AUKUS Forum Advisory Board
Co-Chair - The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon GradCertBA, GAICD
Co-Chair - The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon GradCertBA, GAICD
Co-Chair - The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon GradCertBA, GAICD
The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon is a former Minister for Defence, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Chief Government Whip.
He served in the House of Representatives representing the New South Wales (NSW) seat of Hunter, a rural electorate in NSW's Hunter Valley, from 1996-2022, having succeeded his late father Eric who held th
The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon is a former Minister for Defence, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Chief Government Whip.
He served in the House of Representatives representing the New South Wales (NSW) seat of Hunter, a rural electorate in NSW's Hunter Valley, from 1996-2022, having succeeded his late father Eric who held the seat for 12 years. He has lived in Cessnock, a town within the Hunter electorate, all his life.
Joel served as Minister for Defence (2007–2009) in the first Rudd Government and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (2013) in the second Rudd Government. He was also Chief Government Whip in the House of Representatives (2010–2013) in the Gillard Government.
In 1978, after leaving school, Joel completed an apprenticeship as an automotive electrician. He then ran his own small business for the next ten years. He also served eight years on Cessnock City Council, including a term as deputy mayor.
Over the course of his 26 years in the Parliament, Joel held a number of Shadow Ministerial positions including Assistant Treasury, Financial Services, Defence, Mining, Energy, Agriculture, Small Business, Tourism and Regional Australia. He was also the Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade.
Joel retired from the House of Representatives in 2022. He is a Director of the ASX listed Brickworks, one of the world’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers. He also serves on the Board of the Australian Forest Products Association and is a Special Counsel with CMAX Advisory, a full-service, strategic communications, bipartisan government relations and corporate strategy firm.
Joel is a keen golfer and Newcastle Knights tragic. He and his wife Dianne have three adult children.
Co-Chair - The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO
Co-Chair - The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon GradCertBA, GAICD
Co-Chair - The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon GradCertBA, GAICD
The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO is a former Ambassador to the United States.
A leading expert on Australian public policy and politics, he brings a wealth of public and private sector experience spanning national security, industry innovation, economic policy, and banking.
In Washington, DC, Ambassador Sinodinos was closely involved in Austr
The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO is a former Ambassador to the United States.
A leading expert on Australian public policy and politics, he brings a wealth of public and private sector experience spanning national security, industry innovation, economic policy, and banking.
In Washington, DC, Ambassador Sinodinos was closely involved in Australia’s negotiations related to AUKUS, the Quad, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. He is currently Partner and Chair of the Australia Practice for The Asia Group, a business advisory firm with offices across Asia and headquartered in Washington, DC. Ambassador Sinodinos previously worked as Australia’s Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and was a Senator for New South Wales in the Australian Parliament from 2011 to 2019. During his parliamentary career, he also held other key roles in and outside Cabinet, including Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.
Over a career spanning four decades, Ambassador Sinodinos has held a number of influential positions in public service. On the election of the Hon. John Howard AC as Prime Minister of Australia in 1996, Ambassador Sinodinos was appointed the Prime Minister’s Senior Economic Adviser and in 1997, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, a position he held for nine years. Between 1987-1989 and 1995-1996 Ambassador Sinodinos also served as Senior Economic Adviser to Mr Howard while in opposition. He started his Australian Public Service career in 1979, rising to the Senior Executive Service in the Department of the Treasury.
In 2006, Ambassador Sinodinos left government to work with Goldman Sachs JBWere, followed by the National Australia Bank and various corporate appointments.
In 2008, Ambassador Sinodinos was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to politics through the executive function of government, to the development of economic policy and reform, and to the Greek community. In 2019, he was made a Distinguished Fellow of the Australia & New Zealand School of Government in recognition of his promotion of public sector leadership.
Ambassador Sinodinos lives in Washington with his wife Elizabeth, and their three children.
Jasmin Diab, CSC
Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Jasmin describes herself, somewhat modestly, as a mum, leader, nerd and diversity advocate.
She is also the President of Women in Nuclear Australia, the Oceania representative on the Women in Nuclear Global executive, an Associate Partner with Global Nuclear Security Partners Australia, a Senior Associate with Mettle Global, a member o
Jasmin describes herself, somewhat modestly, as a mum, leader, nerd and diversity advocate.
She is also the President of Women in Nuclear Australia, the Oceania representative on the Women in Nuclear Global executive, an Associate Partner with Global Nuclear Security Partners Australia, a Senior Associate with Mettle Global, a member of the ARPANSA Nuclear Safety Committee and a Fellow with Engineers Australia.
On completion of her tenure as a Commanding Officer of an Engineer Regiment, she was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the Kings Birthday Honours 2023 for her leadership.
We are delighted to have her on the Board.
Jasmin joined the Australian Army in 2001 and after graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon, became a Combat Engineer with the Royal Australian Engineers.
With a background in explosive ordnance disposal, Jasmin spent most of her 22 years of service providing operational and training support in countering chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats and has seen operational service both domestically and overseas.
She thrives leading multidisciplinary teams in uncertainty.
Jasmin is a big advocate for thinking differently and is a co-founder of the Defence Entrepreneurs Forum Australia (DEF Aus) which encourages bottom-up conceptual innovation.
Jasmin has a Bachelor of Science in physics and chemistry, a Masters in Defence and Military Studies and a Masters in Engineering Science (Nuclear Engineering).
Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Professor Veena Sahajwalla is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer and inventor revolutionising recycling science. She is renowned for pioneering the high temperature transformation of waste in the production of a new generation of ‘green materials.’
Veena pioneers research
Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Professor Veena Sahajwalla is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer and inventor revolutionising recycling science. She is renowned for pioneering the high temperature transformation of waste in the production of a new generation of ‘green materials.’
Veena pioneers research into waste – turning it into a new generation of green materials and products. She does this as the Founding Director of the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology at the University of New South Wales.
Veena is most well known for her invention of Polymer Injection Technology, or ‘Green Steel’. In 2018, she launched the first of many MICROfactories.
She leads two national research and industrial transformation hubs, the ARC Microrecycling Research Hub and the National Environmental Science Program Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub. Veena collaborates with leading universities and institutions, plus industry and community groups, to develop and apply new recycling science into real-world environmental and economic benefits.
Veena was named the NSW Australian of the Year in the 2022 Australia Day Awards.
In 2018, Prof. Sahajwalla launched the world's first e-waste microfactory, and in 2019 she launched her plastics microfactory, a recycling technology breakthrough. In 2019, she was also honoured by Engineers Australia as a Centenary Hero for her work.
Prof. Sahajwalla was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2018. In 2016, Engineers Australia named her one of Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers and in 2015, one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Engineers. In 2013, Prof. Sahajwalla received the Howe Memorial Lecture Award, Pittsburgh, USA, in appreciation for her lecture on ‘The Power of Steelmaking – harnessing high temperature reactions to transform waste into raw material resources’.
AUKUS Forum Executive Team
Michael Sharpe - Chief Executive Officer
Catherine Krimmer - Administration and Operations Director
Michael Sharpe - Chief Executive Officer
Michael is involved in a wide range of organisations across engineering, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environmental sustainability, the space industry, academia, and the nuclear industry.
He is extremely well connected with Australia’s manufacturing, industrial and political leaders, as well as the country’s top universities, inclu
Michael is involved in a wide range of organisations across engineering, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environmental sustainability, the space industry, academia, and the nuclear industry.
He is extremely well connected with Australia’s manufacturing, industrial and political leaders, as well as the country’s top universities, including activities in the nuclear and AUKUS spheres.
He is the Founding Director of the AUKUS Forum and has a personal contact base of over 100,000 people across Australian industry, with more than 32,000 members of the AUKUS Forum and 34,000 LinkedIn connections, with many more built over his time on projects for infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and research activities. He has an extensive range of industry networks assembled over the last three decades.
Widely regarded as one of the most connected people in Australian industry, with a strong focus on business transactions, Michael is focussed on transformation – helping countless businesses to access new export opportunities and enter adjacent markets such as traditional engineering firms entering the space and defence industries.
This gives him an unrivalled ability to connect with key decision makers, to facilitate contacts between Australian and overseas manufacturers, establish joint ventures and establish supply chains. Several major US corporations have reached out to him recently to find local suppliers.
Michael has vast experience in politics, industry and manufacturing, having served as the National Director for Industry at the Australian Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre; and Chairman of the HunterNet Co-operative, a very successful industry cluster based in the Newcastle area of New South Wales.
Michael is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders; a Fellow of The Royal Society for the Arts, Manufactures & Commerce; and has completed courses in Leadership at the Harvard Business School.
John MacGregor
Catherine Krimmer - Administration and Operations Director
Michael Sharpe - Chief Executive Officer
John is responsible for the Forum’s communications program.
His brief includes managing government relations, media, public relations, events and marketing for the Forum, while advising members on developing their own public relations programs, to enable them to take advantage of the opportunities that AUKUS presents.
John brings to
John is responsible for the Forum’s communications program.
His brief includes managing government relations, media, public relations, events and marketing for the Forum, while advising members on developing their own public relations programs, to enable them to take advantage of the opportunities that AUKUS presents.
John brings to the task a solid reputation as a specialist in issues and crisis management, lobbying, government relations, media and corporate reputation management.
His communications expertise stems from practical hands-on experience at senior levels across journalism, politics and public relations.
A former political media adviser in New South Wales, he has years of experience in politics in Sydney, Canberra and other Australian capitals, with strong links to all the major political parties on a national basis.
He is also an experienced journalist, having worked for ABC and SBS news in Australia and a stint with CNN in Washington D.C.
As the founder of MacGregor Public Relations (MPR), and the former head of two major international public relations consultancies in Australia, John has vast experience across a range of industries.
John has developed and run crisis management and government relations programs for various clients in industries diverse: defence, aviation, banking, transport, infrastructure, housing, health, the food industry and insurance.
Catherine Krimmer - Administration and Operations Director
Catherine Krimmer - Administration and Operations Director
Catherine Krimmer - Administration and Operations Director
As Administration and Operations Director, Catherine integrates the leadership team's vision and manages the secretariat for the AUKUS Forum.
In her role, Catherine assumes overall responsibility for the efficient and smooth operation of the office, overseeing various crucial aspects such as membership, staffing, and legal matters.
As Administration and Operations Director, Catherine integrates the leadership team's vision and manages the secretariat for the AUKUS Forum.
In her role, Catherine assumes overall responsibility for the efficient and smooth operation of the office, overseeing various crucial aspects such as membership, staffing, and legal matters. She is responsible for maintaining all systems on-site and remotely, including security details and cybersecurity functions.
With her exceptional organisational skills, Catherine ensures that the secretariat functions seamlessly, allowing the AUKUS Forum to operate efficiently and effectively. She has a background as a paralegal secretary, with a flair for organisation, an unflappable personality, and strong people skills.
As such, Catherine is the ideal first point of call for inquiries about membership, events, and functions. What's a product or service you'd like to show.
AUKUS Pillar Two - Committees
Maria MacNamara
Dr Anders Hallgren
Dr Anders Hallgren
AUKUS Information Sharing Committee Chair
Maria is a prominent Australian business leader.
She was recently the Director of Government Affairs and Innovation Strategy in Australia and New Zealand at Kyndryl and was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of Advance.org, Australia’s global diaspora organisation. Maria was also an Adviser to Se
AUKUS Information Sharing Committee Chair
Maria is a prominent Australian business leader.
She was recently the Director of Government Affairs and Innovation Strategy in Australia and New Zealand at Kyndryl and was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of Advance.org, Australia’s global diaspora organisation. Maria was also an Adviser to Senator the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, the Acting Director of Policy and Strategy at WIRO in the Department of the NSW Government led by the Hon. Victor Dominello and Head of Strategy for the Digital Transformation Office (then Agency) within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. She has launched three startups and exited two.
Maria is a member of the Asia Pacific Advisory Board of Serco, Chair of the AUKUS Information Sharing Committee of the AUKUS Forum, an Industry Fellow at UTS, and a member of the University of Western Sydney Infrastructure Committee. She is a Non-Executive Director of Spark Festival and sits on the advisory boards of Social Value and Zitavi.
Maria formerly served on the Advisory Council for the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, chaired the Strategy Board for the ARC Training Centre for Information Resilience, and was a member of the Board of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce. Maria is a member of the International Women’s Forum (Australia) and the Royal Society (NSW) and was a founding member of the Montessori Children’s Foundation.
She has a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney and completed the Deep Dive Program delivered by Tel Aviv University and the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce.
Dr Anders Hallgren
Dr Anders Hallgren
Dr Anders Hallgren
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy Chair
Anders leads the AUKUS Pillar Two Steering Committee for Artificial Intelligence. He is a seasoned executive with strong track record in accelerating innovation and growth integrating business development with ground-breaking science & technology. His specialties include organisational leadership
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy Chair
Anders leads the AUKUS Pillar Two Steering Committee for Artificial Intelligence. He is a seasoned executive with strong track record in accelerating innovation and growth integrating business development with ground-breaking science & technology. His specialties include organisational leadership & management, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.
A seasoned and focused executive with a strong track record in providing businesses with bespoke solutions integrating business development with ground-breaking and future-proof technology. A comprehensive driver and leader on the global stage, operating as the fulcrum between large-scale initiatives and funding supporting international collaborations, innovation and growth. Fluent in English, German and Swedish languages.
Specialities include:
* Operations
* Business development & innovation
* Team building and team leadership
* Change management
* Circular Economy
* Clean Technology & Renewable Energy
Jacqui Nelson
Dr Anders Hallgren
Jacqui Nelson
Advanced Cyber Committee Chair
Jacqui Nelson is a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning technology, finance, and information security.
With close to a decade hands-on experience in the security sector, Jacqui is recognized as a trusted advisor and influential thought leader. In her current role as CEO of DekkoSecure, she spe
Advanced Cyber Committee Chair
Jacqui Nelson is a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning technology, finance, and information security.
With close to a decade hands-on experience in the security sector, Jacqui is recognized as a trusted advisor and influential thought leader. In her current role as CEO of DekkoSecure, she specializes in helping organisations harness technology to optimize to help operational processes and enhance security protocols.
DekkoSecure, operating globally, collaborates with organizations entrusted with highly sensitive and mission-critical data, facilitating ultra-secure sharing, collaboration, and communication.