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South Australian defence industry expert Matt Opie has been appointed to a new role as the chief executive of Defence SA.
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The Australian Defence Force officer replaces outgoing chief executive Richard Price, who resigned in December 2023, at South Australia’s defence industry government agency.
Opie has previously attended the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College Duntroon and held senior defence positions across government, industry and academia over the course of his 30-year career.
He served as an officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals both in Australia and the Middle East.
Since then, he has worked on defence projects in the Asia-Pacific region, US, and Europe, working with defence forces, governments and the private sector.
In 2017, Opie began his existing position as director of defence and space at the University of South Australia. Prior to this, he held senior positions at SAAB Australia and at BAE Systems Australia.
“The recruitment process identified Matt as a highly credentialled and experienced candidate for this important role,” according to Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries Susan Close.
“It is great that we were able to find someone with Matt’s experience right here in Adelaide.
“He joins Defence SA as we begin the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine fleet through the AUKUS program, as well as other programs involving advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, cyber and quantum computing.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the outgoing CE Richard Price for his hard work over recent years, as well as the acting CE Reg Carruthers for his efforts. “
Opie has a bachelor of science and a master of business administration and has built an extensive network across Australia and internationally.
His tenure comes as South Australia embarks on AUKUS project, as well as other high-tech, transformative industrial programs aimed at boosting the nation’s defence capability. Opie will commence his five-year tenure on Monday, 15 April 2024.
This includes shipbuilding projects such as the Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels and Hunter Class frigates, Collins Class full-cycle docking and life-of-type extensions and the Hobart Class destroyer combat system upgrade.
Opie’s role will also encompass leadership of the South Australian Space Industry Centre, Veterans SA and Defence Innovation Partnership, driving innovation and excellence across these sectors.
“I’m excited to be able to contribute to the defence sector and the state’s prosperity during this critical period of continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS,” said Opie.
“I look forward to bringing my skills and experience in defence and space, industry and research to support the defence and space sectors in South Australia.
“Defence SA has an enviable reputation as a leader in the defence sector Australia-wide, and I am very proud and excited to be able to lead the agency.
“South Australia is known as the Defence State due to our strong history and capabilities in supporting defence, industry and research over many decades, and I look forward to leading Defence SA to continue this important work.”
