STEP UP AND STEER THE AI REVOLUTION FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT!
May 20, 2025
| Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, Australia
Agenda Day 1
Morning Sessions
8:45 am - 8:50 am
- Welcome Address - Event Director
Sakshi Saroha - Event Director, IQPC Australia
8:50 am - 9:00 am
Opening Spark: Words from the Chair
Nandita Sharma -
Director – AI Technical Standards,
Digital Transformation Agency
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Industry Case Study | AI for Policy Development: From Data to Decisions
Kayelle Drinkwater -
Data Access Branch Manager,
Department of Social Services
- Transform policy-making with hidden insights that revolutionize governmental responses to societal needs.
- Implement cutting-edge AI tools and technologies—from real-time data analysis to predictive models—for more accurate and effective future decisions.
- Challenge conventional approaches by crafting smarter, faster, and more responsive policies while prioritizing ethical standards.
9:30 am - 10:00 am
Role of AI in Modern Policy Development: Challenges and Opportunities
Dr Kamran Shafi -
Manager Data Analytics and AI,
AIMS
10:00 am - 10:15 am
Speed Networking - Quick Chats, Lasting Connections
10:15 am - 10:45 am
Thought Leadership Session | AI as a Co-Pilot for Policy: Balancing Innovation with Ethics
Olga Lysenko -
Director,
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Kritika Joon - Manager, Emerging Technologies and Innovation, iCareNSW
Betty Markoska - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fair Work Ombudsman
Peter Jackowski - Head of Delivery - Consumer Energy Solutions, SEC Victoria
Join our panel of experts as they dive into these critical issues and uncover insights that will shape the future of AI in government policy and beyond.
- Join our panel of experts as they explore critical issues and insights shaping the future of AI in government policy and beyond.
- Examine whether AI can be trusted to make decisions affecting millions of lives and where we draw the line between innovation and ethics.
- Explore how AI offers unprecedented opportunities for creating equitable, inclusive, and data-driven public policies
10:45 am - 11:15 am
Morning Break – Brew, Bite, and Brainstorm
Join us for an exciting Interactive Discussion Group (IDG) session where you'll collaborate with fellow government leaders to tackle real challenges head-on. Gain fresh perspectives, share insights, and leave with actionable strategies that can transform your agency’s approach to AI.
Each round will last 30 minutes, giving you the chance to rotate and discuss three topics.
Interactive Discussion Groups
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
IDG A | Breaking Down the Walls: Overcoming Data and Adoption Barriers for AI in Government
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
IDG B | Data-Driven AI for Public Sector Efficiency: Maximising Impact Responsibly
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
IDG C | Cloud Nine: Building the Future of Public Services with AI Infrastructure
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
IDG D | Service Revolution: Automating and Optimising for a Seamless Public Experience
12:45 pm - 1:35 pm
Lunch Break - Savor, Share, and Socialise
Innovating Public Service with AI: Elevating Delivery While Securing Data for the Future
1:45 pm - 2:10 pm
Industry Case Study | Unmasking AI Data Risks: Safeguarding Sensitive Government Information
Philip Wagner -
Principal Cyber Security Specialist,
Cyber Security Advisor
- Examine how AI can increase the exposure of sensitive data in public sector operations.
- Review recent cases of data breaches in government AI initiatives and the lessons they impart.
- Implement actionable strategies to future-proof your agency’s data against cyber threats in the AI era.
2:10 pm - 2:35 pm
Panel Debate | The Ethical and Legal Maze of AI-Driven Data Management
Kayelle Drinkwater -
Data Access Branch Manager,
Department of Social Services
Lorraine Finlay - Human Rights Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
Rachael Lewis - Partner, Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN)
- Are we playing by the rules? Understanding the legal landscape surrounding AI and data risk.
- Balancing innovation with responsibility in data collection and AI.
- Build frameworks that ensure AI data usage stays safe, secure, and ethical.
- What does the future hold? Anticipating shifts in policy and law as AI grows.
2:35 pm - 2:50 pm
Demonstation Drive - Explore Cutting-Edge AI Innovations Up Close
2:50 pm - 3:10 pm
Adoption Blueprint | Securing the Future: Key Considerations for Adopting Microsoft Copilot
- Ensure data privacy compliance with Copilot’s handling of sensitive information.
- Strengthen identity and access controls to prevent unauthorized access.
- Utilize Copilot's threat detection tools for proactive security measures.
- Integrate Copilot seamlessly with existing cybersecurity frameworks.
- Align Copilot adoption with governance and compliance standards.
- Implement continuous monitoring for evolving security threats post-adoption.
3:10 pm - 3:40 pm
Strategic Forum | AI for Public Service - The Road Ahead in 2025 and Beyond
Daminda Kumara -
Chief Information Security Officer,
Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation
Nithin Balakrishnan - Director, Transaction Data, AUSTRAC
Dr Tom Gao - Chief Technology and Digital Services Officer, City of Sydney
Joanne Sullivan - Director, Data Strategy and Policy, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
- Explore how emerging AI technologies can redefine public service delivery and enhance citizen engagement.
- Leverage AI to tackle future challenges and opportunities.
- Champion ethical AI practices and foster collaboration among stakeholders for responsible deployment in public service.
- Participate in an interactive scenario exercise to brainstorm solutions to real-world public service challenges!
Joanne Sullivan
Director, Data Strategy and PolicyDepartment of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
3:40 pm - 4:00 pm
Afternoon Break – Recharge and Reconnect
Embracing the AI Era: Is Your Department Prepared?
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Panel Debate | AI-Powered Workforce: Bridging Gaps and Boosting Productivity in Government Services
Andrew Spiegelman -
Head of Data and Analytics,
Service NSW
Ms. Sharon Bowman - Manager, Technology and Transformation, Hornsby Shire Council
Ishita Acharyya - Director - AI Capacity Study | Workforce Futures Branch, Jobs and Skills Australia
Craig Doran - CEO, Comtrac
- Discover how automation reduces administrative burdens, enabling greater focus on frontline services.
- Safely leverage AI into workflows for improved efficiency and decision-making.
- Explore strategies to equip teams with AI skills and knowledge and develop talent for an AI-ready government workforce.
- Understand the importance of AI governance and compliance for ethical and secure implementation
- Learn how AI-driven solutions can address workforce shortages in critical government sectors.
- How to embrace AI as a partner, not a replacement, enhancing human capabilities ensuring transparency and accountability.
Sponsored by: Comtrac
Ishita Acharyya
Director - AI Capacity Study | Workforce Futures BranchJobs and Skills Australia
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Focus Group | Labour Market Complexities for Governments as a Service Provider as well as an Employer
Ishita Acharyya -
Director - AI Capacity Study | Workforce Futures Branch,
Jobs and Skills Australia
Ishita Acharyya
Director - AI Capacity Study | Workforce Futures BranchJobs and Skills Australia
5:00 pm - 5:05 pm
Chair's Closing Remarks
Nandita Sharma -
Director – AI Technical Standards,
Digital Transformation Agency
5:05 pm - 6:00 pm
Networking Drinks - Conversations over Cocktails
t's more than drinks— it’s about sparking new ideas, exchanging insights, and building vibrant professional connections in a lively, fun-filled atmosphere!
