Tom Hamilton

Tom Hamilton is acting Deputy Secretary of the Strategic Policy and Intelligence Group in the Department of Defence. He was promoted to the position of First Assistant Secretary Strategic Policy Division in March 2016.

The Strategic Policy Division develops policy, military strategy and strategic planning and advice for the Australian Government, senior Defence leaders and other government agencies on the strategic implications of defence and national security matters.

Prior to this position, Mr Hamilton held the position of Assistant Secretary Global Interests, located within the International Policy Division in the Department of Defence. The branch was responsible for providing policy advice on Australia’s defence interests including relationships and military operations involving: Iraq; Afghanistan; the Middle East; Europe; Africa; Canada; and international organisations including the United Nations, NATO and the EU.

Mr Hamilton joined the Department of Defence in 2001 and has served in a number of roles in Defence focussing on strategy and capability development, including major capability project analysis and budgeting.

From 2004 to 2009 Mr Hamilton served in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in the National Security Division, with responsibility for Defence capability policy and domestic security policy including maritime security operations. He was also a senior adviser in the Social Policy Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, responsible for Indigenous policy and employment services policy.

From 2009 to 2013 Mr Hamilton was seconded to the Office of the Minister for Defence as a policy adviser and subsequently served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister for Defence.

Mr Hamilton has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Adelaide University.