Tom Connolly

Senior Executive Designer

Expert in National Security, Intelligence and Resilient Systems

 

Tom has extensive experience working across Australia’s intelligence, national security, law enforcement and defence sectors. With over 15 years in operational, analytical, community engagement, capability development, and leadership roles, Tom brings deep expertise in navigating complex government systems and designing solutions that enhance national resilience. 

Tom applies his systems thinking and strategic foresight to help organisations prepare for emerging risks and opportunities. He is particularly skilled at working across multi-stakeholder environments—bringing together government agencies, communities, and international partners to align around shared goals. 

His recent work includes scenario planning and risk analysis for the Department of Home Affairs, strategic foresight for the National Measurement Institute, and survey design and evaluation for the Department of Foreign Affairs. Internationally, he led a multi-stakeholder workshop and co-authored the UNDP Anti-Scam Handbook for the Coalition Against Digital Scams. 

Tom is known for his ability to lead in sensitive and high-trust contexts, enabling collaboration, clarity, and coordinated outcomes. His work supports public institutions to move from insight to implementation—delivering impact in areas that matter most to national wellbeing. 

He holds a Bachelor of Built Environment in Industrial Design, a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Design, and postgraduate qualifications in Journalism and Terrorism and Security Studies. 

Work and thoughts

Coalition Against Digital Scams
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