WGCDR Mark Ryan MBA, (Ret'd) President RUSIDSS-SA

The Royal United Services Institute of South Australia (RUSI-SA) maintains a long and proud history of involvement in national defence and strategic outlook realms. Our charter is clear in promoting strong and vibrant discussion relevant to current Australian military members’ welfare, the purchase of foreign war-fighting equipment, domestically awarded Australian Defence Industry contracts, and all manner of associated financial, logistical and operational matters faced now and into the future.   Rather than acting as another advocacy organisation such as the RSL, Legacy, or more recent ex-Serving members’ groups, the RUSI-SA focuses squarely on the future shape and direction of government policy in relation to the Australian Defence Force. This is what makes our organisation significantly different in approach, reach and scope from the aforementioned and highly respected as well as complementary entities to the defence community. We, as predominantly ex-Serving members ourselves, who seek to remain informed on all matters pertaining to military affairs, continue to be engaged academically and socially by moving the national defence agenda forward through dialogue, actions and interaction with the key government and ADF uniformed decision makers. Our relevance is only gaining traction as we look toward an uncertain future in ever increasingly disruptive and potentially hostile times. The RUSI-SA organised the SUBSUMMIT 2015 to bring to the National consciousness the fact that the Abbott Government had agreed to purchase 12 new future submarine hulls from Japan.  The SUBSUMMIT 2015 was instrumental in changing the outcome of the procurement where the French bid won.  This brings an outcome of over AUD$20 billion dollars to South Australia along with thousands of jobs to the State and the Nation further building advanced shipbuilding skills, experience and wisdom in the Australian workforce.  The contract further cements defence cooperation between France and Australia.   The RUSI-SA is arguably the only platform available for those in the wider South Australian community to engage, discuss and debate matters critical to the long-term national interests both domestically and abroad. We seek to attract more members, or people who are attracted to specific topics of interest, to attend our regular Current Issues Briefings (CIBs) and more substantial conferences that are held periodically throughout the year. Previous speakers for the RUSI-SA have ranged from current serving politicians, ADF senior leadership, Defence Industry leaders, Emergency Service representatives and various community leaders. The line-up of speakers who have committed to the 2018 calendar is just as impressive. Whether you’re interested in major Navy, Army or Air Force military platforms, weapons systems, uniform and equipment developments or, most importantly, ADF personal recruitment and welfare issues – the RUSI-SA is the organisation to deliver the forum to be informed.