Nine Defence jobs turn over as Albanese govt brings in industry leaders
At least nine senior Defence posts have changed since July. Roles including secretary are now filled by people from major contractors.
The Albanese government has replaced at least nine senior Defence posts since July last year. Three senior procurement roles are now filled by executives with close ties to defence contractors including Babcock, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.
New Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn arrived in May. The shift aims to fix a procurement system hit by delays and cost blowouts.
The new Defence Delivery Agency will launch fully next July, controlling $35 billion a year and reporting directly to Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy. Incoming Greens leader David Shoebridge warned of a revolving door letting industry into Defence.
Independent senator David Pocock called for stricter rules on movement between government and Defence contractors. A Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy spokesperson dismissed any conflict of interest concern, saying the appointments would modernise the Australian Defence Force.
- at least nine
- Senior posts changed since July
- three
- Procurement roles from contractors
- $35 billion
- Defence Delivery Agency annual budget
- Babcock, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon
- Defence contractors involved
Why it mattersFaster weapons acquisitions and clearer accountability could reduce delays and cost overruns. These problems have hit military projects for years.
AustraliaAustralia's defence capability and spending decisions now sit with leaders drawn from private defence companies, changing how weapons systems are bought and built.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
