Appointment Of The Head Of Capability Acquisition And Sustainment Group

Mr Anthony Fraser, AO, CSC has been appointed as the head of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) in the Department of Defence. He will lead CASG at a time of unprecedented investment in Australian Defence capability.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, and the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, welcomed the appointment of

Mr Fraser who has a substantial background in Defence capability, equipment acquisition and sustainment.

“Mr Fraser will bring his extensive experience working at senior levels in the commercial sector and the Australian Defence Force to the role,” Minister Pyne said.

“Mr Fraser has a strong understanding of the capability needs of the Australian Defence Force having completed 34 years of service in the Australian Regular Army, culminating in senior military appointments within the then Defence Material Organisation.”

Minister Ciobo said Mr Fraser, current Airbus Head of Country for Australia and New Zealand, returned to public service at a significant time.

“Mr Fraser will be responsible for delivering the Government’s $200 billion investment in Australia’s future Defence capability,” Mr Ciobo said.

“This investment will secure Australia’s long term security, generate thousands of jobs for skilled Australians and many opportunities for Australian industry.

Mr Fraser will commence duties in November 2018.

Minister Pyne and Minister Ciobo thanked Mr Kim Gillis, the outgoing Deputy Secretary Capability Acquisition and Sustainment.

“I pay tribute to Mr Gillis who has been instrumental in a number of projects of national significance such as our amphibious ships, the future submarines, offshore patrol vessels, combat reconnaissance vehicles and future frigates,” said Minster Pyne.

“He has led major reforms of the acquisition function in Defence, in particular the adoption of Smart Buyer and the new Capability Life Cycle in Defence,” said Minister Ciobo.

Background on Mr Fraser

Mr Fraser has worked in the Australian Defence Force including postings to the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Canada and the US. Reaching the rank of Major General, Tony Fraser commanded at all levels in Army Aviation including Brigade Commander. He has 5500 military flying hours, mostly on helicopters, and achieved an A1 flying instructor rating.

Mr Fraser led the team assisting Mr David Mortimer in his review of the then Defence Materiel Organisation and served in senior positions within Defence acquisition prior to working in private industry and becoming Airbus Head of Country Australia and New Zealand

Background on Mr Gillis

Prior to his appointment as the Deputy Secretary Capability Acquisition and Sustainment, Mr Gillis was vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia. Mr Gillis managed all of Boeing Defence Australia businesses and functions at the organisation’s 15 sites across the country and 4 international locations. Before this, Mr Gillis was Boeing Defence Australia’s chief operating officer, overseeing the organisation’s day-to-day operations, alignment and integration with Boeing Defense, Space and Security and compliance and governance.

Mr Gillis served as General Manager Systems for the then Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). In this role, he led the reform agenda for DMO acquisition and sustainment in an environment of significant change as a result of major Defence-wide reforms. He also worked for the Austal Group, where he was the capture team lead and project manager for the United States Navy Littoral Combat Ship, the Joint High Speed Vessel Program, and the Royal Australian Navy Armidale Class patrol boat fleet.