Victorian Defence Industry Advocate

John (Johnno) O'Callaghan, Victorian Defence Industry Advocate 

Victoria’s Defence Industry Advocate promotes Victoria's defence industry interests to key national and international stakeholders and provides the State Government with strategic advice on defence industry-related issues.

In February 2019, the Victorian Government appointed renowned industry and government defence expert, John (Johnno) O’Callaghan as the new Victorian Defence Industry Advocate to showcase Victoria’s defence capabilities across Australia and internationally.

Mr O’Callaghan has chaired the Defence Council Victoria since 2017 and has had an extensive career in defence sector senior executive roles for both government and industry.

As the Victorian Defence Industry Advocate, Mr O’Callaghan plays a leading role in promoting Victoria’s brightest defence talent and class-leading innovation and technology to the world. Working collaboratively with contractors, supply chain companies and R&D organisations. Mr O'Callaghan supports the Victorian Government’s commitment to ensuring the defence and space sectors grow to create more jobs and bring significant economic benefit to the state.