Event program

AICD Chair, Naomi Edwards, welcome attendees to this year’s Australian Governance Summit and outlines the key themes and topics.

Speaker

• Naomi Edwards FAICD, Chair, AICD

Qantas Chair John Mullen joins the 2025 Australian Governance Summit for a special presentation. 

Speaker

• John Mullen AM, Chair, Qantas

Geopolitical instability has been on the rise and looks likely to persist in 2025. Donald Trump’s re-election has brought fresh uncertainty to the international order, the conflict in Ukraine continues, and China’s relations with the West remain fragile. The factors could all have dramatic impacts on Australia and our economy. Which international risk factors should boards be tracking? How can boards plan for this challenging international environment? What safeguards should directors put in place?

Speaker

• Michèle Flournoy, Former US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Co-Founder & Managing Partner, WestExec Advisors 
  

The partnership between the Chair and the CEO is critical for steering an organisation towards success. In this special case study, Australian Unity Chair Lisa Chung and CEO Rohan Mead take us inside their relationship. How should the roles and responsibilities of the Chair and CEO be clearly defined? What are effective strategies for maintaining open and productive communication? How can the Chair and CEO handle disagreements or conflicts constructively?

Speakers

• Lisa Chung FAICD, Chair, Australian Unity 
• Rohan Mead AAICD, CEO, Australian Unity
  

Online threats have emerged as one of the key risks for boards and their organisations. This session will take attendees into the centre of a simulated cyber-attack, offering insights on how boards can navigate the complexities of decision-making during an incident. What should boards do when they’re first notified of an attack? How can directors best collaborate with management, experts and stakeholders? What does effective communication with regulators, the media and customers look like? 

Speakers

• Susan Forrester AM FAICD, Chair, Jumbo
• Anna Leibel GAICD, Director, AMP  

Moderator

• Craig Ford, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Cyber Unicorns Deputy Chair, Australian Information Security Association 

Directors have a critical role in driving climate action and energy transformation efforts at their organisations. At the same time, new mandatory climate disclosure requirements mark a significant shift in corporate reporting. What questions should directors be asking of management in light of new reporting obligations? How can organisations assess both the risks and opportunities of the energy transition? And what does a best-practice strategy look like for setting targets, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance while also seizing opportunities for growth?

University of NSW Emerita Professor, Pamela Hanrahan, will deliver her annual address to the Australian Governance Summit. She will cover the latest major changes to the legislative and regulatory landscapes. What do these developments mean for boards and how should directors respond?

Speaker

• Dr Pamela Hanrahan MAICD, Emerita Professor, University of NSW, Consultant, Johnson Winter Slattery 

While many NFP boards operate on a voluntary basis, there is a growing conversation about compensating directors. Some believe remuneration could broaden the pool of potential NFP board members, improve accountability, and drive better governance outcomes. How can NFPs balance the financial constraints of the organisation with the potential benefits of remunerating directors? What are the legal and regulatory considerations for paying NFP directors, particularly in different jurisdictions? Which governance structures should be in place to ensure director remuneration is fair and aligned with the organisation's goals?

Speakers

• Jessica Bulger MAICD, CEO, Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, Co-Chair, Outward Bound Australia  
• Graeme Innes AM GAICD, Chancellor, Central Queensland University, Board Member, NDIA  
• Heather Watson MAICD, Chair, UnitingCare Australia, Chair, Children’s Health Queensland

Moderator 

• Phil Butler GAICD, Not For Profit Sector Lead, AICD

Experienced chair, director & author, John M. Green FAICD, takes us inside the boardroom at PwC Australia.

Speaker

• John M. Green FAICD, Chair, PwC Australia Governance Board  

Moderator

• Mark Rigotti MAICD, Managing Director & CEO, AICD 

The 2025 Australian Governance Summit MC welcomes delegates to Day Two of the event.

Speaker

• Australian Governance Summit 2025 MC 

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a key consideration for boards. Directors must ensure their organisations are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this new technology. At the same time, it is crucial for boards to provide sufficient safeguards around AI to ensure it is used ethically and safely. How should boards balance the benefits of AI innovation with the need for responsible oversight and ethical considerations? What are the most pressing risks from the adoption of AI? And how can boards effectively navigate them?

Speakers

• Nikita Atkins, Artificial Intelligence Lead, NCS Group Australia
• Stela Solar MAICD, Managing Director, Data & AI, Accenture, Former Director, National AI Centre  
• Tim Trumper GAICD, Chair, NRMA, Author, “AI: Game On – How to decide who or what decides”

The AICD’s Managing Director and CEO, Mark Rigotti, outlines the organisation’s key priorities for the year ahead. 

Speaker

• Mark Rigotti MAICD, Managing Director & CEO, AICD 

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Chair Joe Longo addresses the 2025 Australian Governance Summit and answers questions from the audience.

Speaker

• Joe Longo, Chair, Australian Securities and Investments Commission

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting regulatory landscapes, and evolving stakeholder demands, boards must continuously assess and enhance their skill sets to remain effective and relevant. What are the critical skills and competencies that a board needs to effectively navigate the complexities of the 21st century? How can boards identify and address skill gaps? What are the best practices for recruiting new members with the necessary expertise?

Speakers

• Sally Loane MAICD, Chair, Destination NSW  
• Brad Welsh GAICD, CEO, Energy Resources of Australia Director, nib  
• Melanie Willis FAICD, Chair, QBE Australia Pacific 

Selecting a CEO is one of a boards’ most important functions. Succession planning should be an ongoing strategic priority, rather than a sudden response to unexpected circumstances.  How can directors ensure they've picked the right candidate for the job? What steps should boards take to monitor the effectiveness of their current CEO? How can boards build a strong pipeline of potential leaders?

Speakers

• René Johnson MAICD, Managing Director, Pacific Search Partners  
• Helen Kurincic FAICD, Chair, McMillan Shakespeare, Director, Ramsay Health Care
• Kate Spargo FAICDLife, Director, Sigma Health, Director, Sonic Healthcare 

Building and maintaining an organisation’s culture is a key role for boards. Recent high-profile governance issues at some of Australia’s largest companies and institutions have shown the damage that can occur, when organisations do not have the correct culture in place. What are the warning signs that culture is deteriorating, and how can directors respond? How should the board set the tone on culture and model behaviour? What impact does a dispersed workforce have on an organisation’s culture?

Speakers

• Jenn Morris MAICD, Director, Sandfire Resources  
• Karl Treacher, CEO, The Culture Institute of Australia  

Moderator

• Laura Bacon GAICD, Senior Policy Adviser, AICD 

Directors have a crucial part in improving their organisation’s productivity by effectively shaping strategy, culture and priorities. This discussion is designed to equip board members with actionable insights on how to play an active role in driving productivity while balancing their governance responsibilities. We’ll look at practical examples of how successful boards have created a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring their organisations are built for long-term growth. 

Speakers

• Alison Kitchen AM MAICD, Director, NAB 
• Marianne Perkovic GAICD, Chair, Australian Fashion Council, Director, Insignia Financial  
• The Honourable Victor Dominello, Founder, ServiceGen, Former NSW Government Minister 

Data has become an integral part of everyday operations for many organisations across a range of sectors. It can provide crucial insights into customers, clients, and staff. However, the increased use of data has given rise to a range of fresh governance issues. What safeguards should boards put in place around the application of data? How can this information be protected? What steps should organisations take if a data breach occurs?

Speakers

• Valeska Bloch, Partner & Head of Cyber, Allens  
• Wendy Stops GAICD, Deputy Chancellor, University of Melbourne Director, Coles  

Moderator

• Simon Mitchell, Senior Policy Advisor, AICD 

Join us for an engaging discussion focused on the critical components that contribute to high-functioning boards. In an era where effective governance is paramount, understanding how to optimise board performance is essential for an organisation’s success. This session aims to equip directors with actionable strategies and best practices to elevate their governance capabilities.

Speakers

• Lyn McGrath GAICD, Chair, Australian Digital Health Agency  
• Steve Pell, CEO, BoardOutlook  
• Jingmin Qian FAICD, Director, Abacus Group

As workplace legislation and regulation continues to evolve, company directors must stay ahead of changes but also understand their role in promoting employee wellbeing. This session will explore the latest regulatory developments impacting workplace relations, providing boards members with insights into how to ensure compliance while fostering a healthy, engaged and productive workforce.

Speakers

• Miles Bastick, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills  
• Dr Juliet Bourke GAICD, Professor of Practice in the School of Management and Governance, UNSW Business School  
• Melanie Laing FAICD, Director, AUB Group  

Boards have a leading role in safeguarding their organisation’s reputation. Recent high-profile examples have shown some of the risks when a company or NFP loses their stakeholders’ trust. How can boards provide sufficient oversight to ensure their organisation’s reputation is protected? What strategies can the board implement to respond to reputation-damaging events or crises swiftly and effectively? How can an organisation rebuild faith with stakeholders if a reputation is harmed?

Speakers

• John Connolly FAICD, Director, John Connolly & Partners  
• Sunita Gloster AM GAICD, Chair, Diversity Council  
• Louise McElvogue FAICD, Board Member, ABC, CEO, Macleod Media 

Australians are headed to the ballot box in 2025 for an important federal election. The nation is grappling with a number of key issues, with implications for the near-term and beyond the horizon. Boards can and should have a leading role in Australia’s major policy discussions. What are the key reforms that directors want action on? How can boards effectively engage with policymakers and government stakeholders? How should directors manage political uncertainties and their potential effects on organisational strategy?

Speakers

• Bran Black, CEO, Business Council of Australia  
• The Honourable Anna Bligh AC, CEO, Australian Banking Association, Former Queensland Premier  
• The Honourable Christopher Pyne, Chair, COTA Australia, Former Cabinet Minister
  

Speaker

• Mark Rigotti MAICD, Managing Director & CEO, AICD