Acting Chair: Richard Anicich, Sparke Helmore
Deputy Chair: John Quaife, BAE Systems
The Hunter Business Chamber Defence Industry Committee meets once a month and aims to provide strategic leadership through:
- promoting regional capabilities to support Defence
- lobbying parliamentary and departmental personnel in relation to the Hunter’s Defence capabilities
- promoting and facilitating opportunities for the Hunter Defence industry
- establishing a strong Defence orientation, through awareness, collaboration and business opportunities
- supporting the Defence Reserves Support (DRS) program.
The committee regularly hosts a range of speakers and recent guests have included:
- AIRCDRE Neil Hart -Acting Deputy Chief of the Air Force
- AVM Kym Osley Program Manager – New Air Combat Capability (NACC)
- Senator the Hon David Johnston – Shadow Minister for Defence
- The Hon Bob Baldwin MP – Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Tourism
- Tim Owen MP – Member for Newcastle
- Senator David Feeney – Parliamentary Secretary for Defence (November – 2011)
- AIRCDR Mel Hupfeld – Commander, Air Combat Group; RAAF Base Williamtown.
Relevant government media releases, defence information and opportunities are circulated to members, by email on a regular basis.
The committee encourages Chamber members with Defence interests to attend these meetings or join the mailing list.
Further information can be sought by contacting Kristen Keegan on 4969 9600 or via
email.