- Rear Admiral Philip Spedding DSC AM RAN (Rtd) appointed as the new Defence Advocate for the State
- Rear Admiral Spedding will work to secure more defence contracts and jobs to Western Australia
- Defence Advocate provides independent advice to the McGowan Government and promotes the State's defence industry capability
Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia today announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Philip Spedding DSC AM RAN (Rtd) to the position of Defence Advocate for Western Australia.
As the State's Defence Advocate, Rear Admiral Spedding will support the expansion of WA's defence industry and create more local jobs.
Rear Admiral Spedding is a highly experienced executive, with more than 40 years of experience working across defence and Government.
He served continuously with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) between 1982 and 2015, before transferring to the RAN Reserve and retiring at the rank of Rear Admiral.
As the Defence Advocate, Rear Admiral Spedding will chair the Defence Advisory Forum.
Rear Admiral Spedding will commence as Defence Advocate on 16 January 2023. Dividing his time between Perth and Canberra, he will be supported by the Office of Defence West - within the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
He replaces WA's inaugural Defence Advocate Raydon Gates.
As stated by Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia:
"Western Australia's defence industry has gone from strength to strength with support of the WA Government and a dedicated Defence Advocate.
"Rear Admiral Spedding is highly regarded for his knowledge and experience across the Australian defence landscape - and is the ideal person to help secure more defence contracts and jobs for WA.
"I would like to thank Rear Admiral Raydon Gates AO CSM (Rtd) for his enduring support in the Defence Advocate role since 2017."
