David is the First Assistant Secretary, Defence Trade, Regulation and Industrial Collaboration, in the Australian Department of Defence (formerly Defence Industry Policy Division) and is responsible for Defence Industry International Policy and Defence Export Controls. The Division shapes Defence’s international engagement with industry, supporting deterrence by denial through industrial collaboration. It drives and implements the Government’s policies to expand international industrial engagement, and regulates the export of military and dual-use goods and technologies consistent with Australia’s national interests and international obligations.

David previously held the role of First Assistant Secretary People Policy and Culture. In this role, David was responsible for people policy and employment conditions for both APS and ADF, entry level and graduate recruitment programs, cultural reform, indigenous affairs, diversity and inclusion and learning and development strategies.
Prior to Defence, David worked in the Department of Home Affairs in several areas including identity and biometrics, major procurement activity and contracts related to supporting Regional Processing Centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru.

David spent a number of years with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on postings including in Washington D.C. and Bangkok.

David also has extensive private sector experience working for multinational companies such as Fujitsu, PA Consulting and Accenture in delivering change management and project management outcomes.

David holds an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management, University of New South Wales, a Masters in Security Policy Studies from the George Washington University in the United States, and a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University in Canberra.