The activities of the Australian Industry Group Defence Council are guided by its National Executive which comprises the CEOs of Australia's leading defence companies, working with and supporting the ADF.

Working Groups

The Defence Council convenes various Working Groups and fora that bring Government, Defence and industry representatives together to inform policy development, exchange information with thought leaders and develop the shared interests of Defence and industry.

• The Exports Working Group covers Defence export issues, including export promotion as well as regulation and compliance.
• The Commercial, Contracting and Ethics Working Group covers Defence commercial, contracting and ethical issues.
• The Security Working Group covers Defence-related security, and to help build the security resilience of our industry.

 

Defence Council Management Team 

Mr Greg Barsby, Chief Executive Officer of Penten, and Mr Paul Chase, Chief Executive of Leidos Australia and Asia, are the Co-Chairs of the Defence Council.

Both leaders bring exceptional expertise and leadership to the Council.

 

Mr Greg Barsby
Chief Executive Officer of Penten

Mr Barsby is a seasoned industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, having led organisations from start-ups to global brands. He joined Penten as CEO in January 2024.

 

Mr Paul Chase
Chief Executive of Leidos Australia and Asia

Mr Chase has over 38 years of experience in engineering and program management, with leadership roles at Leidos, Lockheed Martin, RLM Systems, and the Royal Australian Air Force. Throughout his career, he has contributed to some of the most significant locally delivered technology programs.

 

Kate Louis 

Defence Council Executive Director
Head of Defence and National Security 

Kate joined the Australian Industry Group in 2017 following an extensive career in the Department of Defence having commenced in 1997 as a graduate in contracting.

Kate has extensive experience with Defence capability development having worked as Director, Chief of Staff, and Assistant Secretary within Capability Development Group, Capability Investment and Resource Division. This experience has equipped Kate with the knowledge and skills to manage the development of major capital equipment acquisition submissions for the Government.

In June 2010 Kate commenced her first SES role as the Assistant Secretary Investment Analysis. As the Assistant Secretary Investment Analysis, Kate was responsible for overseeing and directing the activities of the Investment Analysis staff in the contestability function and preparation of Ministerial and Cabinet submissions for the acquisition of new major capital equipment.

In April 2014 Kate was appointed as Assistant Secretary White Paper Enterprise Management to develop industry related Defence policy including Shipbuilding and the Defence Industry Policy Statement.

Having acted in the position of First Assistant Secretary Defence Industry Policy Division from 19 November 2015 Kate was formally appointed to the position on 01 March 2016. Kate was responsible for the effective implementation of the Government’s approach to Defence Industry policy.

As the Executive Director of the Ai Group Defence Council, Kate has the privilege of working with industry and Defence to provide trusted policy advice and help build the Defence and industry partnership. 

Kate has a Bachelor of Laws (1st Class Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University.