RPAS 2025 Speaker Bio

Richard Wood

First Assistant Secretary, International Aviation, Technology & Services

Department of Infrastructure

Richard is an experienced leader in the Australian Public Service with over 15 years in the Senior Executive Service.  

In his current role he leads a division with responsibility for international aviation matters, aviation agency governance and safety policy, emerging technologies (including policy relating to RPAS and AAM), low carbon fuels, accessibility policy and the delivery of air space design for Western Sydney Airport. This builds on significant experience in the aviation policy earlier in his career including responsibility for bilateral air services negotiations and aviation environmental matters, as well as a range of complex infrastructure initiatives in the rail sector. 

Richard is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Environmental Studies from the University of Adelaide.