Mel Slater joined Defence SA as Director, Maritime in December 2023. The focus of his role is to develop and deliver a program of activities that grows Defence presence and contributes to a sustainable defence industry within the state.

Mel has over 40 years’ experience in shipbuilding construction (including submarines, patrol boats, frigates, minehunters, and diving systems) across engineering, major subcontracts, and senior management positions, with over 30 of those years working here in South Australia.

Prior to joining Defence SA, Mel worked on major projects including the Attack class submarine program and AIR6500, responsible for aspects of sourcing within the supply chain through market solicitations, evaluations, subcontract negotiations and executions, with overall cost and schedule responsibilities.

Mel has also worked on several other key Defence projects in the state, including the design and construction of the Collins class submarines, construction of the Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers, and projects within the land and air domains.