Mr Murphy is a principal partner of Southwell Murphy and Associates (SMA), with key capabilities in the areas of project management, risk and contingency planning, protective security policy development and implementation, security program evaluation and infrastructure reviews, conduct of personnel security clearances, conduct of serious fraud/security investigations, training and development – security/investigation practice, investigative interviewing/risk management and project management.

Stephen has spent over 30 years working in and with the Australian Defence Force, NSW Police Force and Commonwealth Public Service with over 20 years experience in conducting and managing major crime investigations and security projects. Over the last 7 years Stephen has worked at the Executive Level of the Australian Public Service, primarily in the security advisory and policy development areas within the Department of Defence and the Attorney Generals Department.

Stephen has been a principal consultant to a number of Australian and Foreign Government agencies in the areas of protective security and serious crime investigation.

Stephen holds undergraduate and post graduate degrees in Policing and Serious Crime Investigation, a Diploma in Government Fraud Control (Investigations), a Diploma in Security and Risk Management, an Advanced Diploma in Project Management, a Certificate IV in Personnel Security and a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment. Stephen has also been awarded certificates in security risk management and security technology and is recognised by the Australian Institute of Project Management as a Master Project Director.