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Event Proceedings Stay up-to-date - presentation packs, speeches and other materials from our previous events are available for download. Conference reports: Dr Robbin Laird, Williams Foundation Fellow, and contributor for Second Line of Defense , produces a conference report highlighting the innovation, challenges and policy implications presented. He also interviews a number of senior Defence personnel to produce a series of smaller topical articles. Australia’s Air Power: Ready for Tonight, Preparing for Tomorrow Australia's Royal Australian Air Force is shifting from expeditionary operations to homeland defense readiness amid heightened regional tensions, with Air Commodore Peter Robinson emphasizing a "fight tonight" philosophy that prioritizes immediate operational capability with current assets rather than waiting for future systems. The RAAF has modernized significantly with F-35s, Super Hornets, and Growler electronic warfare aircraft, but faces challenges in sustained operati Oct 6 Navigating the New Normal: A Paradigm Shift in Australian Defence Policy Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Paper #12 By Dr Robbin Laird The contemporary Indo-Pacific security... Oct 5 Unlocking Military Potential: The Immediate Opportunities in Uncrewed Systems Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Paper #11 By Dr Robbin Laird The recent Williams Foundation seminar on... Oct 3 Reimagining Maritime Security: Australia’s Collaborative Approach to Uncrewed Systems Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Interview Paper #10 By Dr Robbin Laird Australia faces one of the world’s... Oct 1 Rethinking Defence Logistics: The Strategic Imperative for Change Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Paper #9 By Dr Robbin Laird In an era of shifting geopolitical... Sep 30 Beyond Fight Tonight: Building Resilience and Capacity Across Defence and Industry Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #8 By Dr Robbin Laird The ghost of inadequate... Sep 29 Building Australia’s Defence Industrial Base: The Strategic Imperative for Early Investment and Sovereign Capability Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #7 By Dr Robbin Laird In an era of growing strategic... Sep 27 UK Strategic Defence Review 2025: Transforming Air Power for a New Era of Threats Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #6 By Dr Robbin Laird Air Commodore Alun Roberts,... Sep 25 Learning from History: Australia’s Defence Industrial Mobilization Imperative Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #5 By Dr Robbin Laird In an era of unprecedented... Sep 24 The Invisible Battle: Synchronizing Non-Kinetic Effects in Modern Warfare Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #4 By Dr Robbin Laird From left: AVM (Retd) Zed... Sep 22 Rethinking Military Transformation: From Platform-Centric to Threat-Informed Innovation Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #3 By Dr Robbin Laird The nature of military... Sep 22 The Air Defence Reality Check: Why Australia Has Less Time Than It Thinks Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #2 By Dr Robbin Laird For decades, integrated air and... Sep 19 Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Conflicts Today Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #1 By Dr Robbin Laird On September 18, 2025, the Sir... Sep 18 The Imperative for Cost Effectiveness in Multidomain Operations: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Imperative for Cost Effectiveness in Multidomain Operations : Final Report, 22 May 2025 Link to ebook (Defense.info) Jun 17 Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Defence Force in the Context of Global Strategic Transition - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Defence Force in the Context of Global Strategic Transition, 3 June 2025 Link to... Jun 3 An Update on the Royal Australian Air Force: A Conversation with Air Marshal Chappell - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, An Update on the Royal Australian Air Force: A Conversation with Air Marshal Chappell, 2 June 2025 Link to article... Jun 2 The Need to Speed Delivery for the Ready Force and Enabling a More Cost-Effective Future Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Need to Speed Delivery for the Ready Force and Enabling a More Cost-Effective Future Force, 1 June 2025 Link to... Jun 1 Air Power and the Challenge of Shaping an Effective Ready Force Which Can Deliver Deterrence by Denial - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Air Power and the Challenge of Shaping an Effective Ready Force Which Can Deliver Deterrence by Denial , 29 May 2025... May 29 Enhancing the Ready Force: Providing the Optimal Mix to Deliver the Desired Combat Effect - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enhancing the Ready Force: Providing the Optimal Mix to Deliver the Desired Combat Effect, 28 May 2025 Link to article... May 28 Budgeting for an Enhanced Ready Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Budgeting for an Enhanced Ready Force, 27 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) If the strategic environment is... May 27 Enhancing Non-Kinetic Capabilities in the Ready Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enhancing Non-Kinetic Capabilities in the Ready Force, 26 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) At the 22 May 2025 Sir... May 26 A Blueprint for Action for the USAF: How to Enhance Combat Readiness to Meet the Strategic Challenges Facing the U.S. and Its Allies - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, A Blueprint for Action for the USAF: How to Enhance Combat Readiness to Meet the Strategic Challenges Facing the U.S.... May 26 Putting the Nature of the Military Capability Threat from the Multi-Polar Authoritarian World in Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Putting the Nature of the Military Capability Threat from the Multi-Polar Authoritarian World in Perspective, 25 May... May 25 Dr. Marcus Hellyer on Breaking the Autonomous Systems Defence Employment Barrier - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Dr. Marcus Hellyer on Breaking the Autonomous Systems Defence Employment Barrier, 24 May 2025 Link to article... May 24 Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension, 23 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) Yesterday,... May 23 Air Power in an Age of Strategic Uncertainty: The Perspective of General Moseley - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Air Power in an Age of Strategic Uncertainty: The Perspective of General Moseley, 23 May 2025 Link to article... May 23 Enhancing the Ready Force: A Key Imperative for Australia in the Evolving Strategic Environment - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enhancing the Ready Force: A Key Imperative for Australia in the Evolving Strategic Environment, 23 May 2025 Link to... May 23 Defence Industry in Australia: Building Strategic Depth and Resilience in Support of the Ready Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Defence Industry in Australia: Building Strategic Depth and Resilience in Support of the Ready Force, 7 October 2024... Oct 7, 2024 Enabling and Defending the National Information Society: The Space Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enabling and Defending the National Information Society: The Space Dimension, 7 October 2024 Link to article... Oct 7, 2024 Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz, 7 October 2024... Oct 7, 2024 The Challenge of Shaping the Way Ahead for the Ready Force and Preparing for Future Threats - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge of Shaping the Way Ahead for the Ready Force and Preparing for Future Threats, 5 October 2024 Link to... Oct 5, 2024 How Does the Ready Force Deal with a Rapidly Changing Operational Environment? - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How Does the Ready Force Deal with a Rapidly Changing Operational Environment? 4 October 2024 Link to article... Oct 4, 2024 The Chief of the Australian Army Explains How They are Dealing with the Simultaneous Challenges of the Three R’s - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Chief of the Australian Army Explains How They are Dealing with the Simultaneous Challenges of the Three R’s, 3... Oct 3, 2024 Building Combat Mass: An Air Force Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Building Combat Mass: An Air Force Perspective, 2 October 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The panel on combat mass... Oct 2, 2024 The Force in Being to Protect the Nation: It's More than the ADF’s Role - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Force in Being to Protect the Nation: Its More than the ADF’s Role, 1 October 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... Oct 1, 2024 Building Combat Mass: A Navy Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Building Combat Mass: A Navy Perspective, 30 September 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) When you are a medium-sized... Sep 30, 2024 The Challenge for Defence Readiness: The Impact of Politics - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge for Defence Readiness: The Impact of Politics, 29 September 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) If one is... Sep 29, 2024 The Perspective of Australia’s AUKUS Partners on Shaping the Way Ahead for Airpower - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Perspective of Australia’s AUKUS Partners on Shaping the Way Ahead for Airpower , 28 September 2024 Link to article... Sep 28, 2024 The September 26, 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar: An Initial Take - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The September 26, 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar: An Initial Take, 27 September 2024 Link to article... Sep 27, 2024 Conference Proceedings: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective - will be released in October... Sep 26, 2024 Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz, 7 October 2024... Sep 7, 2024 Conference Proceedings: The Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: The Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy 11 April 2024 More articles from Dr Laird... May 17, 2024 The Strategic Shift in Australian Defence Requires a Shift in the Approach for Australian Defence Industry - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Strategic Shift in Australian Defence Requires a Shift in the Approach for Australian Defence Industry, 16 May 2024... May 16, 2024 A Focused Force: Autonomous Systems and a Distributed ISR Enterprise - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, A Focused Force: Autonomous Systems and a Distributed ISR Enterprise, 14 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) As the... May 14, 2024 Australia’s New Defence Strategy: Reshaping the ADF into a Focused Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia’s New Defence Strategy: Reshaping the ADF into a Focused Force, 9 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The... May 9, 2024 Layered ISR and a Focused Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Layered ISR and a Focused Force, 9 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) If you want to shape an effective focused... May 9, 2024 Shaping C2 for the ADF and Coalition Forces: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Mike Kitcher - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping C2 for the ADF and Coalition Forces: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Mike Kitcher, 7 May 2024 Link to... May 7, 2024 RPAs, Autonomous Systems and How to Strengthen the ADF in the Next 3-5 Years - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, RPAs, Autonomous Systems and How to Strengthen the ADF in the Next 3-5 Years, 6 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... May 6, 2024 Cognitive and Information War and the “Gray Zone” - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Cognitive and Information War and the “Gray Zone”, 5 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) An aspect of modern... May 5, 2024 How to Enhance Space’s Contribution to Australian Multi-Domain Operations in Support of Maritime Operations - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How to Enhance Space’s Contribution to Australian Multi-Domain Operations in Support of Maritime Operations, 4 May 2024... May 4, 2024

News & Updates Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Foundation. Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension, 23 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) Yesterday,... May 23 Conference Proceedings: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective - will be released in October... Sep 26, 2024 Vale Errol (Mac) McCormack Air Marshal AO (Retd) It is with great sadness that we advise the passing of Errol (Mac) McCormack Air Marshal AO (Retd). Errol was born in Bundaberg in 1941... Apr 18, 2024 Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy: The April 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar, ... Apr 14, 2024 Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Oct 8, 2023 Summary Outcomes: Conference September 2023 - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar September 2023: The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain... Sep 29, 2023 Conference Proceedings: The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Capability The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Capability National Gallery of Australia, 27 September 2023 Dr Robbin... Sep 28, 2023 Conference Final Report: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability Final Report: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability National Gallery of Australia 30 March 2023 Final Report... Apr 20, 2023 Vale Senator Jim Molan AO, DSC The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Jim Molan AO, DSC. Jim was a Director of... Jan 17, 2023 Conference: Enhancing the Lethality and Survivability of the Integrated Force Enhancing the Lethality and Survivability of the Integrated Force National Gallery of Australia 28 September 2022 Final Report Dr Robbin... Oct 12, 2022 Remembering Brendan Sargeant: Australia’s Premier Strategist By Robbin Laird FEATURED STORY Remembering Brendan Sargeant: Australia's Premier Strategist | Defense.info This is a piece I never wanted... Feb 16, 2022 EOIs Open: Join the Central Blue team The Central Blue editorial team is seeking Expressions of Interest to join the team. Who are we? The Central Blue is an online forum... Aug 25, 2021 Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Next Generation Autonomous Systems: A Williams Foundation Special Report, 9 June 2021 In this report, the key themes... Jun 10, 2021 Defence Industry and Working with Defence in Shaping a Way Ahead for Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, Defence Industry and Working with Defence in Shaping a Way Ahead for Autonomous Systems, 8 June 2021 Link to the article... Jun 8, 2021 The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force Shape a Way Ahead for the Inclusion of Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force Shape a Way Ahead for the Inclusion of Autonomous Systems, 5 June 2021 Link to... Jun 5, 2021 Perspectives on the Introduction of Autonomous Systems into Combat Dr Robbin Laird, Perspectives on the Introduction of Autonomous Systems into Combat, 4 June 2021 Link to article Perspectives on the... Jun 4, 2021 Shaping the Way Ahead for Robotic and Autonomous Systems and ADF Force Development Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping the Way Ahead for Robotic and Autonomous Systems and ADF Force Development, 1 June 2021 Link to article Shaping... Jun 1, 2021 The Integrated Distributed Maritime Force: The Impact of Maritime Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, The Integrated Distributed Maritime Force: The Impact of Maritime Autonomous Systems, 29 May 2021 Link to article The... May 29, 2021 The Quest for Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Impact on Reshaping Australian Defence Forces Dr Robbin Laird The Quest for Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Impact on Reshaping Australian Defence Forces, Defense.info 25 May 2021... May 26, 2021 FCAS Next Steps: May 2021 UPDATE, Second Line of Defense - By Pierre Tran By Pierre Tran FCAS Next Steps: May 2021 - UPDATE Second Line of Defense 19 May 2021 Paris – France, Germany and Spain have agreed to the... May 19, 2021 Conference: Next Generation Autonomous Systems - Program and Presentations Next Generation Autonomous Systems National Gallery of Australia 8 April 2021 Final Report Dr Robbin Laird Synopsis and Program Handbook... Apr 12, 2021 The Strategic Shift and the Role of Airpower: A Discussion with Ben Lambeth - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird The Strategic Shift and the Role of Airpower: A Discussion with Ben Lambeth Second Line of Defense, 10 April 2021 I have... Apr 10, 2021 Book - Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy Dr Robbin Laird, Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy. 24 December 2020 Link to book details Joint by Design:... Feb 1, 2021 Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy - book by Dr Robbin Laird Second Line of Defense have published our latest book which is entitled, Joint By Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy.... Dec 22, 2020 Vale Air Marshal David Evans AC, DSO, AFC (Ret'd) Vale Air Marshal David Evans AC, DSO, AFC (Ret'd) Sep 15, 2020 SRWF Interview with CAF: Air Force Strategic Intent Williams Foundation Chair Geoff Brown Interviews CAF on Air Force Strategic Intent. Jul 20, 2020 Call for Submissions: Robotics and Autonomous Systems 2040 Call for Submissions: Robotics and Autonomous Systems 2040 – The Central Blue, The Forge, and Grounded Curiosity Jun 28, 2020 Williams Foundation Website Upgrade New website launched Jun 20, 2020 Conference: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre - Final Report Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre October 2019 Oct 31, 2019 Williams Foundation Research Fellow Announced On 21 March the Williams Foundation was proud to welcome Dr Robbin Laird as a Williams Foundation Fellow. The Board thanks Dr Laird for... Mar 28, 2018 Air Marshal Geoff Brown (Ret'd) elected as the new Chair of the Williams Foundation In accordance with the Constitution, Air Marshal Errol McCormack (Ret'd) was required to step down as the Chair of the Foundation at the... Oct 25, 2016 Williams Foundation submission to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee On 2 December 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry... Mar 23, 2016 Media Release: Launch of Air Power Scholars for Next Generation of Leaders The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC today launched the Air Power Scholar program as part of a cooperative endeavour... Mar 15, 2016

Operations & Central Blue Team Supporting the Foundation are a highly dedicated and professional team of business managers, editors and social media managers. Catherine Scott Business and Events Manager Catherine's professional background began in Information Management/Librarianship. During her career, Catherine has worked in a range of professional positions including General Manager for the Institute For Regional Security, Senior Reference Librarian at the State Library of NSW, policy research in the Australian Government, and project management roles in website and events management. Current voluntary positions include President of Gift of Life Inc. She is also on DonateLife's Community Engagement Group and Eye and Tissue Advisory Committee. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Graduate Diploma in Information Management, Librarianship and a Master of Business Administration Luke Webb Digital Adviser Luke is an aerospace engineer, obtaining his degree with First Class Honours in 2006 at RMIT University, and is now engaged in a range of consulting, education & not-for-profit endeavors. Luke has worked for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in airworthiness engineering and safety promotion roles and is also working part-time towards a PhD looking at complex service program management in the aircraft sustainment and support space, including a major case study on the Hawk Lead-In-Fighter. He has maintained a ‘dual-track’ technical/strategic affairs interest through his involvement in the Institute for Regional Security’s Future Strategic Leaders Program, including as one of the founders of the Institute's innovative ideas forum, Next , running the first event back in 2013. He was also one of the editors of The Central Blue . Luke is a Councillor of the Royal Aeronautical Society Australia Division and Chair of the Society’s Melbourne Branch. He also has a number of education engagements, including as a casual academic at RMIT in the fields of project management, aviation quality systems and airworthiness.

Research Fellows The Williams Foundation brings together experts academia and military from all over the world who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis on a full range of public policy issues. We thank them for their support of the Foundation and their contribution to our goals. Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn AO (Retd) John retired from the Royal Australian Air Force in 2008 as the Deputy Chief of the Air Force following a career as an F/A-18 fighter pilot, test pilot and strategic planner. His senior posts included Commander of the Integrated Area Defence System located in Malaysia, commanding a multinational headquarters established to effect the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and Head of Strategic Policy in the Defence Headquarters. In his RAAF Reserve role, he supported the Chief of Air Force in the design of Plan Jericho in 2014, and served as the team mentor until December 2015, before supporting the VCDF Staffs on Plan Aurora. John is now a consultant in the fields of Defence and National Security and the Chair of the Institute for integrated Economic Research - Australia. His pro-bono roles have included being the Chairman of the Kokoda Foundation Board (now the Institute For Regional Security (IFRS)), and the Deputy Chairman of the Williams Foundation Board. He is currently a Fellow of the Williams Foundation, the IFRS and the Australian Institute of Energy. He has written and spoken on Energy Security, Economic Security, Integrated Air and Missile Defence, the 5th Gen Air Force, Cyber Security, Space Policy, Defence Logistics, Defence White Papers and Fuel Security. He holds a Masters of Arts and a Master of Defence Studies. Dr Robbin Laird A long-time analyst of global defense issues, Dr Laird has worked in the U.S. government and several think tanks, including the Center for Naval Analysis and the Institute for Defense Analysis. He is a Columbia University alumni, where he taught and worked for several years at the Research Institute of International Change, a think tank founded by Dr. Brzezinski. He is a frequent op-ed contributor to the defense press, and has written several books on international security issues. Dr Laird has taught at Columbia University, Queens College, Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University. He has received various academic research grants as well from various foundations, including the Thyssen Foundation, the United States Institute for Peace, etc. Dr Laird has worked for many elements of the U.S. government and with think tanks such as The Center for Defense Analysis and the Institute for Defense Analysis. He is a member of the Board of Contributors of Breaking Defense and publishes there on a regular basis. He is a regular contributor to Front Line Defence as well. He is a frequent visitor to Australia where he works with The Williams Foundation in supporting their seminars on the transformation of the Australian Defence Force. He is also based in Paris, France where he regularly travels throughout Europe and conducts interviews and talks with leading policy makers in the region. Dr Alan Stephens OAM Alan Stephens is a visiting fellow at UNSW Canberra and a fellow of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation. Previously he has been a senior lecturer at UNSW Canberra, an advisor in Federal Parliament on foreign affairs and defence, the official RAAF historian, and an RAAF pilot. Dr Stephens has lectured and published extensively, and his work has been translated into more than twenty languages. He was awarded the OAM in 2008 for his contribution to Australian air power history and strategy. John Conway John is the owner and Managing Director of Felix, an independent company providing specialist capability development and operational analysis services to Defence since 2017. He is the Publisher of the Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR), an independent platform established to enable communication across Defence, industry, academia, and Government. He was previously a business development and strategy executive with Raytheon Australia specialising in air combat integration, electronic warfare, advanced weapons systems, test and training ranges, and integrated air and missile defence. John retired from the Royal Air Force as a Group Captain in 2010 having served 24 years in a number flying, staff and senior command roles. His operational experience on F4 Phantom and Tornado F3 aircraft included Cold War Europe, the South Atlantic, the Balkans, and the Middle East. He commanded the United Kingdom’s largest Permanent Joint Operating Base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus between 2005 and 2008 enabling the airbridge into Iraq and Afghanistan, and supporting strategic ISR operations in the eastern Mediterranean. He attended the United States Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and the Australian Advanced Command and Staff Course.

Knowledge Network Our work is independent, but we don't work alone. We engage with a number of global thinktanks, specialised media and service organisations to promote our research and to contribute to the intellectual life of those in our knowledge network. We invite you to examine and follow their work. Air and Space Power Centre The Air and Space Power Centre provides practical and effective analysis and advice on the strategic development of air and space power to the Chief of Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force and its partners. The Williams Foundation has an extensive relationship with the Centre and we collaborate across several fronts, including the Air Power Scholars Scheme . International media partner Second Line of Defense & Defense.info is made up of globally based analysts and strategists who work closely together in thinking through the nature of the evolving strategic environment and provides regular interviews with key participants in evolving military capabilities based on global reporting. Second Line of Defense & Defense.info have a special partnership with the Williams Foundation, and has generated a regular set of special reports highlighting the various seminars over the past few years held in Canberra and which have highlighted the military transformation process. An archive of special reports by Dr Robbin Laird, Williams Foundation Fellow, can be viewed on their website here . Forums & Blogs Grounded Curiosity The Cove Defence Entrepreneurs Forum – Australia (DEF-Aus ), as well as the original US DEF and DEF-UK . Air Power Development Centre Logistics in War Over the Horizon – Multi-Domain Operations & Strategies (OTH-MDOS ) The Dead Prussian The Angry Staff Officer The Army Leader War on the Rocks Junior Tactician The Strategy Bridge Balloons to Drones Military Writers Guild Defence in Depth Wavell Room Small Wars Journal Companion organisations and publications Air Power Development Centre Australian Army Australia Defence Association Australian Strategic Policy Institute Defence Force Welfare Association Department of Defence Institute For Regional Security Royal Australian Air Force RAAF Association National Council Royal Australian Navy RSL National US Air Force Magazine

Grants Scheme Coming soon

Contact us PO Box 5214 Kingston ACT 2604 info@williamsfoundation.org.au

EVENTS EVENTS Our events are a fusion of influential ideas and powerful networking opportunities Our events attract an influential cross-section of Defence leaders, researchers and industry practitioners to share international and local experiences around future force thinking. Whether it be our day-long conferences, or our popular luncheon series, they're proven to be forums that offer focused, sharp insights that generate crucial ideas for the future. Upcoming Events CLICK HERE for more info + registration Event Proceedings Anchor 1 Download presentation packs, speeches and other materials from our previous events. Australia’s Air Power: Ready for Tonight, Preparing for Tomorrow Navigating the New Normal: A Paradigm Shift in Australian Defence Policy Unlocking Military Potential: The Immediate Opportunities in Uncrewed Systems MORE PROCEEDINGS

Air Power Scholars The Air Power Scholars program is a cooperative endeavour between the Sir Richard Williams Foundation and the Air and Space Power Centre . It aims to develop a small group of Air Force Officers with the intellectual skills, theoretical knowledge and practical experience to engage credibly in the global air and space power dialogue. PhD candidates are supported by the Air and Space Power Centre and the Williams Foundation. The Williams foundation supports scholars financially with up to $20,000 per PhD candidate over the course of their research. In December 2019, GPCAPT Jarrod Pendlebury was the first to complete his PhD with the support of the program. The PhD is titled The Dawn Horizon: Constructing an Air Force Identity During Initial Officer Training in Australia, The United States and The United Kingdom . Williams Board members extend their congratulations to GPCAPT Pendlebury. Sir Richard Williams Foundation Scholars Completed PhDs GPCAPT Jarrod Pendlebury The Dawn Horizon: Constructing an Air Force Identity During Initial Officer Training in Australia, The United States and The United Kingdom . Completion December 2019, University of Sydney Abstract: Many of the arguments supporting diversity in the military focus on the instrumental benefits available to an organisation that embraces difference. Viewed through this lens, there is a risk of diversity becoming another ‘to do,’ and prioritised according to available resources. Arguing for diversity primarily from the perspective of a capability-based argument also fails to challenge the tension between a military’s combat effectiveness, and its adherence to the values and laws of the state it protects. This thesis seeks to reframe the diversity debate by arguing that a diverse military reflective of the demography of society is a fundamental requirement in a Western liberal democracy. AIRCDRE Steve Edgeley Creating A Potent Joint Force: The Practical Evolution of Inter-Service Cooperation Completion December 2021, University of Sydney Abstract: That recent changes in the operational environment have required the RAAF to focus on the application of joint effects, this change in operational focus has led to cultural and organisational changes that make it an imperative to embrace jointness. Current Scholars Squadron Leader Andrew Lloyd A Contemporary Study of Aerial Delivery in the Australian Context Expected completion date: 2025 Abstract: A first principles approach to investigate the ADF use of Aerial Delivery Equipment (ADE) has not previously been conducted. Aerial Delivery is a potent capability that is underutilised due to logistical complexities and a lack of defined mission assuredness. In particular, the use of Aerial Delivery methods involving parachutes can be cumbersome and may be unnecessarily complex after considering technical and safety risks. High cost precision airdrop capabilities have had extensive research and their emergence has yielded an expansive literature basis. Conventional airdrop using parachutes is also a well-established research area. There is, however, an opportunity to explore alternate means of Aerial Delivery to achieve the same or similar end states. To date, adopted methods to dissipate energy are limited to the use of cardboard Energy Dissipating Material (EDM). This product is optimised for a particular rate of descent and limited research exists to inform alternative methods of energy dissipation or non-parachute systems to retard the rate of descent. Planned to undertake Williams Foundations Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2023. Squadron Leader Sally-Ann Knox A new psychology of military leadership Expected completion date: December 2023, University of Queensland Abstract: Elucidating the processes by which catastrophic consequences of military operational errors are reduced and avoided, primarily by exploring the group’s ability to internalise highly reliable behaviour as part of a shared social identity that is cultivated and embedded by purposeful, military-specific identity leadership. Completed Williams Foundation Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2021 Squadron Leader Kate Yaxley Behaviour shaping and influence of cognitive swarming systems Expected completion date: 2022/23 depending university assessment timelines Abstract: An example of a naturally occurring swarm is a flock of sheep. Together, sheep work together to achieve the goal of survival, relying on high visual and aural acuity to avoid potential risks. By introducing an external agent perceived as a threat, such as a sheepdog or drone, the presence of the external agent induces behaviour changes and influences towards a known goal to the external agent, yet unknown to the flock of sheep. The influence applied by the external agent is a result of triggering a predation risk response, whereby the flock responds to the presence of the dog with behaviours that ensure survival. The purpose of this research is to more accurately reflect the behaviour shaping and influence of cognitive swarms in a simulation environment. Such agent-based models have the potential to support machine education curriculums for autonomous system development. Completed Williams Foundation Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2021 AIRCDRE Jason Begley Soft Options for a Hard Issue University of New South Wales Abstract: Assess the degree to which Air Force effectively projects soft power and whether there are viable opportunities for it to improve. MORE EXPERT ANALYSIS GPCAPT Trav Hallen The Swedish Profile: The Evolution of the Swedish Air Force in Response to Swedish Cold War Strategic Policy Expected completion date: December 2030, Deakin University/Swedish Defence University Abstract: The Swedish Air Force was the cornerstone of Sweden’s security during the Cold War. The ability to defend Swedish airspace and deny the ability of both NATO and the Warsaw Pact to operate in it was assessed as critical to the credibility of Sweden’s strategy of non-alignment. Between 1945 and 1992, the Swedish Air Force adapted to shifts in Swedish strategic policy. This included the closer integration with Sweden’s aviation industry, the fielding of innovative aircraft designs optimised for Swedish conditions, and the development of new tactics and procedures. By the end of the Cold War, Sweden had one of the most advanced and tactically innovative air forces in Europe. This research explores how this evolution unfolded and identifies the factors that enabled a small, neutral country become a world leading air power nation. Program background Photo: Department of Defence The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC launched the five year pilot Air Power Scholar program as part of the 2016 Air Power Conference in Canberra. The Williams Foundation awards a scholarship of up to $20,000 each year of the program to the candidate undertaking the full-time study. This payment assists scholars with expenses associated with their academic program and will contribute to consultancy fees for a program mentor. This five year pilot program will support the five selected Air Force officers to undertake PhD studies. The agreement with the Air Force enables the Foundation to formally support scholars in their further education and strengthen the level of debate on military aviation issues.

Expert Analysis In-depth thinking by our highly experienced network of military scholars and practitioners. Australia’s Air Power: Ready for Tonight, Preparing for Tomorrow Australia's Royal Australian Air Force is shifting from expeditionary operations to homeland defense readiness amid heightened regional tensions, with Air Commodore Peter Robinson emphasizing a "fight tonight" philosophy that prioritizes immediate operational capability with current assets rather than waiting for future systems. The RAAF has modernized significantly with F-35s, Super Hornets, and Growler electronic warfare aircraft, but faces challenges in sustained operati Oct 6 7 min read Navigating the New Normal: A Paradigm Shift in Australian Defence Policy Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Paper #12 By Dr Robbin Laird The contemporary Indo-Pacific security... 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Jun 12 4 min read Training for Modern Airpower Operations: How to Address the Challenges - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Training for Modern Airpower Operations: How to Address the Challenges, 9 June 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) On... Jun 9 5 min read Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Defence Force in the Context of Global Strategic Transition - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Defence Force in the Context of Global Strategic Transition, 3 June 2025 Link to... Jun 3 5 min read Australian Army’s Strategic Pivot: Adapting for the Indo-Pacific Century - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Training for Modern Airpower Operations: How to Address the Challenges, 3 June 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) I had... Jun 3 4 min read An Update on the Royal Australian Air Force: A Conversation with Air Marshal Chappell - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, An Update on the Royal Australian Air Force: A Conversation with Air Marshal Chappell, 2 June 2025 Link to article... Jun 2 5 min read The Need to Speed Delivery for the Ready Force and Enabling a More Cost-Effective Future Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Need to Speed Delivery for the Ready Force and Enabling a More Cost-Effective Future Force, 1 June 2025 Link to... Jun 1 4 min read Air Power and the Challenge of Shaping an Effective Ready Force Which Can Deliver Deterrence by Denial - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Air Power and the Challenge of Shaping an Effective Ready Force Which Can Deliver Deterrence by Denial , 29 May 2025... 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May 26 7 min read A Blueprint for Action for the USAF: How to Enhance Combat Readiness to Meet the Strategic Challenges Facing the U.S. and Its Allies - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, A Blueprint for Action for the USAF: How to Enhance Combat Readiness to Meet the Strategic Challenges Facing the U.S.... May 26 5 min read Putting the Nature of the Military Capability Threat from the Multi-Polar Authoritarian World in Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Putting the Nature of the Military Capability Threat from the Multi-Polar Authoritarian World in Perspective, 25 May... May 25 9 min read Dr. Marcus Hellyer on Breaking the Autonomous Systems Defence Employment Barrier - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Dr. Marcus Hellyer on Breaking the Autonomous Systems Defence Employment Barrier, 24 May 2025 Link to article... May 24 5 min read Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension, 23 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) Yesterday,... May 23 3 min read Air Power in an Age of Strategic Uncertainty: The Perspective of General Moseley - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Air Power in an Age of Strategic Uncertainty: The Perspective of General Moseley, 23 May 2025 Link to article... May 23 7 min read Enhancing the Ready Force: A Key Imperative for Australia in the Evolving Strategic Environment - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enhancing the Ready Force: A Key Imperative for Australia in the Evolving Strategic Environment, 23 May 2025 Link to... May 23 3 min read Defence Industry in Australia: Building Strategic Depth and Resilience in Support of the Ready Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Defence Industry in Australia: Building Strategic Depth and Resilience in Support of the Ready Force, 7 October 2024... Oct 7, 2024 7 min read Enabling and Defending the National Information Society: The Space Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enabling and Defending the National Information Society: The Space Dimension, 7 October 2024 Link to article... Oct 7, 2024 5 min read Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz, 7 October 2024... Oct 7, 2024 4 min read The Challenge of Shaping the Way Ahead for the Ready Force and Preparing for Future Threats - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge of Shaping the Way Ahead for the Ready Force and Preparing for Future Threats, 5 October 2024 Link to... Oct 5, 2024 4 min read How Does the Ready Force Deal with a Rapidly Changing Operational Environment? - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How Does the Ready Force Deal with a Rapidly Changing Operational Environment? 4 October 2024 Link to article... Oct 4, 2024 5 min read The Chief of the Australian Army Explains How They are Dealing with the Simultaneous Challenges of the Three R’s - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Chief of the Australian Army Explains How They are Dealing with the Simultaneous Challenges of the Three R’s, 3... Oct 3, 2024 6 min read Building Combat Mass: An Air Force Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Building Combat Mass: An Air Force Perspective, 2 October 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The panel on combat mass... Oct 2, 2024 11 min read The Force in Being to Protect the Nation: It's More than the ADF’s Role - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Force in Being to Protect the Nation: Its More than the ADF’s Role, 1 October 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... Oct 1, 2024 12 min read Building Combat Mass: A Navy Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Building Combat Mass: A Navy Perspective, 30 September 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) When you are a medium-sized... Sep 30, 2024 7 min read The Challenge for Defence Readiness: The Impact of Politics - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge for Defence Readiness: The Impact of Politics, 29 September 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) If one is... Sep 29, 2024 5 min read The Perspective of Australia’s AUKUS Partners on Shaping the Way Ahead for Airpower - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Perspective of Australia’s AUKUS Partners on Shaping the Way Ahead for Airpower , 28 September 2024 Link to article... Sep 28, 2024 7 min read The September 26, 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar: An Initial Take - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The September 26, 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar: An Initial Take, 27 September 2024 Link to article... Sep 27, 2024 6 min read Conference Proceedings: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective - will be released in October... 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Board The Sir Richard Williams Foundation conducts its operations independently and has no political or industry ties. The Foundation's activities are governed by its Board. The current Board is comprised of 11 former military leaders and security strategists. Members' business affiliations are listed in their biographies. Members are required to absent themselves from any discussion which might create a conflict of interest. The Board welcomes participation from the broad cross-section of the Australian community. Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Mark Binskin AC Chair Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Retd) is a highly respected senior executive and leader in the national security, defence and aerospace sectors. He was Chief of the Defence Force of Australia from 2014-2018, Vice Chief of the Defence Force (2011-2014) and Chief of Air Force (2008-2011). In 2020, he was Chair of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. He is currently Chair of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Chair of the Pacific Security College Advisory Board, Chair of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, on the Board of Invictus Australia, a member of the Governing Committee of the Temora Aviation Museum and provides strategic advice as a Non-Executive Director with BAE Systems Australia & Nihon Cyber Defence. As Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) successfully led the Australian Defence Force, comprising 80,000 permanent and reserve personnel, to significantly improve capabilities and responses to major global events and championed organisational change across areas of national security, culture, diversity and leadership performance. Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) has provided national security advice to the highest levels of governments, industry leaders and international stakeholders and his aerospace knowledge and expertise is extensive. He has over 3,500 hours in single seat fighter aircraft including the A-4G Skyhawk, Mirage 111O, F-16C and F/A-18 Hornet, and continues to be active in general aviation. Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) has completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO Deputy Chair Geoff Brown AO retired from the Royal Australian Air Force in July 2015 as Air Marshal in the position of Chief of Air Force. In a 35-year career, he commanded at all levels in the Air Force and flew Chinook helicopters, F-111s and F/A-18 as well as being a flying instructor and a member of the Roulette Aerobatic team. His operational service included Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was the operational commander for all RAAF assets. Among his qualifications, he holds a BEng (Mech), a Master of Arts (Strategic Studies), Fellow of the Institute of Engineering Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Since leaving the Air Force he has been appointed as a Director of Lockheed Martin (Australia), a Director of Electro Optic Systems, Chairman of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, Chairman of the Advisory Board of CAE Asia Pacific and Middle East, Director on the Governing Council for the Temora Air Museum and a Director of GCB Stratos Consulting. He also mentors in Leadership and Strategic Studies at the Australian Defence College. His honours and awards include his appointment as an Officer in the Order of Australia, the United States Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal from Singapore. Ken Moore Treasurer and Secretary Ken had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service with the Department of Defence. His last appointment was as the Defence Chief Finance Officer (Deputy Secretary level). Prior to the CFO position, Ken held a number of other senior management appointments in Defence including Head of National Operations Division that was responsible for the management and delivery of a large range of services to all Defence bases across Australia. After leaving the APS, Ken worked for a number of years with the ACT Government as the Chief Executive Officer of Rhodium Asset Solutions (the Government’s vehicle leasing company) and Executive Director Shared Services ICT. Ken holds two appointments: Independent Chair, Audit Committee, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Board Member and Treasurer Sir Richard Williams Foundation Ken has tertiary qualifications in economics and accounting. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ken is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the INSEAD Business School in France and the Senior Defence Resource Management Program at the US Navy Postgraduate School in California. Vice Admiral (Rtd) Tim Barrett AO, CSC Director Vice Admiral Barrett joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1976 as a Seaman Officer and later specialised in aviation. He assumed command of the Royal Australian Navy on 1 July 2014 and remained in this position until 6 July 2018. A dual-qualified officer, Vice Admiral Barrett served in Her Majesty's Australian (HMA) Ships Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane and HMS Orkney as a Seaman Officer and then as Flight Commander in HMA Ships Stalwart, Adelaide and Canberra. His staff appointments include Deputy Director Air Warfare Development, Director Naval Officer's Postings and Director General of Defence Force Recruiting. Vice Admiral Barrett has served as Commanding Officer 817 Squadron, Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross, Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, Commander Border Protection Command and as Commander Australian Fleet. Vice Admiral Barrett was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2006 for outstanding performance as Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross and as Chief of Staff Navy Aviation Force Element Group Headquarters. Vice Admiral Barrett was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 and subsequently promoted to Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his leadership of Border Protection Command and the Australian Fleet. Vice Admiral Barrett 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. He recently published ‘The Navy and the Nation: Australia's Maritime Power in the 21st Century’ in which he outlines 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. Vice Admiral Barrett and his wife, Jenny, have two daughters. John Conway Director John retired from the Royal Air Force as a Group Captain in 2010 having served 24 years in a number flying, staff and senior command roles. His experience on the F4 Phantom and Tornado F3 aircraft included Cold War Europe, the South Atlantic, the Balkans, and the Middle East theatres of operation. He commanded the United Kingdom’s largest Permanent Joint Operating Base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus between 2005 and 2008 enabling the airbridge into Iraq and Afghanistan, and supporting strategic ISR operations in the eastern Mediterranean. John is the owner and Managing Director of Felix, an independent company providing specialist air domain and intelligence capability development, and creative services to Defence and industry. He was previously a business development executive with Raytheon Australia specialising in air combat integration, electronic warfare, advanced weapons systems, test and training ranges, and integrated air and missile defence. Emily Frizell Director Emily is a veteran with 25 years’ experience in Defence and Defence Industry. Beginning her career in the RAAF as an electrical engineer, Emily now owns a successful engineering and management specialist consulting company, AeroPM. Under Emily’s leadership, AeroPM has experienced sustained and rapid growth over the last five years and is the recipient of many industry awards, including being a National finalist in the Telstra Awards and listed as a Smart50 SME and AFR Fast 100 company. Emily has been personally recognised as Female Defence Leader of the Year, finalist in the Women in Defence Awards and finalist as the Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year. Emily proudly supports veteran employment and entrepreneurship and is a Soldier on Ambassador. She is an active member of the Princes Trust Australia Enterprise for Veterans Advisory Council, and UNSW School of Engineering and IT Academic Advisory Board. She is also a Board Director of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation. Amy List Director Amy List was appointed managing director of Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) in February 2024. In this role, List leads the BDA businesses, capabilities and functions at the organisation’s 13 Australian sites. Her duties include establishing and executing new and existing programs, achieving business objectives, and implementing corporate strategies that position Boeing’s Australian defence activities for continued success. Prior to her appointment, List was director of Operations where she provided strategic advice to the executive and managed day-to-day operations and administration of the business. From March 2020 to October 2023, she was the director Sustainment Operations where she was responsible for managing the company’s through-life sustainment support and training solutions for military platforms in order to maximise operational readiness while reducing cost of ownership. This included delivering sustainment contracts for Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, CH-47F Chinooks and F/A-18 A/B Classic Hornets; the C-17 Globemaster III logistics support and maintenance; and the Helicopter Aircrew Training System, as well as for the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s CH-47Fs. List joined BDA in December 2018, performing a number of leadership positions including director of the Structures and Build capability and director of Wedgetail Programs, where she led all sustainment and training programs for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) fleet of six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. Prior to Boeing, List spent over nine years at Raytheon in operational and business development roles, including as head of Business Operations for Raytheon Australia, where she was responsible for the successful delivery of all programs across the company’s portfolio, as well as business intelligence and reporting. List started her professional career as an Aeronautical Engineering Officer in the RAAF. During her tenure, she served in a number of operational roles, before running both acquisition and sustainment programs for the Defence Materiel Organisation. Post-separation from the Australian Defence Force, List ran a consulting business, offering project and risk management services to clients across the defence and mining industries. List is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) and a Masters Degree in Project Management. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Gerard Foley Director Ged Foley has 40 years’ experience across the commercial, federal government, and private sectors in Australia and internationally, with a focus on influencing the governments and Defence Departments of Australia and allied nations. He specialises in influencing strategic intent through the implementation of thought leadership initiatives that produce lasting and distinctive national security improvements. He served over 15 years on the executive leadership team of the Australian subsidiary of the world’s largest Defence and Aerospace company, where he was responsible for shaping the company’s business strategy, driving enterprise-wide growth, and overseeing corporate development. Prior to joining RTX, Ged worked in the information technology sector as a project manager and account executive for a mainframe software and services company. He also spent 15 years as an Australian Army officer specialising in rotary wing aviation, leadership instruction, and major capital equipment acquisition. Ged is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon and the Australian Defence Force Academy. He holds an honours degree in electrical engineering from the University of New South Wales and a master’s degree in Defence Technology from Cranfield University, U.K. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer, and is listed on several international and domestic engineering registers. Major General (Retd) Fergus "Gus" McLachlan AO Director Gus McLachlan completed his 37-year career with the Australian Army in December 2018, retiring as a Major General. Gus McLachlan has been responsible for generating Australian Defence capability in cyber space, electronic warfare and command and control systems. He completed two years as Head of Army Modernisation, during which time he worked closely with industry to commence a major recapitalisation of Army equipment and to network the systems of the Army. Gus McLachlan’s military career concluded after he led Land Forces Command where he was responsible for 35,000 women and men of the Army. He continued his leadership career in the commercial sector with Boral, Australia’s largest construction materials company, where he led Business Performance and Improvement during a major transformation activity. Gus McLachlan is currently a Senior Adviser at Bondi Partners, a unique advisory firm offering strategic counsel to businesses in Australia and the United States. He is a Director and Strategic Adviser to Australian and US defence, cyber and space technology companies. He is an Adjunct Professor at Monash University where he advises on national security research, and he chairs the Advisory Board for Cyber and Data Security at Charles Sturt University. Gus is also Director of the not-for-profit Williams Foundation, an air and space “Think Tank”. Gus was made an Officer in the Order or Australia (AO) for his contribution to Army Modernisation and awarded the United States Legion of Merit by Secretary James Mattis for his service in the international coalition force in Afghanistan. Gus lives in Sydney with his wife Maree and they have two adult sons. Nicole Quinn Director Nicole is Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs, Japan and Asia Pacific for Palo Alto Networks – the world’s largest dedicated cyber security company. Prior to joining Palo Alto Networks Nicole’s roles included strategic advisor to companies including the Defence sector, advisor to a NSW Senator, General Manager and Board Member of the Institute For Regional Security, National Convenor for Defence Families of Australia and General Manager at the State Chamber of Commerce (NSW). In addition to being a board member of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, Nicole is an American Chamber of Commerce Governor (Vice-Chair ACT), and a member of the RMIT Industry Advisory Board for Cyber. Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Steve Roberton, DSC, AM Director Zed' Roberton is a Category A Fighter Pilot who joined the Royal Australian Air Force after completing a Bachelor of Science at Queensland University. He flew for 26 of his 33 year RAAF career including fighter tours in Australian combat units and an exchange flying F/A-18s with the United States Marine Corps. AVM Roberton saw operational service in IRAQI FREEDOM 2003 and subsequently enjoyed the privilege of five commands over his RAAF career; initially commanding Number 75 Squadron for three years in Australia’s Northern Territory. Roberton led the RAAF’s transition to F/A-18F Super Hornet before commanding Number 82 Wing at RAAF Amberley; for which he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012. Roberton commanded the inaugural Operation OKRA Air Task Group 630 countering ISIL in 2014, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He returned to Australia to command Air Combat Group in 2015 and went on to assume the Air Commander Australia role in 2017. AVM Roberton was Head Force Design in VCDF Executive in 2019, delivering the Force Structure Plan 2020 and the ADF Workforce Growth submission to Government. Zed completed several joint staff tours in project management and capability development roles. His further education includes a Masters in Management from Australian staff college in 2002 and the UK's Higher Command and Staff College in 2012. He completed the Australian Company Director’s Course in 2013 and the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 2022. Zed transitioned from full time service in September 2022 and spent two years as a Senior Advisor in McKinsey & Company based in Canberra. He now contracts from his own consultancy and does part-time reserve work for Defence. AVM Roberton is married to Libby, and together they enjoy staying active through yoga, triathlon training and surf sports with their three adult children: Isabella, Corey and Ben. Katherine Ziesing Director Katherine Ziesing is the Strategic Communications Manager at Hanwha Defence Australia. In this role, she is integral in supporting the business to mobilise and deliver capability across a range of capabilities. Prior to this role she was the Strategic Communications Manager at a Canberra based contracting SME, leading client engagement with over 400 member companies working into government. She was Managing Editor at Australian Defence Magazine Group, working in the company for 15 years. Katherine joined the ADM team in 2006 as a staff writer and was appointed editor in Canberra at the beginning of 2008. She took on the expanded role of Managing Editor of Yaffa Media’s ADM Group at the beginning of 2018. While she has a background in business journalism and economics, she has also completed a Masters of Strategy and Policy at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, graduating in 2010. She was a member of the Defence Industry Study Course (DISC) in 2017. She has served as a committee member of the Submarine Institute of Australia and as a board member for the National Institute of Security Resilience. She was a founding member of the Defence and National Security Media Association, a group of Australia’s leading Defence and National Security journalists. Chair DeputyChair Treasurer Secretary Directors