Defence SA Advisory Board

General Peter Cosgrove’s distinguished army career culminated in his appointment as Chief of the Defence Force (2002-2005). He is a company director and consultant.

Jay Weatherill is South Australia's 45th Premier. Jay was born and educated in Adelaide's western suburbs, completing his secondary education at Henley High School. He is a lawyer with an economics degree, establishing his own law firm in 1995 and practicing until he was elected as the Member for Cheltenham in 2002.

Jack Snelling holds office as Treasurer, Minister for Workers Rehabilitation, Defence Industries and Veterans' Affairs. He was first appointed to the Labor Ministry on 25 March 2010. Jack's other portfolio responsibilities have included Minister for Science and Information Economy and Minister for Road Safety. 

Dr Ian Chessell is former Chief Defence Scientist and South Australia’s Chief Scientist.

After 37 years in RAAF operational, command and leadership roles, former Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Les Fisher consults to the aviation industry and government.

Mr Andrew Fletcher, Defence SA’s CEO, is a highly-regarded engineer with extensive public and private governance experience. He was formerly Chief Executive of Port Adelaide Maritime Corporation.

Chartered Accountant, former investment banker and company director, Ms Beth Laughton consults on corporate equity strategy and risk management.

Chief of Army for six years until mid-2008, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy’s varied 37-year career equipped him for command at a time of unprecedented global operations.

An eminent naval architect and former Head Maritime Systems in the Royal Australian Navy, Rear Admiral Trevor Ruting now serves in the Navy Reserve.

Dr John White has extensive experience in Defence with particular expertise in naval procurement.

Paul Johnson is a highly experienced and renowned Australian defence industry leader, recently retired as Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia Pty Ltd. 

Paul Dibb is Emeritus Professor of strategic studies at The Australian National University where he was head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre from 1991 to 2003.

During his tenure as Chief of Navy (2008-2011), Russell Crane drew on his lifetime of Navy experience to spearhead fundamental reform of Navy leadership, training and culture through the New Generation Navy (NGN) initiative.