Mr Jeffrey joined Defence in August 2018, as First Assistant Secretary International Policy, and was appointed as Deputy Secretary Strategy, Policy, and Industry in February 2023.

Mr Jeffrey has a background in foreign and national security policy and intelligence. Prior to joining Defence, Mr Jeffrey held positons in the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Office of National Assessments.

Mr Jeffrey has had four overseas postings, including as Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Australia in Washington DC, and to NATO in Afghanistan, where he was Senior Adviser to the International Security Assistance Force Commander and the NATO Ambassador.  

Mr Jeffrey is married and has two young children.