“Veterans are highly trained and highly adaptable.

“Penten understands the value of purpose and seeks to create an environment for veterans to continue to apply their skills, drive and ability to learn to the defence and national security mission.

“The diversity of thought and experience they bring allows us to tackle the capability needs of the ADF now and into the future,” Wilson said. 

Minister Keogh’s visit, which took place on 12 October, saw Penten taking the opportunity to showcase their Australian-developed technology, which included the AltoCrypt Stik, which has been approved for government use, and phone-secure mobility technologies that are transforming government workplaces in Australia and the United Kingdom.

The minister congratulated the Penten team on its journey so far and its commitment to WA.

“Veterans are a highly skilled workforce for the skills crisis we’re encountering across the country.

“Veterans have highly sought-after skills, with the ability to work well under pressure, agility, leadership skills and teamwork.

“We know that one of the greatest indicators of a successful transition from the Defence Force into civilian life is a new career and meaningful employment with purpose,” Minister Keogh said.

Penten has grown rapidly since its foundation in Canberra in 2014. In 2020, the formation of the Western Australian team began. With access to customers in the Indo-Pacific region, the cyber security company identified Western Australia as the right place to expand their footprint and make a significant investment in the west, leveraging on cyber research and emerging science and engineering talents.

Minister Keogh took the time to engage with the Penten veteran staff, hearing their stories of transition, the challenges they faced and achievements they’ve made. The minister noted the “important factor in a successful transition from the ADF is [the] ability to continue to be able to contribute to the defence of the nation”, something that working for Penten provides its team within its mission “to protect those that protect us”.

“I commend Penten for their commitment to veterans’ employment, continuing contribution to our sovereign capability, and congratulate them on the expansion of the business with their new office in Perth,” Minister Keogh said.

The Penten team is aiming to continue developing and refining their capabilities on Australian soil, designed to meet and overcome the challenges of the changing face of warfare.

The team will be attending MilCIS in Canberra this November and will be ready to showcase this technology.

[Related: Lockheed Martin Australia and STEM Punks to train future space workforce]