Alison Rose

Alison Rose is the Chief of Space Division at Geoscience Australia. She has over 25 years’ experience across government space, geospatial and intelligence domains, spanning senior roles in both the public and private sectors. Alison joined Geoscience Australia in January 2020.

Alison is the Australian Government lead for civilian Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) and Earth Observation (EO) programs, where she has executive responsibility for the governance, delivery and operation of nationally-significant positioning, satellite imaging and data capabilities. These capabilities underpin government operations, industry productivity and emerging technologies across a wide range of sectors, including transportation, resources, agriculture, disaster response, environmental management and infrastructure planning.

Prior to her current appointment, Alison led Geoscience Australia’s Place, Space and Communities Division, which in addition to space included the additional responsibility for national mapping, marine and Antarctic science, community safety and spatial data services. In both roles, she oversaw long‑term investment programs, complex intergovernmental and international partnerships, and the stewardship of strategic national data and infrastructure assets.

Before joining Geoscience Australia, Alison held senior executive roles in the Department of Defence and the Department of Home Affairs, including Assistant Secretary Border Intelligence Support to Operations and Assistant Secretary Geospatial-Intelligence Foundation and Support. She also served as Global National Government Industry Solutions Director at Esri, a US‑based global geospatial technology company, where she led the development and delivery of geospatial solutions for national government.

Throughout her career, Alison has led the delivery of large‑scale space, data and digital capability programs, including nationally significant satellite, positioning, mapping and enterprise information management initiatives. She has also held senior executive intelligence roles in national security agencies, with responsibility for both enabling functions and operational support, bringing extensive experience in leading national capabilities across policy, investment, delivery and operations. Alison has a strong track record in leading complex national capabilities that support Australia’s security, resilience and economic future.