Australian Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board Chair Appointed

The Australian Government has appointed Professor Don Winter as the Chair of the newly established Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board.

Professor Winter is a former Secretary of the United States Navy, and has held senior executive positions in the private sector and in academia.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne said Professor Winter was both an expert in naval shipbuilding and highly familiar with Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry.

“Professor Winter has extensive experience and has already made an invaluable contribution to Australia’s defence capability as Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel for the Future Submarine Program Competitive Evaluation Process,” Minister Pyne said.

“As chair of the Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board, Professor Winter’s expertise will be a valuable asset in supporting the Government’s plans for a secure, sustainable, long-term future for the Australian naval shipbuilding industry.

“The establishment of the Advisory Board is an important milestone in the Government’s naval shipbuilding strategy.
“The Advisory Board will provide expert, independent advice to Government on all aspects of naval shipbuilding as plans are finalised for establishing and sustaining a viable, continuous naval shipbuilding capability in Australia.

“Importantly, the board’s establishment delivers upon the significant regeneration of the Royal Australian Navy’s capability outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper.”

The Advisory Board will report to the Minister for Defence Industry, and provide advice to the Prime Minister and other members of the Government on naval shipbuilding.