On the evening of 22 October 2018, I had the pleasure of being invited on this YAIIA panel to discuss some of the pressing issues regarding the disruptive influence of the contemporary technological revolution on Australia’s defence and how this might affect South Australia’s position as the ‘Defence State’ – home to around 25 per cent of the nation’s defence industry base.

The panel consisted of Reg Carruthers, Director Aerospace, Defence SA and former Commander of the Aerospace Operational Support Group, RAAF Edinburgh; Nathan Morelli, Director Australian Cyber Security Centre and WGCDR Marija Jovanovich, RAAF Edinburgh. Our moderator was Prof. Melissa De Zwart, Dean of Law, Adelaide Law School, University of Adelaide.

As with all good panel discussions, there were areas of agreement, but also some diverse views expressed. It was a thoroughly engaging and entertaining session and my thanks to Matthew Holding and the YAIIA Branch of South Australia for giving SIA a seat at the table.

Dr. John Bruni CEO
SAGE International Australia