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 overseas.
Mr O’Callaghan has been a member of Defence Council Victoria since 2017 and has worked 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 technology to the world. Working collaboratively with contractors, supply chain companies and R&D organisations, he supports the Victorian Government’s commitment to ensuring that our sector grows to create more jobs and brings significant economic benefit to the state.