THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Thursday, 12 March 2009
035/2009
KEEPING DEFENCE SCIENCE CUTTING EDGE
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.
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
