Roundtable Discussion
With Vice Admiral Matthew Paul Buckley AM CSC, Chief of Navy for the Royal Australian Navy
Date: Friday, 21 August, 2026
Location: Winthrop Hall, The University of Western Australia
Event summary
On 21 August 2026, the Perth USAsia Centre was pleased to host Vice Admiral Matt Buckley AM CSC RAN, Chief of Navy for the Royal Australian Navy, for a roundtable discussion on Australia’s maritime security environment.
As the most senior appointment in the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Buckley provided valuable insights into Australia’s regional strategic environment and the role of Western Australian defence industry cooperation.
A number of key insights arose during the conversation:
In the face of an evolving maritime security environment, technological change, and increased industry cooperation, Western Australia remains a key part of Australia’s defence ecosystem. The discussion underscored the state’s involvement in national defence capability – from sustainment to industry development and critical minerals supply chains – a role that is only set to grow.
Guest Speakers
Vice Admiral Matthew Paul Buckley AM CSC
Chief of Navy for the Royal Australian Navy
Vice Admiral (VADM) Matt Buckley AM CSC RAN assumed the role of Chief of Navy on 7 July 2026 after his appointment of Deputy Chief of Navy from 2025 to 2026.
VADM Buckley was born in Sydney, Australia and spent his school years growing up on the NSW South Coast. He joined the Royal Australian Navy in January 1990 and graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy in December 1992.
VADM Buckley spent the tactical phase of his career serving in Oberon and Collins Class submarines. Key highlights include 2 years on exchange in a Canadian submarine based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and serving in the commissioning crew of HMAS Rankin.
Following completion of the Submarine Command Course ‘Perisher’ and the tactical phase of the United States Navy Submarine Command Course, VADM Buckley commanded the submarine HMAS Collins. He later served as the Commander of the Australian Submarine Force. VADM Buckley’s sea service was extensively in the Indo-Pacific, fostering a deep interest in the region.
VADM Buckley has served in several senior staff appointments including Director Submarine Capability, Director General Navy Operations, Director General Navy People, and Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability. He is a graduate of the Australian Defence and Strategic Studies Course where he received the Secretary of Defence – Chief of Defence Force prize.
VADM Buckley was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, June 2015 for his contribution to the Submarine Capability. In January 2024, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for exceptional service in senior leadership roles within the Royal Australian Navy.
He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Strategy and Policy from the University of New South Wales. He also earned a Master of International Relations from Deakin University.
VADM Buckley maintains a keen interest in global affairs and enjoys casual barbeques with family and friends. He is an enthusiastic participant in a range of ocean and outdoor sports and is the proud Patron of both the Navy and Australian Defence Force ‘Surfriders’ associations.
Venue
Winthrop Hall
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009
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