The University of Western Australia has appointed retired Australian Defence Force Brigadier Brett Chaloner to a senior role within the UWA Defence & Security Institute.

Brigadier Chaloner will be based part-time at the Institute, where he will play a pivotal role in advancing the Institute’s mission and goals as Senior Advisor, Defence and Security Partnerships.

Brigadier Chaloner brings a wealth of experience and expertise to UWA, having served in various high-profile roles within Defence. His distinguished military career began in 1991 at the Australian Defence Force Academy, leading to a commission in 1994.

Over the years, Brigadier Chaloner has held numerous command and operational appointments, including deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He also served as Commander of the 13th Brigade in Western Australia, where he led the transformation of the Army in WA.

Institute Director Professor Gia Parish said Brigadier Chaloner would bring enormous value to the UWA Defence & Security Institute (DSI), through his extensive background in special operations, strategic planning and Indian Ocean partnerships

“His expertise will be instrumental in advancing our mission to address critical defence and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” Professor Parish said.

In his new role, Brigadier Chaloner will work closely with the UWA DSI Director, Advisory Board, and Executive Committee to foster strategic partnerships and enhance UWA’s position as a leading institution in defence and security research.

He will lead engagement with defence-related partners and mobilise the collaborative efforts of experts across UWA’s research, education, and innovation ecosystem to deliver impactful partnerships.

Brigadier Chaloner said he had enjoyed a close association with the DSI over the past four years, both in and out of uniform.

“Looking forward, I am passionate about supporting the Institute in achieving its goal of promoting a vibrant defence and security ecosystem in WA and the Indian Ocean region, aligned with problem solving through broad collaboration,” he said.

Brigadier Chaloner's appointment aligns with UWA and UWA DSI’s commitment to leveraging local perspectives and expertise on issues such as disruptive and converging technologies, defence industry, defence capability development and regional security.

His role will also involve providing strategic advice and support to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and other senior UWA stakeholders in establishing and executing initiatives related to national security and defence.

UWA DSI Chair The Honourable David Johnston said Brigadier Chaloner had had a most distinguished career with the Australian Army and was a leader with unique and outstanding skills and experience.

“The University of Western Australia’s Defence and Security Institute is honoured and excited to have Brigadier Chaloner join our team as a Senior Advisor,” Mr Johnston said.

For more information about the UWA Defence & Security Institute and its initiatives, visit defenceuwa.com.au