AIIA VIC Industry Sync – Defence Technology and National Security

Overview

Speakers

Senator The Hon Jane Hume

Senator the Hon Jane Hume is a Liberal Senator for Victoria and Shadow Minister for Finance, the Public Service, and Shadow Special Minister of State.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce, she started her career in the financial services industry, working for the National Australia Bank. She then went on to work at Rothschild Australia, Deutsche Bank, and prior to her election, Australian Super. She also served as a board director at two iconic Melbourne institutions; Federation Square and the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Jane was elected as a Liberal Senator for Victoria in 2016 and upon her election, she was appointed Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Economics.

Following the 2019 election, Jane was appointed Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology. Then in 2020, she was promoted to the position of Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Digital Economy. In 2021, her responsibilities were expanded again, and she became the first Minister for Women’s Economic Security during the Morrison Government.

Jane is passionate about her achievements during her time as a Minister, where she improved Australia’s superannuation system to ensure it is transparent, efficient, and fit for purpose, and worked to ensure the best possible economic outcomes for women.

Michael Partridge

General Manager, Innovation and Strategic Programs

SYPAQ Systems Pty Ltd

Michael has a successful record in leading large multi-discipline teams within technically challenging environments. He has over 15 years of experience across program, project and engineering leadership positions. This has included leading programs such as the Nulka Active Missile Decoy, the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) production and next-gen development programs. Whilst at BAE Systems, Michael was responsible for developing crucial future technologies supporting Australian Defence Force capability requirements, which included a role as Head of Technology Development for the Australian business. This has given him a strong understanding of how to implement a technology-based strategy that underpins every investment.

Michael is experienced at fostering innovation and technology maturation, most notably having been responsible for effective collaborations between DST Group, Academia and Australian Industry.

Michael’s academic achievements have been recognised by the industry. He has earned Chartered Professional Engineer status. Michael has also received multiple awards, including Business Leader Awards during his career.

Toni Cumpston

Director Community Participation and Impact

Invictus Australia

Toni is an experienced sports executive who has worked in high performance sport in Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years.  She is passionate about the many benefits sport offers, particularly the connection, sense of community, and health and wellbeing aspects. Representing Australia, whether through sport or serving as a member of Defence is a great privilege and honour. Toni personally understands the challenges facing Defence members, with current and former serving personnel in her family, and is delighted to be working with the team at Invictus Australia to strengthen the wellbeing of veterans and their families through connection with sport.

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