School of Science

Anthony Ferguson

Qualifications

• Master of Security Management, Edith Cowan University, 2009.
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Minor: History & Politics, Monash University & Edith Cowan University, 2006.
• Graduate Certificate of Military and Defence Studies, Deakin University, 2024.
• Advanced vocational certifications (AQF Level 4–6) in Security Ops, OH&S, Assessment, and Resource/Government Management.
• Crisis Management, ICS 300, TapRoot Investigation, Cultural Team Leadership (Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil).

Research

Research Interests

• Indo-Pacific geopolitics and maritime security cooperation
• Crisis management and strategic policy alignment in national defence and energy sectors
• Counterterrorism and asymmetric threats in maritime domains
• Visual mapping and bibliometric analysis of threat networks and policy trends
• Private security regulation and operational integration in state frameworks

Past Research & Employment history

Research & Academic Contributions

• Delivered undergraduate and postgraduate lectures on international security, terrorism, and counterterrorism at Murdoch University (2005–2011, 2016).
• Assisted in course re-drafting for Murdoch’s International Security and Counterinsurgency programs.
• Authored a master’s thesis titled “The Private Security Industry in the 21st Century” as part of his MSc in Security Management.
• Completed a Graduate Certificate in Military and Defence Studies at Deakin University with distinction, focusing on:
  • Joint operations planning
  • Strategic policy and capability
  • Organisational leadership and ethics
• Studied research methods and applications in psychology during his BA, with additional coursework in history, politics, and Southeast Asian studies.
• Produced operational doctrine for government clients, including counterterrorism and hostage rescue protocols.
• Government Operational Manuals – Lead author for counterterrorism and leadership response doctrine (Coffey Group).
• Security Plans & Crisis Management Frameworks – Developed for Shell, INPEX, and Chevron projects, likely distributed internally and to regulatory bodies.
• Strategic Business Plans & Audit Programs – Created during tenure at Unity Resources Group, potentially shared with stakeholders and regulators.

Employment History & Professional Roles

• Shell Australia – Country Security Manager (Current): Oversaw security operations across Australia and New Zealand. Supported renewable energy acquisitions and integration, including Industry chair Oil & Gas Security Forum.
• INPEX Australia – Senior Security Advisor (2014–2017): Led security planning for the Ichthys LNG project. Represented INPEX at the Oil & Gas Security Forum
• Chevron/KJVG – Director of Security & Emergency (2011–2014): Managed security and emergency response for the Gorgon LNG project.
• Unity Resources Group – Acting VP Australasia & GM (2010–2011): Directed operations and strategic planning across Australasia.
• Specialist Training Australia (Coffey Group) – Lead Author & Project Manager (2008–2009)
• Australian Defence Force – 23 years of service, including 20 years in SASR
• Continued service in Army Reserve with leadership and training roles (2009–2024).

Academic & Instructional Experience

• Murdoch University, Western Australia Guest Lecturer (2005–2011, 2016)
  • Delivered lecture series on International Security, Terrorism, and Counterterrorism to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • Assisted in course program re-drafting for the Chair of International Security, Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency in 2016.
• Edith Cowan University (ECU), Western Australia Guest Lecturer (2024–2025)
  • Delivered lectures in Security Management and Strategic Risk Analysis.
  • Engaged with postgraduate students on topics including crisis response frameworks, counterterrorism policy, and ethical leadership in security operations.
• Australian Defence Force / Army Reserve Instructional Roles Various Roles (2009–2024)
  • Instructor and Subunit Commander at the Western Australia University Regiment, Royal Military College Duntroon (2022–2023).
  • Oversaw recruit training, officer assessment boards, and leadership development programs.
  • Delivered specialist training in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and operational planning for government clients (2008–2009).

Supervisors

• Dr Warren Doudle (Principle)
• Dr Michael Coole
• Dr Jamal Barnes

Contact