John O'CallaghanVictoria Government Defence Advocate

Mr John O’Callaghan offers a wealth of defence industry experience and knowledge, with a career spanning both defence industry and Department of Defence.

Mr O’Callaghan spent 15 years in the Department of Defence, including as executive assistant to the Secretary, Department of Defence; Senior Executive Officer, Intelligence and Security Co-ordination; Assistant Secretary, Major Capital Equipment Co-ordination; Assistant Secretary, Special Naval Communications Project; and private secretary to former Minister for Defence Kim Beazley. Mr O’Callaghan later became senior parliamentary adviser to Mr Beazley.

Mr O'Callaghan is a member of the advisory board of defence electrical systems and C4I provider, Cablex.  Prior to this, he spent five years as Executive Director of the Australian Industry Group Defence Council, providing advocacy and support to CEOs of Australia’s leading defence companies on issues pertaining to the future of Australia’s defence industry.