Heather Smith

Dr Smith has worked in public policy, innovation, technology, national security and economic policy, and has held senior roles in government and the public sector. She worked in the Australian Public Service for more than 20 years, including as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (2017 - 2020). She also served as Secretary of the Department of Communications and the Arts and held senior positions in the Departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Treasury, as well as the Office of National Intelligence. She is a Distinguished Advisor at the Australian National University's National Security College and was National President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs (2023 - 2026). She also co-led the 2024 Independent Review of Australia's National Intelligence Community. She was an independent director of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (2022 - 2026).