Simon Bateman served for nearly 40 years with the Royal Australian Navy.

During his naval career he had numerous postings as a seaman officer, and later as a helicopter pilot where he gained operational experience during Australian Defence Force border protection and Middle East operations. As a pilot, he also completed two overseas postings, with the Royal New Zealand Navy and the United States Navy.

Simon also had three command roles including, 805 and 816 Squadrons along with HMAS Albatross. These were alongside senior management positions as the Deputy Commander of the Fleet Air Arm and the Director General of Navy Communications and Coordination.

His last role in the Navy was as the Australian Defence Adviser in New Delhi, India. He assumed this position after completing the Indian National Defence College in 2017.

During his naval career Simon obtained a Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies and Master of Maritime Studies from the University of Wollongong. He also completed a Master of Management in Defence Studies while completing the Australian Command and Staff College in 2004.

In 2014 he was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross as recognition for outstanding achievement as the Director General of Navy Communications and Coordination. He received a Bar to this award in 2022 in recognition of the excellent contribution he made to the Australia-India defence relationship while he was the Defence Adviser.