Defence Strategic Review External Advisory Panel appointed

The Australian Government will establish an External Advisory Panel to oversee the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) recommendations.

Former Secretary of the Department of Defence, Mr Dennis Richardson AC, former Secretary of the Department of Finance, Ms Rosemary Huxtable PSM, and former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Richard Maude have been appointed to the Panel.

The Defence Strategic Review and the Government’s response will inform all aspects of Australia’s defence policy, planning and resourcing over the coming decades.

“The appointment of the Expert Advisory Panel reflects the Government’s commitment to the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review,” says Depty Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles..

“Realising the Review’s ambition requires major reform. It is appropriate that such significant reform is accompanied by an independent assessment of progress and challenges as we undertake this important task.”

The DSR recommended a three-tier system be adopted to oversee and lead the implementation of the Review’s recommendations. The External Advisory Panel will provide an independent assessment of Defence’s progress, in accordance with Government direction and the intent of the recommendations. It will report biannually to Government.

The Panel will be co-chaired by the DSR Independent Leads His Excellency the Hon Stephen Smith and Sir Angus Houston AK AFC.