Launch of the Women in Defence and Security Network (WDSN)

A forum to share opinions, experiences and learn from each other. 

Keynote Address: Elizabeth Cosson AM CSC
Reflections of a Female Leader in the Defence and Security Sector

A new network has been formed for women in the defence and security sector, called the ‘Women in Defence and Security Network’ (WDSN). WDSN is a joint initiative of Lockheed Martin Australia and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) that seeks to enhance professional development opportunities for women in the defence and security sector.  This will be achieved through a unique collaboration between a defence industry prime and an Australian think tank.  

WDSN will provide a significant opportunity for women in the Defence Forces and across related fields, including defence industry, to meet other women with similar interests and build professional development and collaborative ties. It will provide a forum for highly successful women and men to share their professional experiences, and openly discuss some of the challenges they have experienced, along with the mechanisms they have fostered to deal with those challenges.  

The cross industry / think tank collaboration will also build a legacy to ensure professional development and networking opportunities for those women who may have previously been involved in a targeted program, however, may have lacked exposure to the broader group for sharing and learning.  This initiative, through industry sponsored networking events, will be held bimonthly, typically including a keynote speaker or panel discussion element, followed by an interactive question and answer session. 

Elizabeth (Liz) Cosson is currently Deputy Secretary of the Business Services Group at Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Ms Cosson began her current role after a 31 year career in the Australian Army and two years with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Ms Cosson was the first female to be promoted to the rank of Major General in the Australian Army. 

You can watch a video of Ms Cosson’s speech here.