Defence SA is delighted to announce the appointment of Mel Slater as Director Maritime, responsible for developing and delivering activities that grow the naval shipbuilding industry’s presence across South Australia and the nation.

With over 35 years’ experience in shipbuilding construction, Mel has experience across engineering, major project and significant subcontracts, and senior management positions.

Prior to joining Defence SA, Mel worked on major projects including the Attack class submarine program and AIR6500, responsible for aspects of sourcing within the supply chain through market solicitations, evaluations, subcontract negotiations and executions, with overall cost and schedule responsibilities.

Mel has worked on several other key Defence projects in the state, including the design and construction of the Collins class submarines, construction of the Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers, and projects within the land and air domains.

Officially commencing with the agency on 4 December, Mel shared that he was excited to be working to support the local industry.

“I am thrilled to accept the role at Defence SA with the key objective to continue the development of the South Australian defence industrial base in their pursuit of emerging opportunities to enhance our sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment capability,” he said.

In addition to his extensive industry experience, Mel has formal qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Project Management (CPPD (AIPM) and PMP (PMI)) and Business Management (MBA), bringing a broad skill set along with his understanding of all aspects of naval construction, and the establishment and sustainment of sovereign supply chains.

Mel will work with outgoing Director Maritime, David Eyre, over the coming months to oversee existing programs and further build relationships with industry.