Ex-federal MP Joel Fitzgibbon will go one-on-one with former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd AC at next month’s Hunter Defence Conference (HDC).
The conversation between the pair is expected to be a highlight of the two-day event at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 August.
Mr Fitzgibbon, who held the seat of Hunter for almost three decades, served under Mr Rudd during his time as the Australian leader.
The duo will discuss the nation’s AUKUS trilateral security partnership, with the United Kingdom and the United States, for the Indo-Pacific region.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Defence Industry, and Shortland MP, Pat Conroy are also among the speakers at the 2024 edition of the HDC.
Hunter Defence Taskforce chair Tim Owen AM said the focus from the Australian Government on a defence strategy, alongside budgeted investment planning, meant there was significant opportunity for industry in the region.
“The National Defence Strategy was released in April 2024 and it has six immediate priorities, all of which could provide opportunity for Hunter-based primes as well as small-to-medium enterprises,” he explained.
“An important objective is advancing conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.
“Attendees will hear first-hand (albeit virtually) from Mr Rudd, now Ambassador of Australia to the United States, who’ll provide an update on AUKUS.
“A key part of AUKUS is developing robust and resilient, sovereign supply chains and this is where the Hunter defence industry can make a significant contribution.
“Our region is highly-capable.
“And, the Hunter Defence Conference is the gateway for government, industry and defence forces to come together to help address Australia’s strategic risks.
“This is reiterated in the recently released Defence Industry Development Strategy, which recognises the defence industry as a critical partner in providing the deterrence our strategic circumstances demands.”
2024 Hunter Defence Conference – Agenda Summary
Day one – Defence investment, capability development and working with defence primes
NSW Premier Chris Minns will headline the first day’s events, followed by a discussion on AUKUS by Mr Rudd in conversation with Mr Fitzgibbon. Dr Peter Cock will outline the Astra Aerolab innovation precinct and potential advantages for local defence industry. Senior military and industry leaders will provide valuable insight on strategy, funding and opportunity on behalf of Strategic Analysis Australia, Australian Defence Forces, BAE Systems Australia, Boeing Defence Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia and Hanwha Defence Australia. Conference attendees and presenters will participate in dedicated networking functions unique to the Hunter Defence Conference.
Day two – Defence technology, industry support and SME compatibility
AUKUS and sub-surface technology will start day two followed by a panel discussion on funding options including local angel investors and venture capitalists interested in supporting innovative and growing businesses. Artificial Intelligence is impacting the defence sector, and we will explore associated AI trends and opportunities. The day includes a SME panel of three local defence businesses discussing the challenges and the opportunity outlooks for businesses operating within the current defence environment. The conference will conclude with a networking social and gala dinner highlighted by a keynote address from Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.
About Hunter Defence
Hunter Defence is a collaborative industry group that promotes Hunter industry expertise and capability to attract more defence manufacturing and supply opportunities to the region.
It includes key stakeholder groups across business, industry, government, education and is financially supported by HunterNet, Newcastle Airport, Business Hunter, RDA Hunter, Newcastle Master Builders, the University of Newcastle and the NSW Government.
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