For Jennifer Parker, the journey from a small town in Broken Hill to becoming a prominent figure in Australia’s naval and legal landscape has been anything but conventional. Born in a remote mining town, Jennifer charted a unique course that combined military service, academic achievement, and a commitment to Australia’s national security. Today, she reflects on her career, education, and the lessons learned along the way.
At the age of 17, Jennifer took her first major step by joining the Royal Australian Navy, setting aside her initial dream of studying law. "It wasn’t the most feasible prospect after high school," she recalls. But her ambition never wavered. While serving at sea and later at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), she remained determined to pursue a legal education. It was her experience in the Navy that eventually brought her to the University of New England (UNE). Friends’ recommendations of UNE’s flexibility and support for students studying in non-traditional environments caught her attention, and soon she enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws program in 2007.
"I commenced my law degree through UNE while at sea," Jennifer explains. "I sat exams everywhere—from the Caribbean to the Middle East, even in Iraqi Territorial Waters during the Second Gulf War." Despite the challenging circumstances, Jennifer’s persistence paid off. She graduated with honours and completed a thesis on a topic of great national interest: whether Australia’s Operation Sovereign Borders complied with international law.
Her legal studies didn’t just enrich her understanding of the world; they also became a cornerstone of her naval career. Following her graduation, Jennifer took on increasingly significant roles in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including serving as the Second in Command of a Navy guided missile frigate. In 2023, she concluded her military service as the Director of Operations for the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, coordinating the efforts of international task forces across a staggering 3.2 million square miles.
Jennifer’s commitment to law and national security didn’t end with her time in uniform. Now serving on several boards, she continues to influence Australia’s strategic direction. She is also pursuing a PhD at the University of Wollongong, focusing on the history of Australia’s naval strategy. "The most exciting part of my current research is being 
able to bring important national security themes into the public debate," she says. In addition, Jennifer teaches on national security topics, including the law of the sea and naval warfare, contributing her expertise to both university and executive education courses.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Jennifer is quick to express gratitude for the support she received from UNE. "Having undertaken my studies across the globe on operations, I have always been thankful for UNE’s support and flexibility," she says. It was this backing that allowed her to balance her naval duties with her academic pursuits, even when it meant juggling multiple time zones and shifting responsibilities.
For students hoping to follow in her footsteps, Jennifer offers simple yet profound advice: "Find something you are passionate about, and find a university that can support the way you want to study." She knows firsthand how important flexibility and support can be, particularly for students who are managing careers alongside their education.
Though Jennifer has chosen not to practice law in the traditional sense—despite being admitted to the ACT Supreme Court—her legal education continues to inform her work on national security issues. "While I don’t practice law directly, my legal studies have been important from my board work to understanding Australia’s national security," she explains.
From her early days at sea to her current role in shaping public debate on national security, Jennifer Parker’s career demonstrates the power of persistence, passion, and a willingness to forge one’s own path. Whether she’s on deck or in the classroom, Jennifer continues to navigate complex issues with the same dedication that brought her to UNE all those years ago.
Jennifer is also a successful Podcast Producer & Host, visit her website to listen to episodes, other media and more
