Following a decade of leadership guiding the development of South Australian defence industry capability, Defence SA Advisory Board Chair Sir Angus Houston, has stepped down from his position.

An energising and passionate advocate for developing sovereign industrial capability, Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK AFC (Ret’d) has played a pivotal role in driving South Australia’s defence industry strategy.

Joining the Defence SA Advisory Board in 2012 before taking on the role of Chair in 2014, Sir Angus has been a staunch advocate for maximising Australian industry participation, strongly supporting local industry to capture vital supply chain opportunities and ensuring the development of the highly-skilled workforce required to secure future Defence programs in South Australia.

During his tenure, Sir Angus has been instrumental in securing major Defence projects for the state across land, air, sea, space and cyber domains. This includes helping to build an enduring shipbuilding capability in South Australia, encompassing construction of the Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers, Hunter class Frigates, Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels, Collins class sustainment program and the nation’s future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

Sir Angus has also played a key role in creating opportunities in the aerospace domain, supporting South Australian industry involvement in the Triton uncrewed aircraft system and P-8A Poseidon projects.

Sir Angus announced his resignation following his recent appointment as co-lead for the Australian Government’s Defence Strategic Review, which will examine Defence force structure and investment programs, to ensure Defence has the right capabilities to meet Australia’s global and regional security challenges.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas congratulated Sir Angus on his appointment.

“I’d like to wish Sir Angus all the best as he takes on the incredibly important role of leading the Defence Strategic Review.

At a time of such critical importance to our nation, there is nobody better qualified to review and reposition the ADF to meet the nation’s future security challenges.

On behalf of all South Australians, I thank Sir Angus for his leadership and work which has helped to make our state a leader in defence and defence manufacturing.”

South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries Susan Close echoed this sentiment and thanked Sir Angus for his contribution to the Defence SA Advisory Board.

“I thank Sir Angus Houston for his service to the Defence SA Advisory Board over the past decade.

Having overseen the significant growth of the state’s defence sector, he leaves us in a very strong position to continue to grow our manufacturing base and capability.”

Working closely with the Defence SA executive team, Sir Angus has travelled the globe leading trade missions to champion South Australia as the Defence State and highlight industry capability. He has made significant contributions to Federal Government initiatives, providing critical input on Defence White Papers and inquiries from a state perspective and has played an active role in the development of Defence infrastructure and facilities including Osborne Naval Shipyard, Line Zero Factory of the Future, Technology Park Adelaide, Lot Fourteen, Cultana Training Area, the Edinburgh Defence Precinct and Woomera Prohibited Area.

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price, commended Sir Angus on the lasting impact he has left on the agency and the sector.

“Over his time as Chair, Sir Angus has shown his drive and dedication in working to facilitate the best possible outcomes for the state and push our defence and space industries to the next level,” Mr Price said.

“His leadership and commitment to South Australia has been invaluable and he has left an indelible impression on the agency and the sector within the state. South Australian industry and workers will continue to reap the benefits of the decisions made under his guidance for generations to come.”

Reflecting on his time on the Board, Sir Angus said he was proud to have played a role in advancing the growth of the state’s defence sector.

“After 10 years, I am proud of the contribution I have been able to make in promoting the growth of Defence and defence industries in South Australia,” he said. “It has been at honour to work with my fellow board members, local industry and the South Australian Government in advancing South Australia’s defence interests and I wish them every success as they continue on this path.”

The Defence SA Advisory Board provides high-level strategic advice to promote the growth of the defence industry in South Australia and plays a key role in guiding the state’s defence strategy.

Long-serving Defence SA Advisory Board member, retired Vice Admiral Russell Crane AO CSM RAN, has been appointed as the Board’s Acting Chairman.

Learn more about the Defence SA Advisory Board

Read the media release