The National Press Club hosts public debates and private discussions that shape Australia today and into the future. Home of the national conversation, we’re proud to be Australia’s most recognised forum for discussion and debate.
The National Press Club hosts public debates and private discussions that shape Australia today and into the future. Home of the national conversation, we’re proud to be Australia’s most recognised forum for discussion and debate.
Developing Australia’s defence industrial base – a time for urgency, optimism and action
Robert Nioa the Group Chief Executive of NIOA, will Address the National Press Club of Australia on 'Developing Australia’s defence industrial base – a time for urgency, optimism and action'
Rob Nioa is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of the NIOA Group.
The NIOA Group of companies includes NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, Barrett (USA) and joint venture company, Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.
NIOA is the largest Australian-owned supplier of firearms, weapons and munitions to the Australian and New Zealand defence forces, law enforcement community and licensed firearms dealer network.
The group’s Barrett operation is the primary supplier of long-range weapons systems to the US military and exports to 75 US Department of State approved countries around the world.
Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, the NIOA Group has offices and operations in Canberra, Melbourne and Benalla, in regional Victoria, Lithgow, in regional New South Wales, Maryborough, in regional Queensland, as well as New Zealand and the United States.
Rob began his working life in the family’s fuel stations in regional Queensland where, in 1973, they also started a small gun shop which was the forerunner of the modern company.
His early career included time in the satellite communications industry contracting to Westinghouse Electronics Systems group of Baltimore and Australian telecommunications company Telstra.
In 1994 he became a Director of NIOA Trading, which by then had expanded into Brisbane as a sporting firearms wholesaler, before eventually stepping up to run the business in 2002.
As Group CEO, Rob is responsible for the company’s strategic direction, with a focus on creating and developing opportunities while building the company’s capabilities, expertise and culture.
Under Rob’s leadership, the company has experienced extraordinary growth to become Australia’s global munitions company. Significant milestones over the past decade include
Rob is Chairman of Barrett and is also a Director and Deputy Chairman of joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions (RNM).
Rob is a strong advocate for industry leadership of community safety. He is actively involved in the Australian firearms community and spends considerable time furthering the industry’s interests at a state and national level.
He is a member of the Queensland Ministerial Weapons Advisory Panel, providing advice to the Queensland Government on a wide range of firearms issues. He is the president of the National Firearm Dealers Association, and vice president of the Queensland Firearm Dealers Association. He is a director of the Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia and has been a regular contributor to national working groups on firearm related issues in Australia for more than 20 years.
Rob is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently completing the Harvard Business School Owner/President Management Program.
He and wife Eliza are passionate about rural communities and also own the NIOA Pastoral Co. located in Queensland’s Southern Downs region.
Rob is a keen shooter and hunter.
Claim your front-row seat to the national conversation and explore the benefits of membership today.
Apply NowGroup Chief Executive of NIOA
Robert Nioa the Group Chief Executive of NIOA, will Address the National Press Club of Australia on 'Developing Australia’s defence industrial base – a time for urgency, optimism and action'
View DetailsFrench Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Catherine Colonna, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will Address The National Press Club of Australia.
View DetailsVice-Chancellor & President of the Australian National University
Professor Brian P. Schmidt AC, Vice-Chancellor & President of the Australian National University, will address the National Press Club of Australia on Building resilient – and resurgent – democracies for the 21st century.
View DetailsMinister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Minister for Government Services
The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Minister for Government Services will address the National Press Club of Australia on "The NDIS Review".
View DetailsChief Executive Officer of The ParentHood
Jessica Rudd, the Chief Executive Officer of The ParentHood, will address the National Press Club of Australia.
View DetailsMinister for Defence Industry Minister For International Development & The Pacific
The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, Minister For International Development & The Pacific will Address the National Press Club of Australia.
View DetailsInsurance Council of Australia Executive Director & CEO
Andrew Hall is the Executive Director and CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, He will address the National Press Club of Australia.
View DetailsRegister and have your say on who should address the National Press Club of Australia.
Propose a speaker