Australia will appoint Kelly Parker, former head of Rio Tinto's Australia operations, as National Armaments Director starting in early November. The role, created this year to curb defence procurement cost overruns and multi-year delays, is intended to apply her private-sector experience managing complex projects; Parker previously ran Rio's iron ore and aluminium divisions and was CEO of Rio Tinto Australia until stepping down in June.

2026-10-26

Australia will appoint Kelly Parker, former head of Rio Tinto's Australia operations, as National Armaments Director starting in early November. The role, created this year to curb defence procurement cost overruns and multi-year delays, is intended to apply her private-sector experience managing complex projects; Parker previously ran Rio's iron ore and aluminium divisions and was CEO of Rio Tinto Australia until stepping down in June.