ASC announces Jonathan Simcock and Debra Counsell to join board of directors

“We’re pleased to announce the recent appointment of two new members to the ASC board of directors, Jonathan Simcock and Debra Counsell,” according to a public statement from ASC.

“Their combined experience and deep industry knowledge will support ASC as we continue to strengthen Australia’s submarine capability.

“Under the leadership of chair Jim McDowell, the board provides independent oversight and strategic guidance to ASC and its executive team.”

In addition, ASC also announced the establishment of a dedicated Veterans Advisory Committee earlier this year.

The committee will be made up of veterans and non-veterans to champion the needs of ex‑serving employees, strengthen veteran inclusion across ASC, and create clearer, more supportive pathways for those transitioning to civilian careers in Australia’s defence industry.

The initiative reflects ASC’s profound and enduring respect for the service, sacrifice and expertise of Australia’s veterans. It will ensure their voices and lived experience are not only acknowledged but embedded in the way ASC supports its people.

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Through the committee, ASC aims to nurture a strong sense of belonging, enhance professional development opportunities, and help retain the invaluable contribution veterans make to the organisation. It will also play a key role in encouraging more veterans to join ASC’s workforce.

In October last year, ASC strengthened its support for the veteran community by joining the South Australian Veteran Employer Network (SAVEN). Facilitated by Veterans SA, SAVEN enables employers to build genuine veteran-ready workplaces, connecting them with like-minded employers to share guidance, expertise and talent, strengthening veteran employment practices across the South Australian business community.

ASC acting chief executive officer Alex Walsh said the Veterans Advisory Committee reflects the company’s gratitude for the extraordinary contribution veterans have made – not only to the nation but to ASC over more than four decades.

“Veterans have made an immense and lasting contribution to ASC for more than 40 years,” Walsh said.

“More than 100 veterans currently work at ASC in a wide range of roles. The establishment of the Veterans Advisory Committee, along with our involvement in the South Australian Veteran Employer Network, is one way we honour their service and ensure our organisation remains a place where their experience is valued, respected and supported.

“Veterans are central to building a diverse, inclusive and highly skilled workforce that will deliver and sustain Australia’s submarines for generations to come.”

ASC chief people and workforce development officer Joanne Horne said ASC had always recognised the depth of experience and character that veterans bring to the organisation.

“Veterans contribute unique skills, perspectives and values shaped by their service to Australia,” Horne said.

“They lead with integrity, they bring resilience and they communicate and solve problems with clarity and purpose – qualities that make them exceptional contributors at ASC.

“The Veterans Advisory Committee ensures ex-serving employees have a meaningful voice in shaping policies and programs that genuinely support them, whether they have recently transitioned or have been part of the ASC family for many years. It is an important step in strengthening how we recognise value and care for one another.”

South Australian Minister for Veterans Affairs and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Joe Szakacs said with South Australia delivering some of the nation’s most important defence projects, building the workforce to support them is critical to the state’s future.

“Veterans bring valuable skills and real-world experience that strengthen South Australia’s defence industry and supporting their transition into civilian roles benefits veterans, employers and the capability of our state,” Minister Szakacs said.

“ASC’s new Veterans Advisory Committee is an important step that supports ex-serving personnel into meaningful careers and helps grow the skilled defence workforce South Australia will need for the decades ahead.”