Australia names National Armaments Director

The Australian Government has appointed Kellie Parker to the role of National Armaments Director. Parker will be responsible for leading the new Defence Delivery Agency when established on 1 July 2027, with responsibility for delivering acquisition and sustainment projects. Parker has over 20 years’ experience spanning operational leadership, complex asset development and major transformation across the iron ore and aluminium mining areas. Most recently she was Chief Executive, Australia at Rio Tinto, responsible for delivering a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of projects with thousands of Australian suppliers.  This extensive experience will support closer collaboration with Australian defence industry and more expedient delivery of capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with stronger commercial discipline.  Her significant experience leading a large organisation, managing complex matters in a high‑accountability environment, and delivering operational outcomes will also be invaluable in her role as the National Armaments Director. As a statutory appointment, Parker will be appointed as National Armaments Director Designate from 9 November 2026 until the establishment of the Defence Delivery Agency from 1 July 2027. Nadine Williams, who has been Interim National Armaments Director and instrumental in delivering this ambitious reform, will remain in the role until Ms Parker commences on 9 November. Ms Williams’ leadership has been invaluable and we thank her for her time and dedication during this time. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “I congratulate Ms Parker on her successful appointment to this role. Her significant experience in leadership, transformation and delivering operational outcomes will serve her well as she takes on this important responsibility. I thank Ms Nadine Williams for her leadership, advice and management of one of the most significant reforms in the Defence portfolio in decades, and helping to deliver the foundations to ensure its success.” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “The Albanese Government has been clear about its ambitions for reform of Defence’s capability acquisition process. Kellie has had a distinguished career in the private sector over several decades, and her appointment matches our ambitions to deliver increasingly complex defence projects at speed and scale. This appointment is about bolstering timely, cost-efficient and accountable delivery of capabilities, and getting better bang for buck for the record investment the Albanese Government is making in defence.” Parker said: “I’m excited and honoured to be appointed as the first National Armaments Director during a time of reform and transformation across Defence. I look forward to being part of the team responsible for delivering outcomes that support the Australian Defence Force through the acquisition and sustainment of capabilities, systems and platforms. An important focus will be working closely with businesses and organisations across Australia to support a home-grown Defence industrial base.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]