
Algorithms, Neural Networks and Robotics
Xavier Orr is a robotics engineer specialised in neural network architecture and algorithms. In 2009 he did his thesis at UWA on a neural network navigation algorithm. In 2012 he founded Advanced Navigation to commercialise this technology. The company grew rapidly, raising over $135 million and supplying products to many large companies such as NASA, Airbus, Tesla and Lockheed Martin. In 2024 he retired as co-CEO to continue to guide the company as a board director and advisor.
Professor Gia Parish
Director, UWA Defence and Security Institute
Giacinta (Gia) Parish is Director, Defence & Security Institute and Professor, School of Engineering at the University of Western Australia; and a Director on the Board of AROSE. Professor Parish joined UWA after completing a PhD at the University of California, Santa Barbara as a Fulbright Scholar. She has a multidisciplinary background in electronic engineering, materials science and chemistry; particularly advanced semiconductor materials and device technologies.…[read more] Her current research focus is chemical, bio- and infrared sensors for environmental and industrial monitoring and defence applications. Professor Parish has co-authored around 150 international publications, with close to 3000 citations, and was an inaugural Women in Technology WA ‘20 in 20’ award winner in 2018.
Maria Rennie
British Consul General Perth
Maria Rennie was appointed as His Majesty’s Consul General for Western Australia in July 2023.
Maria has been a member of the British diplomatic service since 2002, working in over 25 British diplomatic posts overseas in a variety of roles. Most recently, Maria worked as the Deputy Consul General in Chicago helping lead the UK’s engagement across 14 states of the US Midwest and was previously seconded to the UK’s Home Office for Consular and Immigration roles in both Bogotá, Colombia and Miami, USA.…[read more]
As Head of the Crisis Training and Policy Team in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Crisis Management Department, Maria oversaw crisis training and bespoke crisis exercises across the UK’s global network. She also led the UK’s consular or operational response to over 35 international crises during that same 5 year period. As the UK government lead on coordination of support for victims of international terrorism she helped establish the Home Office’s cross-government Victims of Terrorism Unit in 2017.
Mark Roberts
Sales Manager Uncrewed Platforms, Kongsberg Discovery
Mark holds the position of Sales Manager for Kongsberg Discovery’s Uncrewed Platforms division, and works closely with customers from industry, research, government and defence to develop and deliver autonomous and uncrewed solutions to the Asia Pacific Region.
Prior to joining Kongsberg, Mark worked in the marine survey industry, holding a variety of roles supporting customers on major Australian projects, including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau during the search for missing Malaysia Airlines MH370, Australia’s national seabed mapping program-Hydroscheme Industry Partnership Program (HIPP) and the Royal Australian Navy Integrated Battle Problem 23-3 exercise.…[read more]Mark holds a Masters in Oceanography from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom.
Mark Stevens
Managing Director, Arican
Mark is Australia’s leading commentator on and adviser to Defence Industry. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Arican and a Founder Managing Partner of Periscope Capital Partners and its recently launched Australian National Security Growth Fund, Periscope. Mark comes from a strong foundation of 15 years’ uniformed Defence experience in the Australian Army. He is a 1984 Graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon and commanded in the Infantry up to company level.…[read more]Mark was the Executive Chairman of ASX-listed international Defence company HighCom Limited (ASX:HCL) and a Non-Executive Director at Eptec Group. Mark is currently the Chair of private equity owned Shadbolt Group. Mark has led over 150 complex transaction projects encompassing advisory engagements and capital raisings in the Defence and National Security market segments.
David Tynan
Executive Manager, Defence and National Security Partnerships, CSIRO
David is the Executive Manager for CSIRO Defence and National Security partnerships. He is responsible for providing CSIRO clear insight into Commonwealth national security science and technology objectives, particularly for AUKUS Pillar 2. David works with the government, universities and industry to help build the scalable research partnerships required to accelerate delivery of critical Commonwealth national security capabilities.…[read more]
David began his career in clinical research after completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at U. Queensland before moving into Pharmaceutical and Mining workforce consultancy in Australia, the UK and UAE. David later completed a Masters of International Relations at U. Melbourne and moved into Commonwealth national security and counter-terrorism roles before rejoining consultancy with Deloitte where he helped to build the national security practice.
Pia Turcinov AM
Director & General Partner, FundWA
Pia is an accomplished portfolio board director and a General Partner of Fund WA, a Perth-based venture capital fund that invests in early-stage WA companies with big ideas and global ambitions. While industry agnostic, Fund WA operates on a mandate focused on backing innovative, high growth and scalable opportunities in WA at the early commercialisation stages. With 30+ years of legal, commercial, and corporate experience across multiple industries, Pia has worked with hundreds of founders, start-ups and high-growth ventures and is passionate about scaling Australian innovation into global markets.…[read more]Pia holds LLB.BA. degrees from the University of NSW and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Pia was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List for her significant service to technology, innovation and women in STEM.
Dr Richard Walley OAM
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
Dr Richard Walley OAM is a Noongar man and one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal performers, musicians and writers.
Richard is a working director of his family-owned business, Aboriginal Productions and Promotions, which delivers cultural awareness and learning programs and has been in operation for over 25 years. Richard is a committed leader in the promotion of Noongar culture, and has extensive experience working alongside Australian and international organisations as a cultural consultant and presenter. Richard lectures on Aboriginal culture at UWA and is a regular host and participant at significant public and cultural events in Perth and the South West.…[read more] In 1978, Richard formed the Middar Aboriginal Theatre which has since taken Noongar culture to 32 countries. It is estimated more than 10 million people have experienced a live performance from Middar, contributing to the company’s win of the 1988 Gold Swan Tourism Award. In 2015, Richard was named a State Living Treasure from the Western Australia Department of Culture and the Arts for his lifetime contribution to arts and culture.
Lu Zhou
Head of Policy, U.S. Consulate General Perth
Lu Zhou is the Head of Policy at the US Consulate General Perth. A career Foreign Service Officer of 13 years, Lu has been posted to Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Washington D.C., Munich, and Dubai. He speaks Mandarin, German, and some Korean. Lu holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from UC Berkeley and worked as a marketing professional in California for 10 years.
Images taken from the Masterclass Pillar I
The Venue
The University Club of Western Australia
The UWA Defence and Security Institute Masterclass: AUKUS Pillar ll will be held at the award-winning University Club of Western Australia, situated on the UWA Nedlands Campus and overlooking the pristine Matilda Bay.
The Defence and Security Institute is an initiative by The University of Western Australia.
The University of Western Australia acknowledges that its campus is situated on Noongar land, and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practise their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge.