New leadership to steer Defence SA Advisory Board

The Defence SA Advisory Board is entering a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of former Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO DSC MVO (Retd), as Chair. Lieutenant General Burr joined the Board in October 2024, bringing with him extensive military and strategic leadership experience. Lieutenant General Burr now leads a formidable line-up of Australia’s top Defence and industry experts, guiding the Board’s efforts to shape the future direction of South Australia’s defence and space sectors. The Board also welcomes respected defence industry leader Christine Zeitz, who brings significant private sector experience, most recently serving as Chief Executive and General Manager for Australia and New Zealand at Northrop Grumman Australia. Global submarine expert Steve Ludlam, who previously served as President of Submarines at Rolls-Royce in the UK, has been reappointed to the Board. His continued involvement brings critical expertise as South Australia prepares to deliver Australia’s fleet of SSN-AUKUS nuclear powered submarines. Lieutenant General Burr replaces highly respected Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO CSM RAN (Ret’d), who served on the Board for 14 years – including as Chair – and played a pivotal role in advancing South Australia’s position as the Defence State. After six years of dedicated service, defence industry veteran Merv Davis has also concluded his term on the Board. His contributions over six years have been instrumental in supporting the growth of South Australia’s defence industry. Together with other continuing board members, Air Vice Marshal Cath Roberts AO CSC (Retd) and Major General Kathryn Toohey AM CSC (Retd), these appointments signal a new phase for the Defence SA Advisory Board, which continues to provide strategic, high-level advice to shape the priorities of South Australia’s defence and space industries. Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie also sits on the Advisory Board in an ex-officio capacity. Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie said: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Lieutenant General Burr AO DSC MVO (Retd) as Chair of the Defence SA Advisory Board. Rick’s deep understanding of the Australian Defence Force will continue to provide important insight into defence capability for South Australia. I’m also pleased to welcome Christine, whose appointment further strengthens the Board’s depth of industry expertise, while Steve’s continued involvement remains invaluable as the state gears up to deliver the SSN-AUKUS program.  I sincerely thank Vice Admiral Crane and Merv Davis for their valuable contributions to the Defence SA Advisory Board. Their expertise has played an important role in fostering the growth of the state’s defence industry and shaping its strategic direction. These changes are a continuation of the incredibly high calibre of Defence and industry expertise on the Defence SA Advisory Board, and come at a crucial time for South Australia’s defence and space sectors as we experience a period of rapid growth, global collaboration and strategic opportunity. Defence SA Advisory Board Chair Lieutenant General Rick Burr said: “I am honoured to be appointed to this role and look forward to working with my fellow advisory board members and Defence SA to strengthen opportunities in South Australia’s defence and space industries.  South Australia has a deserved reputation as the Defence State. In this era of massive technological and geostrategic disruption there is important opportunity for SA’s innovative defence and space sector to contribute to Australia’s national security, supply chain resilience and economic growth.” Defence SA Advisory Board member Christine Zeitz said: “I’m delighted to join the Defence SA Advisory Board at such a pivotal time for South Australia’s defence and space sectors. I look forward to contributing my industry experience to help drive innovation, capability development and global competitiveness. I’m excited to work alongside my fellow board members to support the state’s strategic defence and space ambitions and ensure South Australian industry continues to thrive across key defence domains.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]