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Outgoing advocate Air Marshal (Ret’d) John Harvey AM, PhD, has passed the torch to Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Kym Osley, AM, CSC, after five years of service.
Osley has begun his term representing the state's thriving defence industry as the new NSW defence advocate, aiming to renew emphasis on building resilient campaigns around the state's maritime industry capability, guided by weapons and explosive ordnance pedigree, to deliver new space initiatives in NSW.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres thanked Harvey for his tireless work over the last five years.
“Air Marshal Harvey has delivered tremendous value to the sector, including launching the Defence and Industry Strategy 2017: Strong, Smart and Connected, establishing Defence NSW and setting up the NSW Defence Innovation Network,” Minister Ayres said.
“Since its establishment, the Defence Innovation Network has supported more than 20 research projects and invested more than $3 million in pilot project grants aimed at driving innovation and bolstering our industry strength.”
As part of the government’s response to COVID-19, the role of the NSW defence advocate would be instrumental in enabling opportunities for globally competitive defence industries to thrive in NSW, now and into the future, Minister Ayres added.
“As the state turns its focus on the COVID-19 recovery, the defence industry will be a critical area for jobs growth and the importance of this role will be more salient than ever.”
Osley has over 44 years’ experience in defence, and will bring a wealth of defence and industry expertise to the role. As an Air Vice-Marshal in the RAAF Active Reserve, Osley supports Defence Industry Division and chairs a board that oversees the 7,800-strong Australian Air Force Cadet organisation.
Osley will look to accelerate the establishment of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise in NSW, to boost skilled jobs and enhance Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.
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