SOLD OUT 

The State of National Security with The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos
AO

South Australia has committed significant investment into reaching Australia’s national security aspirations and to ensuring that we can build the future SSN-AUKUS submarines and deliver the technology to support AUKUS Pillar 2.

We cannot achieve those aspirations on our own - we know that this must be a national endeavour. Australia’s Integrated Investment Program outlines AU$330 billion in planned defence spending over the next decade. It prioritises investments in long-range strike capabilities, maritime and air power, cyber and space technologies, and the enabling infrastructure necessary for a faster and more robust response.

Former Australian Ambassador to US, The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO will discuss the importance of a well-resourced and effective defence and national security program to secure Australia’s role in peace and protection in the Indo-Pacific and South Australia’s role as the State of National Security.

SPEAKERS 

The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, Former Australian Ambassador to the US
Chair, United States Studies Centre

The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO is a leading expert on Australian public policy and politics who brings a wealth of public and private sector experience spanning national security, industry innovation, economic policy, and banking. Ambassador Sinodinos was responsible for developing and executing The Asia Group's business strategy in Australia and supporting C-Suite executives from across TAG’s geographic portfolio to manage evolving risks and seize emerging growth opportunities. 

Ambassador Sinodinos most recently served as Australian Ambassador to the United States, where he was closely involved in Australia’s negotiations related to AUKUS, the Quad, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Ambassador Sinodinos previously worked as Australia’s Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and was a Senator for New South Wales in the Australian Parliament from 2011 to 2019. During his parliamentary career, he also held other key roles in and outside Cabinet, including Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

Over a career spanning four decades, Ambassador Sinodinos has held several influential positions in public service. On the election of the Hon. John Howard AC as Prime Minister of Australia in 1996, Ambassador Sinodinos was appointed the Prime Minister’s Senior Economic Adviser and in 1997, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, a position he held for nine years. Between 1987-1989 and 1995-1996 Ambassador Sinodinos also served as Senior Economic Adviser to Mr Howard while in opposition. He started his Australian Public Service career in 1979, rising to the Senior Executive Service in the Department of the Treasury.

In 2006, Ambassador Sinodinos left government to work with Goldman Sachs JBWere, followed by the National Australia Bank and various corporate appointments.

In 2008, Ambassador Sinodinos was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to politics through the executive function of government, to the development of economic policy and reform, and to the Greek community. In 2019, he was made a Distinguished Fellow of the Australia & New Zealand School of Government in recognition of his promotion of public sector leadership.

Ambassador Sinodinos lives in Washington with his wife Elizabeth, and their three children.

Jim McDowell
Non-Executive Director 
Former Deputy Secretary
Naval Shipbuilding & Sustainment Group
Australian Department of Defence 

Jim McDowell is a leader in the naval shipbuilding, a lawyer and defence sector businessman with over 30 years’ experience in both the private and public sectors.

Jim was appointed to the position of Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment at the Department of Defence in July 2023. Prior to joining Defence, Jim was the CEO of Nova Systems and from 2018 to 2020 the Chief Executive for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet in South Australia.

Jim has held numerous non-executive appointments including Chair of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and Chancellor of the University of South Australia. From 2001 Jim was the CEO of BAE Systems Australia and oversaw the purchase of Tenix Defence. Under his leadership, the company expanded to become Australia's largest defence prime, with more than 6,500 employees and annual sales of approximately AUD $1.7 billion. He then moved to Saudi Arabia where he took up the role of in-country CEO for the $6 billion business.

Jim has held positions on various Defence panels and review boards including the First Principles Review, the establishment of the Naval Shipbuilding Plan, the gate review on major defence projects and Chair of the Air Warfare Destroyer Principals Council. Jim also worked in legal, commercial and marketing roles with aerospace company Bombardier Shorts for 18 years after graduating from the University of Warwick (England).

Jim currently lives in Adelaide with his wife and son.

The Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP
Treasurer
Minister for Defence and Space Industries
Minister for Police
Parliament of South Australia 

Stephen was appointed Minister for Police in January 2025, Defence and Space Industries in April 2024 and appointed Treasurer in the Labor Government in March 2022. Stephen was first elected as the Member for Lee in the South Australian Parliament in 2014. In 2014, he was appointed the Minister for Transport & Infrastructure, and in 2016 added the portfolios of Housing and Urban Development.

Prior to entering the Parliament, Stephen led Deloitte’s economics team in Adelaide between 2010-2013 providing economic advice to corporate clients, the non-profit sector and state and federal governments.

Stephen is a proud western suburb resident, is married to Antonia and they have three children Benjamin, Isaac and Olivia.

MODERATOR

Rebecca Humble
Chief Executive Officer 
Aurizn 

Rebecca has over 25 years experience in senior roles in the defence and national security sectors around the globe. She has worked in the US, UK, Australia and Europe in roles such as Vice President of Global Strategy for BAE Systems in the US, Program Director on the Tornado Military Aircraft program in the UK and Head of Global Strategy covering the UK, Nordics, Australia and Middle East.

Rebecca returned to Australia in 2018 working in executive roles for BAE Systems Australia and QinetiQ Australia before taking on the role of CEO at Aurizn. Rebecca is Chair of the Seymour College Board, a non-executive Director with Praetorian Aeronautics and served on the board of the Defence Teaming Centre, University of Adelaide’s Defence, Space and Cyber Advisory board and on the Red Cross in Luxembourg. Rebecca has an MBA and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Chinese and Russian history.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025 

Time: 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM

Venue: SKYCITY Adelaide 

TICKETS - SOLD OUT

Members: Single $209 / Table of 10 $2090

Non-members: Single $259 / Table of 10 $2590

Ticket price includes admission to the event, a 2-course business lunch and selection of beverages