Speaker Details_
Matt
Opie
Chief Executive
Defence SA
Biography
Matt Opie commenced as Chief Executive of Defence SA in April 2024. Matt’s priority is to support and grow the defence and space sectors in South Australia to contribute to the state’s prosperity and national defence capability. His role also encompasses Chief Executive of the South Australian Space Industry Centre and responsibility for the Defence Innovation Partnership and Veterans SA.
An Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon graduate, Matt has held senior defence positions across government, industry and academia over the course of his
35-year career. He served as an officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals in Australia, Europe and the Middle East.
Matt has worked on high technology defence projects in the Asia-Pacific, US and Europe with defence forces, governments, research organisations and the private sector.
Prior to joining Defence SA, Matt served as Director Defence and Space at the University of South Australia, where he was responsible for the university’s research strategies and engagement with the defence and space sectors. Previously he has also held various roles at Saab and BAE Systems in program management, business development and industry engagement.
Matt has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration.
Sessions
Day 1 — Tuesday, 15 July 2025
This speaker is currently not scheduled for any sessions on this day.
Day 2 — Wednesday, 16 July 2025
This speaker is currently not scheduled for any sessions on this day.
Full Program
Explore or download the full #18ASF Program Outline below:
Sessions
Day 1 — Tuesday, 15 July 2025
This speaker is currently not scheduled for any sessions on this day.
Day 2 — Wednesday, 16 July 2025
This speaker is currently not scheduled for any sessions on this day.
Full Program
Explore or download the full #18ASF Program Outline below:
Join Matt at the
18th Australian Space Forum
Harnessing National interests through space
15-16 july 2O25
Adelaide, south australia
Contact
The Australian Space Forum is organised by industry, for industry — and sustains a bright future for Australia’s space ecosystem.
Proudly hosted by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, profits from the Australian Space Forum support the Foundation’s annual space education fund and student engagement programs to inspire the next generation of pioneers in Australian space.
CONTACT_
For general enquiries about the Australian Space Forum, please contact our team at the Andy Thomas Space Foundation:
Level 3 / McEwin Building
Lot Fourteen, North Terrace
Adelaide, SA 5000
To make a sponsorship enquiry, or book an exhibition space, please email:
spaceforum@andythomas.foundation
For media enquiries, or to obtain a media pass/access to speakers or delegates for the 18th Australian Space Forum, please email:
spaceforum@andythomas.foundation
ATSF SOCIAL CHANNELS_
Stay up-to-date with #18ASF program and speaker announcements via the Andy Thomas Space Foundation’s social media:
MAILING LIST_
Sign up to receive the Andy Thomas Space Foundation’s regular space industry newsletter:
CONTACT_
For general enquiries about the Australian Space Forum, please contact our team at the Andy Thomas Space Foundation:
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation
Level 3 / McEwin Building
Lot Fourteen, North Terrace
Adelaide, SA 5000
To make a sponsorship enquiry, or book an exhibition space, please email:
For media enquiries, or to obtain a media pass/access to speakers or delegates for the 18th Australian Space Forum, please email:
ATSF SOCIAL CHANNELS_
Stay up-to-date with #18ASF program and speaker announcements via the Andy Thomas Space Foundation’s social media:
MAILING LIST_
Sign up to receive the Andy Thomas Space Foundation’s regular space industry newsletter:
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