Defence expert James Brown a challenger for NSW Senate vacancy

Former army officer and national security expert James Brown has emerged as a key non-factional candidate for the NSW Liberal Senate vacancy created by the death of Jim Molan.

Space Industry Association of Australia CEO James Brown.

Former army officer and national security expert James Brown has emerged as a key non-factional candidate for the NSW Liberal Senate vacancy created by the death of Jim Molan, who previously served as chief of operations for Coalition Forces in Iraq.

Mr Brown, the chief executive of the Space Industry Association of Australia, served in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands, and is a high-profile commentator on defence and national security issues with extensive overseas contacts.

A former president of the NSW RSL in 2017-19 and chairman of the board of Invictus Australia – which supports veterans’ wellbeing through sport – Mr Brown was also one of the key figures who backed the campaign for a royal commission into veteran suicide, which was established in July 2021.

A preselection for the vacancy, created following the death of senator Molan in January, is expected in mid-May with nominations closing on April 20. A number of candidates are thought to be weighing their options.

Key moderate contenders include NSW Liberal Party president Maria Kovacic, former NSW MP for Bega Andrew Constance and Salesforce executive director Gisele Kapterian.

Former Liberal MP for the federal seat of Lindsay in western Sydney, Fiona Scott, is also “seriously contemplating” putting her hand up to contest the upper house seat.

Mr Brown, 42, is viewed as a non-factional candidate who, like senator Molan, would provide a strong focus on national security.