The Albanese 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.

In order to realise this, 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.

The public version of the Defence Strategic Review, National Defence Statement and Government’s response can be accessed at https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/defence-strategic-review.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“The appointment of the Expert Advisory Panel reflects the Government’s commitment to the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review.

“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.”

27 MAY 2023

Authorised by The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Australia.