3 April 2012

Independent Advisers Strengthen Defence Capability Board

Two external advisers have been appointed to the Defence Capability Management Board.

The Secretary of Defence John McKinnon and Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, today announced the appointment of Dr Kevin Thompson and Mr Bruce McLean as independent advisers to the Board.

“Decisions on defence capability are among the most significant that any Government makes. We are committed to providing the Government with the best advice we can possibly deliver.” Mr McKinnon said.

“At a time when there are many other claims on the taxpayers’ dollar we also have an obligation to implement those decisions in a way that ensures the Government gets not only value for money, but the operational benefit intended,” Lieutenant General Rhys Jones said.

The appointment of external advisers is a significant innovation for a Defence Governance Board.

“The new members have extensive experience in complex asset and project management and will bring a valuable commercial perspective to the Board’s deliberations on defence force capabilities,” said Mr McKinnon.

Dr Thompson is a former Chief Executive of Opus International Consultants and holds a number of Directorships. In November 2008 he received the Wellingtonian of the Year Award for Business.

Mr McLean has worked on heavy civil engineering and defence projects in New Zealand and overseas and has held a range of management, advisory and governance roles.

The Capability Management Board oversees capability development, procurement and introduction into service of major equipment, as well as disposal.

Projects currently under the Board’s oversight include: upgrades to the P3 Orion and C130 Hercules aircraft, introduction of new NH90 and A109 helicopters, new projects for pilot training, upgrading the ANZAC Frigates, a replacement for the HMNZS Endeavour and a land transport capability programme.

The Capability Management Board was established as one of the outcomes of the 2010 Defence White Paper. While the Secretary of Defence and Chief of Defence Force have individual accountabilities it was recognised that overall success of managing any major acquisition of Defence capability required a collaborative approach between the two organisations. This collaboration will be assisted by the advice provided by the new external members.

“We are pleased to have Dr Thompson and Mr McLean join the Board and look forward to working with them,” Lieutenant General Jones said.

ENDS

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