Tom joined the ANU National Security College on secondment from the Department of Defence in July 2026.  Tom brings extensive experience from a career in foreign policy and national security.  Tom is currently based in Los Angeles.  

Before moving to the US, Tom was a branch head in Defence’s International Policy Division.  His responsibilities included leading the strong growth in Australia's defence relations with Japan, India and the Republic of Korea. He also managed the defence relationship with the People's Republic of China and issues related to maritime security in the region. In an earlier role, he managed Australia’s defence relations with the countries of Europe, the Middle East and South Asia, including leading Australia’s initial policy response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  

Prior to joining Defence, Tom had a long career in DFAT, including postings to Tokyo and Paris. His last position with DFAT was in the Consular and Crisis Management Division, where he managed aspects of the consular response to the COVID crisis. 

Tom has an Executive Masters in Public Administration from the Australia New Zealand School of Government and conferred by the Australian National University. He has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Tasmania, and a Graduate Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade from Monash University.  He speaks Japanese and French. 

Tom’s focus at NSC is on the US Alliance and defence industrial cooperation.