Pyne picks up EY job focused on defence

Former defence minister and retired MP Christopher Pyne has taken up a job advising professional services giant EY on defence issues.

The hire comes as EY builds its defence expertise, ahead of the federal government spending $200 billion on its military leading up to 2026.

"Right now the Australian government is engaged in the largest expansion of our military capability in our peacetime history...an ambition to build Australian science, technology, engineering, innovation and industrial capability," EY defence industry leader Mark Stewart said.

"Christopher Pyne is also here to help lead conversations about what all states need to do to meet the challenges and opportunities this defence investment will bring."

The University of South Australia confirmed earlier this month that Mr Pyne will be taking up a teaching role in their business school as an "industry professor".