Aidan

A career in defence industry was not part of Aidan Fisher’s original plan.

After studying law and international studies, he imagined a future in diplomacy. Instead, a graduate role with the Department of Defence opened the door to a career spanning major acquisition programs, submarine policy and export controls.

Today, Aidan is Lead Consultant at Kardia Compliance Solutions, an Adelaide-based consultancy helping defence, space and advanced technology organisations manage complex export control and trade compliance obligations.

Born and raised in Sydney, Aidan completed a double degree in Law and International Studies at Macquarie University, including periods of study in Lausanne and Copenhagen.

Drawn to international affairs and complex global issues, he initially hoped to join the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

When that pathway did not eventuate, Aidan applied for the Department of Defence graduate program with the Australian Public Service.

“I was interested in international issues and problem-solving, and Defence gave me another way to apply those interests,” Aidan said.

Through the graduate program, he worked across policy, procurement and commercial roles, including on the former SEA 1000 Future Submarine Program and LAND 400 Phase 3.

In 2021, he moved to Adelaide as a commercial and contracting officer on the SEA 1000 Future Submarine Program before it was superseded following the AUKUS announcement. He later completed a Master of Laws at the University of Adelaide while continuing to work in Defence.

His career shifted into export controls after he was asked to support a colleague managing the function. This field quickly became a natural fit, bringing together his legal background, international interests and experience on major defence programs.

Export controls regulate access to and the transfer of sensitive goods, technology, information and services within Australia and overseas.

“It connected with many of the things I had originally been interested in, including international cooperation, non-proliferation and solving complex problems,” he said.

“The challenge is to help organisations meet their obligations without unnecessarily getting in the way of delivery.”

Building on his experience with the Future Submarine Program, Aidan joined the newly established Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce in early 2022, supporting Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.

As one of the first staff in the taskforce’s Adelaide office, he helped establish its export control arrangements before expanding that work across the Australian Submarine Agency.

The role involved close engagement with counterparts in the United States and United Kingdom as Australia navigated the different legal and regulatory systems underpinning AUKUS.

Aidan eventually led the Australian Government team responsible for export controls supporting the delivery of AUKUS Pillar I.

“Each country has its own laws and processes, but there is a common purpose,” he said.

“You are working with people from different systems and cultures to find a practical way forward while protecting sensitive capability.”

Export controls are often associated with goods physically leaving Australia, but the field is much broader.

Aidan’s work can involve advising organisations on who can access controlled technology, whether overseas services require approval, how commercial arrangements should be structured and what safeguards are needed when recruiting staff or working with international partners.

The rules can apply to military technology as well as dual-use products developed for both civilian and defence purposes.

This is particularly relevant to the space sector, where technologies such as satellites, launch systems, microchips and propulsion components may also have military applications.

“You might have an Australian company developing genuinely exciting technology with a commercial purpose, but that technology can still be subject to export controls,” Aidan said.

“The aim is to help that company take its product to market while ensuring it is not diverted or used in a way that could undermine national or international security.”

After leaving the Australian Submarine Agency in 2025, Aidan joined Kardia Compliance Solutions. The consultancy supports Australian industry and academia, particularly smaller organisations. Many face the same compliance expectations as major defence companies but without dedicated teams or specialist resources.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are developing some extraordinary technology, but export controls may not be on their radar until a customer or regulator asks what systems they have in place,” Aidan said.

“We want to make the right level of support accessible and help organisations build compliance into their operations from the beginning.”

Alongside his consulting work, Aidan teaches export control law at Adelaide University and serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Export Control Australia Group, a not-for-profit focused on strengthening capability across Australian industry.

Aidan says one of the strengths of the defence and space industries is the range of skills and perspectives they bring together.

“Both sectors need people with expertise in law, policy, commerce, education and stakeholder engagement, as well as engineering and technology,” he said.

“For people who enjoy solving complex problems, working internationally and turning detailed requirements into practical action, there are many rewarding ways to contribute.”

Explore more of the Find Your Place website to discover career opportunities in South Australia’s defence and space sectors.