Thursday 11 July

The Defence Estate and associated infrastructure make a vital - if often under-valued - contribution to Australian Defence capability: without the bases, wharves, and training areas of the estate, the ADF could not operate.

The Council of the USI of the ACT is therefore delighted to present Mr Steve Grzeskowiak, Deputy Secretary Estate and Infrastructure Group, who will explore this important aspect of Defence activity.  

The presentation will commence at 1800 at the Spender Theatre at the Australian Defence College, Weston Creek, preceded by networking in the ADC mess from 1700. Entry is free but registration is required here.  

Members and guests are reminded that photo ID is required for access to the ADC Weston Creek site. 

(Photo and bio: Defence)

Our speaker program is  proudly sponsored by PwC.

Thursday 13 June 2019

On Thursday 13 June, members and guests were treated to a thoughtful panel discussion on the contribution of Australian industry to Defence capability.  The panel was chaired by USI Council member, Jacinta Carroll, and comprised Mr Nic Stuart from The Canberra Times, Ms Kate Louis from the Australian Industry Group, and Mr Peter Chesworth from the Department of Defence.  A report will be available shortly.

(Photo: USI; Bios: Carroll, ANU; Stuart, LinkedIn; Louis, Australian Industry Group; Chesworth, Defence)

Our Speaker Program is proudly sponsored by PwC.  

Major General Mike Crane DSC & Bar AM (Retd)

The USI of the ACT is committed to presenting a compelling program of activities, delivering value for stakeholders, and modelling best-practice governance.

In 2019, we are exploring the theme of Defence Capability.  The speaker for our Annual Members' Dinner in September will be Mr Nick Warner, Director of the Office of National Intelligence, and we are looking hard at options for the 2019 ACT Blamey Oration.  All in all, 2019 shapes as another terrific USI year.

From a Council point of view, 2019 sees us well into our 2016-2021 Strategic Plan. The Council is well satisfied with progress against the Plan's objectives and will continue to consolidate governance reform. 2019 will also see some Council renewal, with both your President and Deputy President standing down at the end of mandated tenure. Planning is well underway to identify successors and we anticipate a smooth transition and continuing success under new leadership.

The United Services Institute of the Australian Capital Territory (USI of the ACT) is an independent, not-for-profit, incorporated association, part of a wider network of similar state and territory organisations operating under the umbrella of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies - Australia. Our aim is to promote understanding of national security and defence issues. Membership is open to all who have an interest in national security and defence. We host a program of guest speaker presentations, usually once each month, and offer an annual bursary to an ACT-based doctoral scholar.  

Our Patron is Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd).  You can read his biography here.

Our next speaker can be found at "What's On", and a record of previous presentations can be found under "Transcripts" and Past Events.