Mike Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN), will Address the National Press Club of Australia on “The Race for Sovereignty: Building Australia’s Self-Reliant Industrial and Defence Base by 2035”.
As CEO of the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN), Mike Johnson will address the National Press Club on the urgent need for Australia to accelerate its path toward a self-reliant industrial and defence base by 2035.
In an era defined by regional instability, uncertainty around the AUKUS partnership, procurement mismanagement, workforce shortages, and rapid advances in warfare technology, Australia cannot afford complacency. Mike will argue that national sovereignty is not just about security—it is about economic resilience, technological leadership, and the ability to control our own destiny.
Central to this challenge is the transformation of Australia’s manufacturing capability and productivity performance. By investing in advanced manufacturing, scaling R&D, and adopting smarter, more efficient practices, Australia can drive innovation, create high-value jobs, and boost competitiveness across multiple sectors including IT, cyber security, and critical infrastructure.
Mike will call for bold policy reforms that support SMEs, empower local industry, and prioritise productivity as the driver of national strength. He will outline how a sovereign, efficient, and innovative industrial base can safeguard national security, stimulate the economy, and contribute to global stability—ensuring Australia is prepared for an uncertain future.
BIO:
Mike Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN), the peak national body representing small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia’s defence sector. With a career spanning multiple industries and continents, Mike brings deep expertise in corporate strategy, systemisation, and strategic communications, positioning AIDN as a powerful advocate for Australian sovereign defence capability.
Throughout his career, Mike has worked across aerospace, media and professional services throughout Australia, New Zealand and the United States. This global perspective enables him to identify opportunities for growth and collaboration, while ensuring SMEs remain at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness in the defence supply chain.
Mike is also deeply passionate about building generational capability within industry. He champions collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and policy outcomes that empower Australian businesses to thrive locally and compete globally. His leadership reflects AIDN’s vision of a resilient, innovative, and sovereign defence industry—one that safeguards national security while creating enduring opportunities for Australian enterprises.
