NSW Defence Advocate passes the torch to Air Vice-Marshal Kym Osley
Outgoing Advocate Air Marshal (Ret) John Harvey AM, PhD has passed the torch to Air Vice-Marshal Kym Osley, AM, CSC, after five years of service.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres thanked Air Marshal (Ret) John Harvey AM, PhD for his tireless work over the last five years.
“Air Marshal Harvey has delivered tremendous value to the sector, including launching the Defence and Industry Strategy 2017: Strong, Smart and Connected, establishing Defence NSW and setting up the NSW Defence Innovation Network.
“Since its establishment, the Defence Innovation Network has supported more than twenty research projects and invested more than $3 million in pilot project grants aimed at driving innovation and bolstering our industry strength.”
Minister Ayres said that as part of the government’s response to COVID-19, the role of the NSW Defence Advocate would be instrumental in enabling opportunities for globally competitive defence industries to thrive in NSW, now and into the future.
“As the state turns its focus on the COVID-19 recovery, the defence industry will be a critical area for jobs growth and the importance of this role will be more salient than ever,” Mr Ayres said.
Air Vice-Marshal Osley will look to accelerate the establishment of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise in NSW, to boost skilled jobs and enhance Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.
Air Vice-Marshal Osley brings a wealth of defence and industry expertise to the role, with more than 44 years’ experience in defence. As an Air Vice-Marshal in the RAAF Active Reserve, Mr Osley supports Defence Industry Division and chairs a board which oversees the 7,800 strong Australian Air Force Cadet organisation.
Defence NSW, as part of Investment NSW, is identifying and driving opportunities to support the growth of the NSW defence industry and research capabilities to create jobs and reinforce the state’s position as the economic engine room of Australia.