Former Rio Tinto executive to oversee Australia's weapons procurement, advancing the largest military buildup in peacetime

Australia will appoint the former head of mining giant Rio Tinto's Australian operations to oversee weapons procurement, drawing on her experience managing complex projects in the private sector to advance the country's ongoing large-scale military buildup. According to a government statement, Kellie Parker will take up the role of National Armaments Director in early November. The position was created this year to curb cost overruns and project delays in defense procurement, with some projects already running years behind schedule. Parker served as chief executive of Rio Tinto Australia until June this year, and previously also oversaw the group's iron ore and aluminum businesses.