Matt Neagle
Director
Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)
Grad Dip Communications (Public Relations)
Diploma of Leadership and Management
Master of International Studies
Matt's Expertise
- Defence, Space and Emerging Industries.
- Integrated public affairs.
- Secretary, Australian Industry & Defence Network SA.
“Success comes from growing trusted and enduring partnerships, understanding and shaping strategic objectives, and navigating intricate stakeholder environments to deliver for our clients.”
Matt heads our practice in defence, space and emerging industries by applying more than 20 years’ of experience in the public and private sectors.
Based in Adelaide, he manages our practice in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Most recently, he supported global defence prime, Raytheon Australia in its role as a Strategic Industry Partner to the Department of Defence’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. Previously, he was the Director Stakeholder Relations at the Naval Shipbuilding College, an Australian Government initiative managed by KBR and Huntington Ingalls Industries, to develop a skilled local workforce to support the national defence industry.
Matt also served as the Defence and Space Industries adviser with the South Australian Labor Government, during a time of significant growth across the sector, which included the creation of the South Australian Space Industry Centre to drive innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. His role involved driving successful advocacy to secure sovereign shipbuilding programs and investment attraction initiatives that reinforced SA’s position as the Defence State.
Across his career, Matt has held strategic media and communications roles across portfolios including Defence and Space Industries, Trade and Investment, Small Business, and Veterans’ Affairs. He also spent time as the Head of Communications for the SA Ambulance Service within the Department of Health. He has expertise across government business, parliamentary process, and policy development and is a seasoned strategic counsel for government and private sector leaders.
An award-winning video journalist, Matt received the prestigious Neil Davis International Award for his report on Piracy in the Red Sea following a deployment with the Australian Defence Force.
He participated in the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (on nomination from United States Embassy) and has completed the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia Academy and is a member of the AMCHAM AUKUS Working Group.
Additionally, he has completed the Defence Industry Leadership Program and the Australian Defence College’s Public Policy Development Program.
Matt serves as the Secretary to the Australian Industry and Defence Network SA.