Bennett is delighted to partner with Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) to host the West Australian Defence Industry Panel Discussion on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
Bringing together leaders from government, defence, industry and education, this event will provide attendees with valuable insights into the current opportunities and challenges shaping Western Australia’s defence industry landscape.
Hosted by Bennett principals Edward Parra, Shemali Samaraweera, and Principal Associate Bernard Lock, the discussion will feature a distinguished panel of industry leaders and decision-makers who will share practical guidance relevant to operating within the sector, including updates on the Henderson Defence Shipbuilding Precinct and the future of defence capability in Western Australia.
The event will feature keynote insights from Hon. Paul Papalia CSC MLA and an experienced panel representing government, defence, education and industry.
Attendees can expect an engaging and informative discussion focused on:
- Current issues impacting Western Australian defence industry businesses
- Defence industry capability and workforce development
- Supply chain opportunities and industry participation
- Infrastructure and shipbuilding developments in Henderson
- Practical insights for organisations operating within the defence sector
Following the formal discussion, guests are invited to stay for refreshments and canapés while continuing the conversation.
Panellists
Our panel includes:
- Mike Johnson, CEO, AIDN
- Hon. Paul Papalia CSC MLA, Minister for Defence Industries and Veterans
- Andrew Widdis, Executive Director Defence Industry Skills, South Metropolitan TAFE WA
- Brent Carey, Head of Supply Chain, Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia
- Chris Stoll, Managing Director, Griffin Industrial
- Toff Idrus OAM, Assistant Director-General Henderson Infrastructure (NPS), Australian Submarine Agency
- David Hanley, Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group, Department of Defence
Mike Johnson
CEO, AIDN
As Chief Executive Officer, Mike is accountable for overall performance, leadership and governance of the organisation.
Having held executive roles across global organisations, Mike brings extensive leadership experience within the Defence industry SME sector, with a proven track record in strategic growth, capital raising and P&L management.
He is a registered Federal Government lobbyist with deep expertise in Defence sector governance, industry advocacy and fostering relationships with Defence stakeholders and government representatives.
The Hon. Paul Papalia CSC MLA
Minister for Defence Industries and Veterans
Paul Papalia was born in Bunbury and raised in Burekup before serving for 26 years in he Royal Australian Navy. During his military career, he qualified as a Navy Clearance Diver, served with the Special Air Service Regiment’s counter terrorist squadron and deployed to Iraq twice.
Since 2017, Paul has held several Ministerial portfolios across the McGowan and Cook Governments, including Tourism, Small Business, Police, Defence Industry, Veterans Issues, Corrective Services, Emergency Services, Racing and Gaming.
Following the 2025 State Election, Paul was appointed Minister for Emergency Services, Corrective Services, Defence Industries, Veterans and Racing and Gaming.
Andrew Widdis
Executive Director Defence & Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence, South Metropolitan TAFE
Andrew Widdis is a nationally recognised leader in defence training, workforce development and digital learning innovation.
As Executive Director for the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence at South Metropolitan TAFE, Andrew leads national efforts to address workforce shortages and build industry-aligned training pipelines.
His career spans leadership in submarine training, digital systems development and strategic collaboration across government, Defence, TAFEs and industry, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals vital to Australia’s defence capability.
Brent Carey
Head of Supply Chain, Austal
Brent Carey is Head of Supply Chain at Austal, leading end‑to‑end supply chain delivery across complex defence shipbuilding and sustainment programs.
He has built integrated functions spanning procurement, logistics, inventory, and supplier management, with a focus on scalability, resilience, and performance improvement.
Brent partners closely with business leaders to align supply chain performance with enterprise priorities, with a strong focus on collaboration, transparency, and long‑term value creation.
Chris Stoll
Managing Director, Griffin Industrial Group
Chris Stoll is the Managing Director of Griffin Industrial Group and has spent much of his career working in Western Australia’s defence and maritime industry.
Through Griffin Marine Services and associated businesses, Chris works with Defence, primes, and SMEs to deliver sustainment outcomes, strengthen local supply chains and build long-term workforce capability.
He is a strong advocate for Australian industry capability and services on the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) WA Chapter.
Toff Idrus
Assistant Director-General Henderson Infrastructure (NPS), Griffin Industrial Group
A former submarine marine engineer officer many years ago, the inaugural Collins Systems Program Officer Director and having also served in surface ships, Toff served a distinguished 23 year career in our navy reaching the rank of Navy Captain and also honoured with the Medal of Order Australia Award in the 2000 Honours and Awards.
Toff joined the ASA in July 2025 and is establishing the new Henderson Infrastructure Branch (Nuclear Powered Submarine) which reports to the Infrastructure, Planning & Coordination Division, and his principal role is to oversee and drive the development and delivery of the Henderson Nuclear Powered Submarine Shipyard (HNPS-SY), by our build partners, the Naval Shipbuilding & Sustainment Group, maintaining our keen ASA and AUKUS Pillar 1 equities amongst relevant stakeholders.
David Hanley
Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, Department of Defence
David Hanley is an accomplished international defence and aerospace executive with a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years. David has held senior leadership roles in Australia, the US and the Middle East, driving business growth, program excellence and industry development.
In July 2025, David assumed the role of Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, where he leads the Defence Group responsible as delivery manager of maritime capabilities and the capability manager for the government’s continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment outcomes.
About the Event
Venue
Bennett – Litigation and Commercial Law
Level 14, Westralia Square
141 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA
Date
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Time
5:15pm arrival for a prompt 5:30pm seated start
RSVP
Essential.
Visit West Australian Defence Industry Panel Discussion with Bennett – Litigation and Commercial Law to complete your registration
Dress Code
Business or Smart Casual
Bennett hosts
Edward Parra
Principal | Head of Projects
Shemali Samaraweera
Principal
Bernard Lock
Principal Associate
Felicity Minchin
Senior Associate
Bianca Tabbakh
Business Development and Marketing Manager
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