Australian Defence Capability: Policy to Practice
5 credits
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Full course description
Join Phase's two-day intensive credential to gain strategic insight into Australia's Defence capability and operating environment, building literacy across Defence policy, capability priorities, decision-making frameworks, and approach-to-market pathways.
Western Australia's defence sector is expanding rapidly, creating significant opportunities for industry to contribute capability, innovation, and expertise. Many organisations with strong technical or commercial capabilities nevertheless face challenges navigating how defence sets priorities, introduces technologies, and engages with industry. This micro-credential has been designed to upskill and reskill individuals seeking to build strategic awareness of Australia's defence environment and support effective industry participation.
Through expert-led sessions, this course equips industry professionals with the knowledge and skills to engage more confidently and effectively with the defence and national security sector. Delivered asynchronously through online learning modules followed by a two-day face-to-face workshop, the course focuses on how policy, strategy, capability planning, and resourcing interact, and how industry can align products, services, and ideas with defence priorities.
You'll gain hands-on insight into:
- Orientation to the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force
- Policy foundations for Defence industry
- Introduction to Defence procurement
- The capability system in practice
This course builds Defence literacy and strategic insight, enabling participants to engage with confidence and context in Australia's Defence and national security ecosystem.
Primarily, this course is suited to:
- Individuals and teams seeking a practical, end-to-end understanding of Defence policy, strategy, capability priorities, and engagement pathways.
- Researchers, technical specialists, and academics looking to translate expertise, innovation, or research into applied or funded defence and national security contexts.
- Entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and program leaders aiming to position products, services, or capability for Defence markets, including those transitioning from adjacent sectors.
Disclaimer:
This program includes a limited allocation of funded places through the WA Government's Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grant Program, State Government of Western Australia. The funding supports the upskilling and reskilling of workers in the Western Australian Defence industry as part of the State's broader workforce development priorities. To qualify for a funded place in this micro credential, applicants must meet both the residency and employment eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure the funding is directed to individuals who are part of, or contributing to, the defence workforce.
Upon completion of the course learners will:
- Gain an understanding of Defence structures, policies, and strategic priorities. Participants will be able to proactively apply this knowledge to identify capability shortfalls, and opportunities for Defence industry participation.
- Effectively interpret and apply relevant Defence and national security policies, including security, trade and procurement frameworks, to industry practices.
- Evaluate Defence approach-to-market options that align industry capabilities with Defence priorities, strategy, and resourcing.
- Reflect on personal and organisational skills, knowledge, and capabilities to assess alignment with Defence and national security needs.
Assessment Requirements:
To successfully complete this credential, you are required to pass a final assessment.
To demonstrate what you have learned, you will:
- Apply collaborative problem-solving skills to analyse Defence and national security challenges and develop innovative capability solutions.
- Identify and map key Defence, Government, and industry stakeholders critical to capability development and delivery.
- Analyse policy, security, and strategic frameworks to assess capability viability and alignment with Defence priorities.
- Communicate and justify a capability proposal through professional presentations, supported by stakeholder and security artefacts.
Tony is Co-Founder and Director of Phase, where he focuses on shaping and aligning emerging capabilities with the real-world needs of Australia's Defence and national security community. A Reservist Army Officer with over 15 years of full-time service across capability development, operations, and leadership, Tony is also a practising barrister advocating on veterans, Defence capability, and national interest matters. Passionate about leveraging technology for asymmetric advantage, he supports SMEs, entrepreneurs, and researchers to align innovations with Defence needs and Australia's strategic objectives.
Rob is a Defence and National Security professional with extensive experience in business operations, project management, and capability development across Defence, industry, and innovation. As Senior Manager at Phase, he helps translate emerging capabilities into operational advantage for Australia's national security community. A Chartered Professional Engineer, Army Reserve Engineering Officer, and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Rob is passionate about strengthening Australia's Defence and National Security industrial resilience by aligning industry capability with government priorities.
Dr S Zaung Nau is a Senior Lecturer and Course Lead in Supply Chain Management at Curtin University. She teaches Project Management and Information Systems units, blending industry-engaged, technology-enhanced, and applied learning experiences. Committed to student employability, Dr Nau incorporates frameworks like PMBOK, PRME, and the UN SDGs, and uses simulations, collaborative tools, and real-world cases in her teaching. She also mentors students through internships and work-integrated learning, supporting their career readiness and leadership development.
Once you successfully complete and pass the final assessment, you'll earn a digital badge that is instantly shareable to your social networks (including LinkedIn) which showcases your new skills and knowledge mastery.
This credential provides foundation knowledge in a discipline and doesn't require previous knowledge.
You will also earn 5 credit points which are in line with Australian Qualification Framework Level 8 criteria, ensuring comprehensive theoretical and/or technical knowledge of the credential. 100 credit points are required to earn a Graduate Certificate at Curtin.
Curtin Credentials focus on five themes, which have been carefully curated based on what's most relevant and valuable to professionals today, and in the future. This credential fits within the following theme:
Thrive and adapt in the changing world of work by developing and broadening your skillset in a range of areas including work design and cognitive flexibility.
For more information on this, or any other questions about Curtin Credentials, email us at curtincredentials@curtin.edu.au or call Curtin Connect at 1300 222 888.
*Curtin may cancel or reschedule a credential at any time and for any reason as it sees fit. The start date and the other details of this credentials are provided as a general guide only and may change from time to time.
✝This credential includes online resources, pre-readings, face-to-face sessions and assessments. However, to pass and earn 5 credit points, you may need to commit further time.
^A mix of online and face-to-face learning.
§Limited fully funded places available for WA based Defence Industry professionals.
*Disclaimer: This program includes a limited allocation of funded places through the WA Government's Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grant Program, State Government of Western Australia. The funding supports the upskilling and reskilling of workers in the Western Australian Defence industry as part of the State's broader workforce development priorities. To qualify for a funded place in this micro credential, applicants must meet both the residency and employment eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure the funding is directed to individuals who are part of, or contributing to, the defence workforce.
Course Run Dates:
21st-22nd April 2026
8th-9th Sep 2026 *
Duration: 10 hours total✝
Face-to-face: 2 days
Delivery Mode: Blended^
Price: Fully funded§
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