Fresh perspectives and new ideas have been brought to the Defence Science and Technology Organisation with today's first meeting of the DSTO Advisory Board in Canberra. The DSTO Advisory Board was established by the Australian Government to assist the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) maintain and enhance Australia’s Defence Force capability into the future.
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, said he’s confident the Board will provide invaluable strategic thinking about defence research in accordance with the forthcoming Defence White Paper.
“The Board will strengthen the quality and diversity of defence science and technology counsel offered to Government. It will also provide the Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Bob Clark, and myself with strategic advice on the delivery of science and technology capability to Defence,” Mr Snowdon said.
“It will also advise on the balance between short-term research to address immediate needs and long-range research to anticipate future requirements, and reinforce the governance of DSTO’s operations, introducing a greater degree of transparency.”
The DSTO Advisory Board will be chaired by Dr Allan Hawke, former Chancellor of the Australian National University and a former Secretary of the Department of Defence.
Board members – from the science, commercial, military and academic sectors – are Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Penny Sackett; Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Queensland, Professor Paul Greenfield; Chief Executive of the Chifley Business School, Mr Neil Edwards; Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley; and Defence Deputy Secretary, Mr Michael Pezzullo. The Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Robert Clark, is an ex officio member of the Board.
“This highly qualified and experienced group of experts will also act as an advocate for DSTO, highlighting its value to Defence and forging deeper relationships with Australian Universities, defence industry and our allies,” Mr Snowdon said.
“I congratulate the Board on the success of its inaugural meeting.”
The Board has been appointed for an initial period of two years.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.
