Ep. 21: Interview with Rebecca Skinner, Associate Secretary at Defence
b'We are very excited to bring you a special interview this episode with Rebecca Skinner, Associate Secretary of Australia\\u2019s Department of Defence, and therefore one of the most senior women working on Australia\\u2019s national security. It is a wide-ranging conversation that covers topics including the nature of the Associate Secretary role, civil-military relationships inside the department, the never-ending question of reform, gender issues, and contrasts between private and public sector organisations. Allan and Darren also pose big picture questions on the disrupted strategic environment and how to better integrate Australia\\u2019s national security community. On the lighter side, the $400 ash tray from the TV show \\u201cThe West Wing\\u201d and (perhaps) its Australian equivalent \\u2013 a flute \\u2013 also come up.\\nAs always, we invite our listeners to email us at this address: australia.world.pod@gmail.com We welcome feedback, requests and suggestions. You can also contact Darren on twitter @limdarrenj\\nOur thanks go to AIIA intern Charlie Henshall for his help with audio editing, Rory Stenning for composing our theme music, and Martyn Pearce for technical assistance in setting up this episode.\\nRelevant links\\nRebecca Skinner\\u2019s biography: http://defence.gov.au/leaders/MsRebeccaSkinner.asp\\nThe West Wing: \\u201cFour hundred dollar ashtray\\u201d: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R9kH_HOUXM'