The Federal Government is to establish a new External Advisory Panel to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR).
Appointed to the panel are the Former Secretary of the Department of Defence, Dennis Richardson; Former Secretary of the Department of Finance, Rosemary Huxtable; and Former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Richard Maude.
According to the Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, the Defence Strategic Review and Government’s response will inform all aspects of Australia’s defence policy, planning and resourcing ‘over the coming decades’.
“In order to realise this, the DSR recommended a three-tier system be adopted to oversee and lead the implementation of the Review’s recommendations,” the Government said.
“The External Advisory Panel will provide an independent assessment of Defence’s progress, in accordance with Government direction and the intent of the recommendations,” it said.
“It will report biannually to Government.”
Mr Marles said the appointment of the Expert Advisory Panel reflected the Government’s commitment to the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review.
“Realising the Review’s ambition requires major reform, it is appropriate that such significant reform is accompanied by an independent assessment of progress and challenges as we undertake this important task,” Mr Marles said.
The Government said the Panel is to be co-chaired by the DSR Independent Leads Stephen Smith and Sir Angus Houston.
The public version of the Defence Strategic Review, National Defence Statement and Government’s response can be accessed at this PS News link.
