As new technologies, new global actors and an evolving natural environment create new challenges, the national security community must reflect the diversity of a complex world. To this end it is critical that all Australians are aware of their value and encouraged to consider a career in the national security community and under-represented elements of our society are provided with a pathway forward.

The National Security College and the Australian National University’s LGBT+ Alumni Network warmly invite you to an evening with Group Captain Catherine McGregor AM. Introduced by Professor Rory Medcalf and in conversation with PhD candidate William Stoltz, Catherine will offer her experience and insights as a leader within Australia’s national security community and transgender advocacy. Join us over a glass of wine to chat with Catherine and staff from the National Security College to consider your own pathway into meaningful and valuable career.

Group Captain Catherine McGregor AM has served as a military officer in the Australian Defence Force, is a diversity advocate, strategic policy practitioner, political adviser and a prominent writer and social commentator.

As the most senior transgender military officer in the world, Catherine assisted in leading the Australian Defence Force through a period of organisational change to improve its embrace of diversity. She was a strategic advisor and speech writer to every Chief of Army from 2001 until 2014. As Director of the Land Warfare Studies Centre in Canberra, she was also the editor in chief of the Australian Army Journal and the LWSC Strategy monograph series. During her civilian career, Catherine worked across politics and media. She served on the staff of the Honourable Bob Carr, Leader of the New South Wales Opposition and later Premier.

Catherine graduated from the Royal Military College Duntroon with Honours in History where she was awarded the CEW Bean Prize for Military History. Catherine is currently studying law at the Australian National University. Catherine was awarded the Order of Australia in the Military Division (2012) for her exceptional contribution to Army strategic policy.