~ Leadership Experience ~ Opposition Shadow Ministry:• Communications• Veterans’ Affairs• Customs• Defence Industry, Procurement and PersonnelNotable Committee Work:• Intelligence & Security• Economics & Finance• Public Accounts and Audits• Defence• Foreign Affairs and Trade• Community AffairsHigh profile leader and senator, with 18 successful years in the Senate. Established creditability and expertise across diverse policy areas… Show more ~ Leadership Experience ~ Opposition Shadow Ministry:• Communications• Veterans’ Affairs• Customs• Defence Industry, Procurement and PersonnelNotable Committee Work:• Intelligence & Security• Economics & Finance• Public Accounts and Audits• Defence• Foreign Affairs and Trade• Community AffairsHigh profile leader and senator, with 18 successful years in the Senate. Established creditability and expertise across diverse policy areas and due to performance, secured promotions to more senior portfolios. Oversaw strategic analysis for all policy and budget decisions for assigned portfolios. Regularly reviewed, monitored, scrutinised and examined portfolio spending and program implementation of tens of billions of dollars. Successfully worked at the most senior levels of government with ministers, opposition shadow ministers, heads of government departments, agencies and tribunals. Engaged directly at CEO or board level with major companies and worked directly with community stakeholders.~ Achievements / Highlights ~ ** Economics: Chair of the Senate Inquiry into the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Exhaustively prepared for this Inquiry and strongly advocated for reforms into the financial planning sector. Secured unanimous approach to the investigation and successfully raised public awareness of financial planning, industry fraud and malfeasance, with Report leading to compensation for victims.** United Nations Appointment: Secured an unchallenged government appointment to United Nations, New York. Utilised expertise to successfully represent the government and engage directly in high-level negotiations. ** Committee Work: Influential and valued contributions to both Select and Standing Committee Work in the Senate and House. Chaired the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, Community Affairs Committee and Economics Committee. Show less

Acknowledged by all sides of politics as the expert in the area of Defence Industry, Procurement and Personnel.Gained a deep understanding of and provided key advice and input into Australia’s Strategic Defence Policy Approach, ADF Capability, Defence Preparedness, Australia’s International Defence Engagement, Delivering Defence Capability, Reforms (Procurement, Cultural and Accountability), Science and Technology, National Security and the relationship between Defence and… Show more Acknowledged by all sides of politics as the expert in the area of Defence Industry, Procurement and Personnel.Gained a deep understanding of and provided key advice and input into Australia’s Strategic Defence Policy Approach, ADF Capability, Defence Preparedness, Australia’s International Defence Engagement, Delivering Defence Capability, Reforms (Procurement, Cultural and Accountability), Science and Technology, National Security and the relationship between Defence and Industry.Played influential role in changing the whole Defence procurement culture, including the way Defence implemented major procurement programs. Results included:✓ Significant and major savings within Defence.✓ Improved accountability and governance in managing the billions of dollars invested in building defence capabilities.✓ Strengthening of Defence’s ability to provide Government advice on the cost, risk, schedule and acquisition strategies for major capital equipment.✓ A stronger business-like culture to deliver projects on-time, on budget and to Defence’s requirements. Show less

Oversaw portfolio involving customs and border protection, gaining in-depth understanding of intelligence-led, risk based approach to managing threats and risks to the border.

In opposition successfully raised the profile of Veterans’ Affairs. Played key role in influencing the Howard Government to reform benefits and improve pensions, successfully protecting the interests of returned service people and their dependents.

Headhunted to transform and reinvigorate the Association and reverse stagnant and poor performance.Oversaw 50 staff, including Industrial, Legal, Accounts/Financial and Administration and oversaw a budget of $7 million.Assumed full responsibility and accountability for all aspects of the Association, including the development and implementation of legal, industrial and commercial strategies to successfully advance the interests of the organisation. Oversaw major changes and… Show more Headhunted to transform and reinvigorate the Association and reverse stagnant and poor performance.Oversaw 50 staff, including Industrial, Legal, Accounts/Financial and Administration and oversaw a budget of $7 million.Assumed full responsibility and accountability for all aspects of the Association, including the development and implementation of legal, industrial and commercial strategies to successfully advance the interests of the organisation. Oversaw major changes and elevated the position of the association – results not attained by predecessors. ✓ Doubled membership from 12,000 to 25,000 members.✓ Architect of a model to increase membership and engagement, subsequently replicated across Australia by other organisations. Transformed an insular WA Branch into a highly effective body within the national Association.✓ Secured new standards in employment and retirement benefits in the retail, warehousing and fast food industries. Show less