Experts appointed to Defence White Paper panel

Two UNSW academics have been appointed to the expert advisory panel of the federal government’s 2015 Defence White Paper.

Rory Medcalf, Senior Research Fellow, Indian Strategic Affairs in UNSW’s Arts and Social Sciences and Adjunct Professor James Goldrick, UNSW Canberra, are two of only six experts to be appointed to the panel. 

The Paper, to be released next year, will underpin a costed, affordable plan to achieve Australia’s defence and national security objectives.

When announcing the panel, Minister of Defence Senator David Johnston said the panel would bring a mixture of government, military, industry and academic experience to the White Paper process.

Professor Goldrick and Medcalf will provide input at all stages of the White Paper process and ensure strong public consultation during its development.

Medcalf, Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute, said his appointment provides an important opportunity to offer direct and independent advice on the White Paper.

“This is one of the toughest jobs facing government – how to reconcile our future military capabilities with budget realities and the strategic outlook,” said Medcalf.

Professor Goldrick, a former senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy and Visiting Fellow at the Lowy Institute, said he was looking forward  to contributing in every way that he could to the development of the new Defence White Paper.

Media contact: Fran Strachan, UNSW Media Office, 9385 8732, 0429 416 070