The Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence Advisory Board

The Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence Advisory Board provides strategic advice to the Minister for Skills and TAFE, guiding the direction, priorities and governance of the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence (DISCE).  

The Advisory Board supports DISCE’s role in strengthening Western Australia’s defence industry workforce by ensuring training and skills development initiatives are aligned with current and emerging defence capability needs, national priorities and industry demand.  

Members are appointed by the Minister for Skills and TAFE and bring expertise from across vocational and tertiary education, the defence industry, government, unions, First Nations engagement, TAFE and community sectors.  

Through its diverse and representative composition, the Advisory Board provides informed, inclusive and future-focused advice that supports workforce capability growth, industry readiness and the development of sustainable, long-term skills pathways for the defence sector.

Ms Linda Dawson is a senior executive with more than 25 years’ experience working in large Australian and multinational organisations across the resources and utilities sectors, in operations, corporate and community development areas. Ms Dawson currently holds the position of Head of the Office of Defence Industries in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, having previously held the position of Deputy Director General Industry Science Innovation in the State Government. Ms Dawson has a strong belief in equality and respect for all in society, learning from our First Nations people, empowering women, and giving back to the community.

Ms Dawson is currently a Board Member of Workpower, and an Advisory Board Member of both the University of Western Australia Defence Security Institute and the Curtin University School of Business and Law.

Ms Dawson holds a Master of Education and Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Western Australia, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Certified Professional of the Australian Human Resource Institute and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

Commodore (CDRE) Glen Miles is a career submariner, qualifying in Oberon-class submarines in 1993 before moving to Collins-class submarines in 1999.

CDRE Miles has commanded four submarines between 2005 and 2013. During CDRE Miles’ time in command, he has circumnavigated Australia and deployed overseas to Asia and Hawaii. 

CDRE Miles has served with Commander Submarines, United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii (2008-2009), and at the United States Naval Undersea Warfare Centre at Newport, Rhode Island (2013-2016). From 2018-2020, CDRE Miles was Director of Submarine Operations and Submarine Task Group Commander at Headquarters, Joint Operations Centre.

In 2021, CDRE Miles joined Australia’s Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce as the Director Nuclear Powered Submarine Capability – Operational Evaluation, where he played a key role in the development of the Optimal Pathway to an Australian nuclear-powered submarine capability. In 2024, CDRE Miles was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for his work in this role, and in 2025, was awarded a Gold Commendation for his leadership in coordinating the first United States submarine maintenance period conducted in Australia. He was promoted to Commodore in November 2024, becoming Assistant Director General Nuclear Submarine Capability.

Dr Ross Kelly is an experienced public sector executive and labour economist with over two decades of leadership experience in State Government agencies in Western Australia and Victoria, and the University sector. Holding a PhD in Economics and multiple qualifications in project management and governance, Dr Kelly has led transformative reforms in vocational education and training, workforce development and higher education policy.

 Dr Kelly has successfully negotiated many national agreements, including the $1.4 billion NSA, designed and negotiated the joint State-Commonwealth funded Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence and the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence, and driven legislative reforms to modernise training systems.

Dr Kelly’s career spans senior executive roles in Western Australia and Victoria, where he has directed large multidisciplinary teams, managed complex funding portfolios and delivered impactful policy outcomes. A passionate advocate for evidence-based policy, Dr Kelly has published and consulted extensively on labour market dynamics, structural change in the Australian economy, urban socioeconomic disadvantage, skills demand and education funding. 

Dr Kelly is also committed to mentoring emerging leaders, having guided several senior executive appointments. With a deep understanding of intergovernmental relations, program evaluation and strategic policy planning, Dr Kelly continues to shape Australia’s workforce and training landscape with vision and innovation.

Mr Gordon Cole is a respected Noongar business leader and Chairperson of the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI). With decades of experience building capacity in Indigenous businesses, Mr Cole has consistently delivered programs that connect Aboriginal enterprises and youth with real employment, training and procurement opportunities across Western Australia.

Mr Cole’s work at NCCI has focused on trade, capacity building, advocacy and wealth creation – key pillars that align with the DISCE’s mandate to strengthen sovereign capability. Mr Cole has successfully led initiatives that prepare small and medium enterprises for large-scale contracting, ensuring compliance, quality, and workforce readiness. Through Mr Cole’s company Blak Digital, he has advanced digital transformation, AI, and cyber skills development, supporting the defence sector’s growing demand for advanced technology capabilities.

Mr Cole’s leadership is also grounded in embedding cultural authority, environmental, social, and governance principles, and social-value frameworks into industry programs. Mr Cole’s ability to bring together government, industry, and community stakeholders ensures inclusive pathways into training and employment.

As a member of the DISCE AB, Mr Cole offers strategic insight, cultural leadership, and a proven track record of building sustainable skills pipelines that align with Australia’s long-term defence and sovereign workforce needs.

Mr Steven McCartney is the State Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) in Western Australia, a role he has held since 2000. Recognised as an influential figure in union leadership, Mr McCartney has been featured in Business News’ Power 500 for his work representing and advocating for union members.

With over two decades of experience, Mr McCartney has played a pivotal role in shaping union policy and championing the rights of manufacturing workers across Western Australia.

Mr McCartney provides strong leadership in supporting worker interests while fostering collaboration with VET providers to address skill gaps. Under Mr McCartney’s guidance, the AMWU supports upskilling and reskilling initiatives, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, safe work practices, and nuclear stewardship.

Mr McCartney exceeds the recommended limit for the number of government boards specified in Premier’s Circular 2025/15. Given the prominent leadership role of Mr McCartney in workers’ interests in the State and National manufacturing space, his participation on the AB is crucial and will contribute to the success of the DISCE.

Ms Danielle Bull is the Chief Capability Officer at ASC, Australia’s only sovereign submarine build and sustainment company. In this role, she spearheads the development of critical capabilities to support ASC’s commitments under the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program. 

Ms Bull’s responsibilities encompass strategic leadership in workforce development, supply chain enhancement, technology transfers, and shared services. With over 15 years of experience in senior leadership roles, Ms Bull has built a varied career across Strategy, Business Transformation, Sales, Marketing, Communications, Supply Chain and Operations. 

Ms Bull is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and diversity in the workplace, and in 2022, she was awarded the Women in Industry, Mentor of the Year Award, as a result of her support of women in leadership roles.

Ms Amanda Lawton is a highly experienced human resources executive with over 25 years of leadership across the resources, energy, construction, defence and facilities management sectors. With a strong track record of developing and delivering HR strategy for large-scale workforce outcomes, Ms Lawton brings deep expertise in employee and industrial relations, workforce planning, organisational capability, and cultural transformation.

Ms Lawton’s strengths lie in her ability to connect HR strategy to organisational performance, offering valuable insights on risk mitigation, compliance, and people-focused innovation. Ms Lawton has successfully led multiple enterprise agreement negotiations, implemented diversity and inclusion programs, and spearheaded digital transformation in Human Resources (HR) systems and reporting.

As a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute and a qualified HR and business professional, Ms Lawton holds a Diploma in HR, a Postgraduate Diploma in HR, and a Diploma in Business Management. Ms Lawton’s collaborative leadership style and hands-on approach make her a trusted contributor to boards and executive leadership.

Ms Lawton is passionate about building inclusive, safe, and high-performing workplaces and is committed to supporting sustainable outcomes through people and culture.

Ms Darshi Ganeson-Oats is the Managing Director of the SM TAFE, one of Western Australia’s largest and most diverse training providers. Ms Ganeson leads a workforce of over 1,500 staff and supports the education and skills development of more than 32,000 students each year.

Prior to Ms Ganeson-Oats’ current role, she served as Managing Director of South Regional TAFE from 2021 to 2023 and has held senior executive positions across the vocational education sector, including at the former Challenger Institute of Technology and SM TAFE.

At SM TAFE, Ms Ganeson-Oat provides strategic leadership for the national DISCE. Under Ms Ganeson-Oats’ direction, SMTAFE has strengthened its position as a trusted partner to defence, defence industry and government—delivering high-impact, industry-aligned training across shipbuilding, maritime, cyber security, and advanced manufacturing.

Ms Ganeson-Oat is committed to advancing workforce capability and creating meaningful pathways for learners. Ms Ganeson-Oat sees vocational education as a driving force for innovation, inclusion, and economic growth in Western Australia.

Ms Ganeson-Oats exceeds the recommended limit for the number of government boards specified in Premier’s Circular 2025/15. It is critical for the Managing Director of SM TAFE to be on the DISCE Advisory Board, as DISCE is a service under SMTAFE.

As a Marine and Mechanical Engineer affiliated with Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Project Management, Mr Fred Bkamdin started his career as a marine engineering officer. Over Mr Bkamdin’s 26-year career span within the maritime and energy sector, 15 years have been in various roles with the Caterpillar brand at Energy Power Systems Australia. 

Mr Bkamdin has overseen the delivery of a wide range of complex projects for naval defence, governmental, oil and gas, commercial marine, and complete turnkey power generation projects in his previous roles.

Since 2022, Mr Bkamdin has been heading the Defence and Commercial Marine Segment as the National Business Growth Manager for Energy Power Systems Australia, a nationally authorised dealership for Caterpillar power and propulsion equipment. In February 2025, Mr Bkamdin was elected as the President of the Australian Industry Defence Network–Western Australia Chapter Council. 

With over a decade in the Australian Defence Industry, Mr Bkamdin is dedicated to fostering collaboration across sectors, working closely with Australian Industry Defence Network, Henderson Alliance, Office of Defence Industry Support, Defence West, CoA and other organisations nationally. Mr Bkamdin advocates closer collaboration between governments, business primes and Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SME) to nurture industry growth, innovation, and sovereign capabilities.

Mr Matthew Morgan was admitted as a lawyer in 2000 and has spent over two decades as a self-employed commercial lawyer advising and representing SMEs in Perth and Western Australia’s Northwest. 

In recent times, Mr Morgan’s legal practice has developed into assisting SMEs in the defence industry sector, which has seen him coordinate and advise on international ventures between Australian and international SMEs to develop commercial opportunities.

Mr Morgan’s tenure as a Henderson Alliance Board member has exposed him to many areas of the defence industries through both engagement with stakeholders and interaction with fellow Board members.