EP #107: In defence of Australia with Matt Yannopoulos PSM
Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, maps out a unified approach for the public service to defend Australia’s interests.
In a world with increasing geopolitical tension, collaboration across the public service remains key to protecting Australia’s security and prosperity. On this episode, David Pembroke sits down with Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of Defence, to explore what it takes to do this well.
They delve into the importance of a whole-of-government approach, emphasising the need for speed, focus, and coordination across various government agencies to enhance national security and preparedness.
Matt also shares his perspectives on the current geopolitical landscape, the transformation within the Department of Defence, and the strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating defence capabilities.
Discussed in this episode:
- a cross-agency approach to defence
- strategic priorities in the 2024 National Defence Strategy
- challenges and opportunities in defence transformation
- the role of the public service in national security and economic prosperity
- strategies for effective collaboration and innovation in the Department of Defence.
Shownotes:
Guest:
Matt Yannopoulos PSM
Matt Yannopoulos PSM commenced as the Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence on 5 October 2021. In this position he is responsible for leading Defence’s Transformation Program. His role encompasses the integration of the Defence enterprise, and leading the delivery of enterprise planning, performance and risk management functions, finance, facilities and estate security, information and communications technology, data and information management, human resources, legal, audit and security vetting services.
Matt first worked in Defence from 2008 to 2013 as the first Chief Technology Officer. Prior to his appointment as the Associate Secretary of Defence, Matt was the Deputy Secretary Budget and Financial Reporting at the Department of Finance where he was responsible for providing policy and financial advice to Government on expenditure and non-taxation revenue policy issues.
Matt has held previous government positions including Chief Operating Officer in the Department of Health and Deputy Secretary, Senior Responsible Officer for the Child Care Reform Implementation at the Department of Education. Matt was awarded a Public Service Medal in January 2019 for his substantial achievements in this role.
Other positions include First Assistant Secretary, Portfolio Investment Division and Chief Information Officer at the Department of Health as well as other significant roles such as Portfolio CIO of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Matt has an accounting and information technology background and is an accredited FCPA.