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Defence has announced a number of leadership changes at the think tank, including the replacement of long-serving executive director Peter Jennings.
Justin Bassi has been named as the new executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).
Bassi replaces Peter Jennings, who has held the role since May 2012.
The incoming executive director holds extensive experience in the national security space, most recently serving as chief of staff to Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne.
Bassi also served as the national security adviser to former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull AC and former attorney-general George Brandis QC, as well as a senior officer at the Office of National Intelligence.
“I am confident that Mr Bassi will be a significant asset to ASPI and I look forward to witnessing ASPI go from strength-to-strength under his leadership,” Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said.
Minister Dutton thanked outgoing executive director Peter Jennings for his service.
“Peter Jennings’ significant tenure enriched the defence and national security narrative in Australia and expanded ASPI’s presence to the US,” he said.
“His contributions and leadership have deepened strategic policy discussions in this country, especially at a time when frank appraisals of our strategic circumstances have been needed the most.
“I sincerely thank Peter for his work and wish him well.”
Defence has also announced the appointment of four new members to the ASPI Council, which include:
- Catherine McGregor AM, senior veterans’ adviser at RSL Queensland and former Australian Defence Force officer;
- John Anderson AO, FTSE, former deputy prime minister and publisher on defence and strategic issues;
- Rachael Falk, a cyber security analyst; and
- Michael Keenan, former minister for human services and digital transformation, minister for justice and minister assisting the prime minister on counter-terrorism.
The incoming members replace outgoing ASPI Council members Robert Hill AC, Stephen Brady AO CVO, Dr Denis Dragovic and Jennifer Ma.
“I thank the outgoing members for their valuable contributions to the ASPI Council,” Minister Dutton added.
“I thank Lt Gen (Ret’d) Ken Gillespie for his continuation as ASPI Council chair.”
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