The Defence SA Advisory Board is a formidable line-up of Australia’s top Defence and industry experts. The Board provides high-level strategic advice to promote the growth of the defence industry in South Australia and plays a key role in guiding the state’s defence strategy.
Vice Admiral Russell Crane AO CSM RAN (Ret'd)
During his tenure as Chief of Navy (2008-2011), Russell (Russ) Crane drew on a lifetime of Navy experience to spearhead fundamental reform of Navy leadership, training and culture through the New Generation Navy (NGN) initiative. NGN aims to ensure that Navy people remain inspired and supported to meet Navy’s obligations around Australia and abroad. The program has been extremely successful and remains in place today.
A Junior Recruit turned Navy Diver, Russ held a raft of positions at sea and ashore during his 40-year Naval career. He was promoted to star rank in March 2000 and posted as the Director General Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare before being appointed as the Commander Australian Naval Systems Command in October 2001. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in May 2004 and assumed duties as Director General Coastwatch and Commander of the then inaugural Joint Offshore Protection Command. Russ was subsequently appointed as Deputy Chief of Navy in June 2006 before being selected as Chief of Navy in July 2008. In recognition of his conspicuous career, Russ was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in 2000, appointed as a Member in the Order of Australia in 2007 and elevated to an Officer in the Order in January 2010.
Following his transition from permanent service, Russ became a sole trader in his consultancy business ‘Bowline Consultants’ advising on matters affecting leadership and corporate behaviours particularly in Defence and national security areas. Russ is also chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Veteran’s Mental Health and both a trustee and patron of a number of service-related organisations.
Mr Richard Price
Richard Price was appointed Defence SA Chief Executive in October 2017. In this role, he was simultaneously appointed to the position of Chief Executive of the South Australian Space Industry Centre