Speaker Biography

Commodore Peter Leavy

President

Australian Naval Institute (ANI)

Commodore Peter Leavy joined the navy in 1984 and served as a Principal Warfare Officer in a variety of ships, culminating in command of HMAS Stuart and HMAS Sydney.  He also served as Director -Sea Power Centre, Commodore Warfare in Fleet Headquarters, Naval Attache in Washington DC, Commandant - Australian Defence Force Academy and Chief of Staff - Joint Operations Command. He led the ADF contribution to the search for MH370 in 2014 for which he was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2024.  He transferred to the Reserves in April 2024 and was elected President of the Australian Naval Institute in December 2023.  He is also a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, researching contemporary maritime strategy for medium powers.