In this episode, Grant McHerron and Katherine Ziesing, Managing Editor of ADM, talk with MAJGEN (ret) Liz Cosson, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs and 2019 inductee to the ADM Women in Defence Awards Hall of Fame. We discuss Liz's career in Army, her work at DVA and her advice for the next group of leaders.

In 1979, Liz along with 32 other women attended the Women's Royal Army Corps School, undergoing the same training routine as male recruits. By the end of the year, 21 graduated as Army officers. We discuss Liz's career in Army, the hurdles she faced, the mentoring she received and the organisational changes that have occurred since 1979 to accommodate women as equals within Army.

After retiring as a Major General, Liz moved into the Australian Public Service, working at a variety of positions before taking on the role of Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs. We discuss her experiences, the lessons DVA has learned, the establishment of the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention and the work being performed to reduce complexity and improve service to veterans.

We wrap up the episode with Liz providing advice for the next group of leaders and the importance of having mentors, champions and networks.

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The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title.

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

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Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer - Steve Visscher

©️ Australian Defence Magazine - 2020