#AGS24

 

Australian Governance Summit 2024

20-21 March | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Welcome to the 2024 Australian Governance Summit. This is the leading director event in the country and will position you firmly at the forefront of contemporary governance.  ​


 

Watch the highlight video of Day 1 at AGS231:35

At the Forefront of Governance ​

Australian Governance Summit 2023

Directors are facing myriad challenges both now and in our immediate future. At the 2024 Australian Governance Summit, immerse yourself in discussions on topics that matter most to directors and their organisations. Explore crucial issues including the governance of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the imperative transition to net zero. We’re here to place you at the forefront of these governance issues, equipping you with the clarity and purpose you need to lead in our intricate and fast-paced world. ​

The discourse in boardrooms has shifted beyond mere compliance; directors are now expected to show resilience, adaptability and innovation. As a director, you sit at the forefront of your organisation, setting the tone and fostering an effective culture. You play a vital role in embedding strong values, delivering outcomes for diverse stakeholder groups and championing progress in your community. ​

Whether you’re a seasoned director or a rising star in the world of governance, this event is an unparalleled opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with peers and gain valuable insights into pressing issues.

Join us in shaping the future of governance through in-depth discussions led by over 40 business leaders and industry experts, including keynote speakers: ​

  • Catherine Livingstone AC FAICD, Chair, Pacific National
  • ​Joe Longo, Chair, ASIC ​
  • Scott Perkins, Chair, Origin and Woolworths
  • Sue Woodward AM, Commissioner, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission ​

Note: We recommend booking your accommodation and flights as early as possible as the Grand Prix will be hosted in Melbourne on 21-24 March 2024.

AGS 2024 Speaker Jane Spring AM01:11

AGS 2024 Speaker John Lydon GAICD01:05

AGS 2024 Speaker Kate Russell00:54

Program

Topics that will be covered at the 2024 Australian Governance Summit.


Day One – Wednesday 20 March

AICD Chair, John Atkin, welcomes attendees to this year’s Australian Governance Summit and outlines the key themes and topics.

Speaker

  • John Atkin FAICD, Chair, AICD

Respected chair and director, Catherine Livingstone, delivers a special address on the challenges of contemporary governance. Directors are operating in an uncertain environment and navigating a complex set of evolving issues. What is governance in a modern setting and how does it differ from compliance with regulations? How can boards best set strategy and deliver results for stakeholders? And how should directors respond to ambiguity and technological shifts?

Speaker

  • Catherine Livingstone AC FAICD, Chair, Pacific National

Moderator

  • Louise Petschler GAICD, General Manager, Education and Policy Leadership, AICD

Cyber security has emerged as one of the key challenges for Australian directors. All organisations remain under near constant pressure from online threats. How can boards best mitigate cybers risks? What measures are needed to protect organisations’ data? And how should directors respond if they have been attacked?

Speakers

  • Dr Derek Bopping GAICD, First Assistant Director-General & Head, Melbourne State Office, Australian Signals Directorate
  • Catherine Brenner FAICD, Chair, Australian Payments Plus
  • Cheng Lim, Partner, King & Wood Mallesons

Moderator

  • Akash Mittal GAICD, Chair, Australian Information Security Association

Investor and proxy advisor expectations in challenging times

Hear from experts from Morrow Sodali and Glass Lewis on the evolving relationship between shareholders, proxy advisors and boards against a backdrop of challenging economic and geopolitical conditions, and an increased focus on ESG. How can directors best engage with their stakeholders to maximise shareholder support? What were the key lessons from the 2023 AGM season and how can they be applied for the future? Will more investors take an activist-like approach this year and how should boards respond?

Speakers

  • Aldi Djajaputra, Managing Director, Corporate Governance, Morrow Sodali
  • Philip Foo, Vice President, APAC Research & Engagement, CGI Glass Lewis

Moderator

  • Helen Dalley

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Commissioner Sue Woodward addresses the 2024 Australian Governance Summit and answers questions from the audience.

Speaker

  • Sue Woodward AM, Commissioner, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

Moderator

  • Phil Butler, Sector Lead, NFP, AICD

The shift to a less carbon-intensive economy will be fundamental transformation for Australia, generating fresh opportunities and also new challenges. At the same time, the Government’s upcoming requirements for climate reporting will have important consequences for boards. What does a best-practice strategy for the energy transformation look like? How can directors set climate targets for their organisations and monitor progress? How can boards get across the new climate reporting rules?

Speakers

  • John Lydon GAICD, Co-Chair, Australian Climate Leaders Coalition
  • Dr Larry Marshall FAICD, Director, Fortescue
  • Karen Moses FAICD, Non-Executive Director

Moderator

  • Christian Gergis GAICD, Head of Policy, AICD

Session 1: What Are You Doing to Futureproof Yourself?  

The dynamic corporate governance landscape requires directors to remain up to date with the latest trends and shifts. Meanwhile, the digitisation of the workforce and rapid advances in technology are having a significant impact on how we work and how we learn. The concept of lifelong employment has typically been a linear journey, from school to university, to work, with a steady ascension through one profession. This is no longer the norm.  This interactive session asks you to consider some important questions for you and your organisations. What steps can boards take to foster a culture of learning? How do directors ensure their organisations are attracting workers with the skills needed for the 21st century, and how can directors improve their own skills and knowledge base? This session will ask you to re-think your learning strategy in light of competition, disruption and relevance.  

Speakers

  • Jordan Griffiths, Managing Director, Private Equity (Asia), Accenture
  • Professor Lan Snell MAICD, Dean of Programs (Postgraduate), University of South Australia Business

Moderator

  • Helen Dalley


Session 2: The Board’s Role in Addressing Sexual Harassment

The Federal Government has introduced fresh laws aimed at preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. The measures include a positive duty to stamp out harassment and new regulatory powers for the Australian Human Rights Commission. What are the obligations and responsibilities for directors in addressing sexual harassment? How can boards ensure they have an accurate picture of what happens inside their organisations? How should directors set the tone on this issue and foster a culture where sexual harassment is not tolerated?

Speaker

  • Laura Bacon GAICD, Senior Policy Advisor, AICD

Moderator

  • Helen Dalley

Australia is confronting a series of challenging public policy issues, including: persistent inflation, disappointing productivity and subdued economic growth. Directors and boards should play a leading role in addressing these challenges, and the policy-making process. How can our director community best use its expertise and industry knowledge to inform policy discussions and influence decision-makers? What are some successful examples of companies or organisations actively shaping public policy? How can boards foster a culture of responsible advocacy and engagement in public policy discussions?

Speaker

  • Peter Achterstraat AM FAICDLife, NSW Productivity Commissioner
  • Rob Cole MAICD, Chair, Iluka Resources
  • Su-Lin Ong GAICD, Chief Economist, RBC Capital Markets

Moderator

  • Mark Thirlwell GAICD, Chief Economist, AICD
Room change ()

University of NSW Professor, Pamela Hanrahan, delivers her
annual address to the Australian Governance Summit, with information on significant regulatory and legislative developments. What are the key changes and how do they impact your board? 

Speaker

  • Pamela Hanrahan, Consultant, Johnson Winter Slattery

Moderator

  • Laura Jayes

The nature of work has undergone a dramatic change over the last few years. Many organisations continue to embrace flexible work, but senior leaders are still debating the best approach. What challenges and opportunities are created by these new ways or working pose? How can organisations build a strong workplace culture if staff are not interacting face-to-face? Should boards and management specify how often workers visit the office?

Speakers

  • Annette King FAICD, Director, HCF
  • Sarah McCann-Bartlett FAICD, CEO, Australian HR Institute
  • Cameron Pitt, Managing Partner, Canberra and National Leader, Modern Work, Deloitte

Moderator

  • Ivan Ah Sam, Head of Content, AICD

Nature and Sustainability: Opportunities and Responsibilities

Environmental economist and sustainability expert Pavan Sukhdev joins the AGS Studio for an in-depth discussion. How should boards include nature into their decision-making and risk assessments? What is the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures and what does its reporting framework mean for Australian directors? Which metrics should organisations use to measure and track their impact on nature and the environment?

Speaker

  • Pavan Sukhdev, Founder & CEO, GIST Impact

Moderator

  • Helen Dalley

Woolworths and Origin chair, Scott Perkins joins the Australian Governance Summit for a special conversation.

Speaker

  • Scott Perkins, Chair, Origin and Woolworths

Moderator

  • Mark Rigotti MAICD, CEO & Managing Director, AICD

Speaker

  • Laura Jayes, Australian Governance Summit 2024 MC


Day Two – Thursday 21 March

The 2024 Australian Governance Summit MC welcomes delegates to Day Two of the event and presents highlights from Day One.

Speaker

  • Laura Jayes, Australian Governance Summit 2024 MC

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape our society and transform entire industries. This emerging technology comes with remarkable opportunities but also significant governance challenges. How should boards ensure their organisations are using AI appropriately? Which safeguards need to be introduced? What are the key risks of organisations not sufficiently embracing the use of AI? Leading AI expert and experienced board member, Dr Ayesha Khanna, joins the Australian Governance Summit to discuss these issues and more.

Speaker

  • Dr Ayesha Khanna, Co-Founder & CEO, Addo

Moderator

  • Laura Jayes

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 2024 Australian Governance Summit and answers questions from the audience. 

Speaker

  • Joseph Longo, Chair, Australian Securities and Investments Commission

Moderator

  • Mark Rigotti MAICD, Managing Director & CEO, AICD

SMEs and the Cyber Security Threat

Join us for a special preview of an upcoming guide from the AICD and AISA: Small Businesses Essential Eight Made Easier. What is the role of an SME director in a heightened cyber threat environment? How can boards help to build a culture of cyber resilience? What does an optimal incident response plan look like?

The public service and government boards are presented with a dynamic set of challenges including: political influences, regulatory complexities and diverse stakeholder interests. Government organisations must also uphold robust ethical frameworks to guide their decision making and maintain public trust. How can we ensure maximum accountability and transparency in the public sector? What steps should be taken to minimise the risk of political interference? How can technology reshape the public sector and government boards?

Speakers

  • Dr Gordon de Brouwer, Australian Public Service Commissioner
  • Professor Jane Halton AO PSM FAICD, Chair, CEPI, Director, ANZ
  • The Hon Gabrielle Upton FAICD, Non-executive Director, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Netball Australia, Former NSW Government Minister

Moderator

  • Christian Gergis GAICD, Head of Policy, AICD

It is vitally important for boards to have a successful working relationship with their organisation’s CEO and senior management. Directors and leading executives need to be aligned on strategy, and effectively collaborate on key matters. What are the optimal ways to set out roles and responsibilities for boards and management? How can the two groups best communicate with each other and debate challenging issues? Which measures should boards use to evaluate management and provide feedback?

Speakers

  • Andrew Baxter FAICD, Chair, Australian Pork
  • Lisa Gray GAICD, Director, Challenger
  • Kate Russell, CEO, Supply Nation

Moderator

  • Fi Mercer GAICD, CEO, GovernWith
Room Change ()

Directors have a crucial role in spearheading efforts to create more inclusive workplaces for people with a disability. Boards should lead by example and emphasise a commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their organisations, from top to bottom. How should boards actively engage with people with disabilities to understand their needs and perspectives? And how can directors translate this feedback into actionable policies and practices? How should organisations prioritise accessible physical infrastructure and digital tools to create more inclusive workplaces?

Speakers

  • Suzanne Colbert AM GAICD, Director, Living My Way
  • Lillian Leigh GAICD, Board Member, Cancer Institute NSW
  • Dr Alastair McEwin AM GAICD, Former Commissioner, Disability Royal Commissioner

Moderator

  • Phil Butler, Sector Lead, NFP, AICD

A career as a company director can be immensely enriching and rewarding. But securing your next board role may also be a challenging and complex process. Which factors could someone consider when deciding whether to join a particular board? How can directors determine if an organisation fits with their ambitions and values? What are the most effective means of building relationships and networking with the director community?

Session Sponsor: Pacific Search Partners

Speakers

  • Naomi Edwards FAICD, Actuary, Chair and NED
  • René Johnson MAICD, Managing Director, Pacific Search Partners
  • Vivienne Yu GAICD, Director, Bridge Housing

Moderator

  • Bennett Mason, Content Programming Manager, AICD

The Dismal Science: Live

The AICD’s Chief Economist, Mark Thirlwell, and Head of Content, Ivan Ah Sam, record a special live version of their popular economics podcast The Dismal Science. 

Speakers

  • Ivan Ah Sam, Head of Content and Communications, AICD
  • Mark Thirlwell GAICD, Chief Economist, AICD

Professionals from the Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics fields can make valuable contributions to Australia’s boardrooms. Boards benefit from a diverse range of skillsets and backgrounds, and STEM knowledge can be vital for informed decision-making in our increasingly technology-driven environment. How can STEM expertise enhance a board’s ability to innovate and adapt to technological changes? What are some misconceptions that might stop STEM professionals from becoming directors? How can organisations actively recruit and encourage STEM professionals to join their boards? 

Speakers

  • Professor Alan Duffy GAICD, Pro Vice-Chancellor Flagship Initiatives, Swinburne University of Technology
  • Dr Nick Fleming GAICD, Past President and Chair, Engineers Australia, Director, South East Water
  • Mikaela Jade, CEO, Indigital

Moderators

  • Naomi Edwards FAICD, Actuary, Chair and NED

Many directors have had the misfortune of serving on a board that is not functioning optimally. Despite the best of intentions, some boards are unable to collaborate effectively and deliver the best possible outcomes for their stakeholders. What are the common causes of board dysfunction and how can they be avoided? How can directors prevent issues before they occur? And how should problems be addressed if they do arise?

Speakers

  • Sally Carbon OAM FAICD, Director, G11 Team
  • Shirley Chowdhary GAICD, Chair, Australian Institute of Architects
  • Sally Freeman GAICD, Director, Adica Insurance 
  • Peter Wilson AM FAICD, Chair, Australian Disability Network

Moderator

  • Laura Jayes
Room Change ()

Boards across Australian are now grappling with complex cultural, political, and social issues. Some stakeholders expect directors to discuss these matters and form a view on them. But how should boards examine these topics, and decide on a course of action? Which stakeholders should be consulted? And when is it appropriate for boards to express a public stance?

Speakers

  • Sally Freeman GAICD, Chair, Adica Insurance
  • Patrick Langrell GAICD, Director, Portfolio, Strategy and Operations, ACU
  • Taleen Shamlian MAICD, Managing Director, Advisory Street

Moderator

  • Matt Pritchard, Head of Public Affairs, AICD

Chairs have a crucial role in ensuring their boards remain successful. The modern chair is faced with a range of challenges both inside and outside of the board room. What are the qualities and strategies that contribute to being an effective board chair? How should a chair resolve conflicts and build a consensus within the board room? Which steps should other directors take to provide feedback to a chair who is not performing?

Speakers

  • Virginia Bourke FAICD, Chair, Mercy Health Boards
  • Ewen Crouch AM FAICD, Chair, Corporate Travel Management
  • Jane Spring AM FAICD, Chair, Disability Council NSW

Moderator

  • Helen Dalley
Room Change ()

Australia’s boardrooms are beginning to welcome a new generation of directors. These leaders will help our organisations to adapt and thrive in our constantly evolving governance landscape. Which fresh perspectives will these new directors bring? What is their outlook on our nation’s future? And how do they want to improve governance for tomorrow and beyond?

Speakers

  • Matthew Everitt GAICD, Founder & Director, Dreamtime Art Creative Consultancy
  • Bianca Goebel GAICD, Director, South East Water
  • Lauren Williams GAICD, Director, Altium

Moderator

  • Laura Jayes

Speaker

  • Mark Rigotti MAICD, Managing Director & CEO, AICD

Speakers

See the directors and business leaders who will speak at the 2024 Australian Governance Summit.

FAQ

If you have any queries about the 2024 Australian Governance Summit, please see our frequently asked questions.

General 

The Australian Governance Summit is designed for a diverse audience of professionals, leaders and individuals interested in governance, leadership and corporate governance practices. This includes, but is not limited to directors, aspiring directors, business owners and senior executives reporting to boards. 

Face-to-face ticket sales cut off on 13 March 2024 and virtual ticket sales cut off on 15 March 2024. 

Virtual attendance to the Australian Governance Summit offers various features to enhance your experience, including virtual networking sessions, speaker Q&A’s and online discussion forums.  

The theme of this year’s Australian Governance Summit is ‘Forefront.’ To keep you at the forefront of governance, this year’s summit will explore current and emerging topics affecting directors including the governance of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity & data protection, geopolitical risk and the transition to net zero. 

You can register for this year’s Australian Governance Summit here

Face to Face

  • All keynote sessions
  • A choice of elective sessions
  • Access to the AGS Studio
  • Catering over two days, including networking drinks on day one
  • Post-summit session recordings
  • Networking opportunities


Virtual

  • All keynote sessions
  • A choice of elective sessions
  • Access to the AGS Studio
  • Post-summit session recordings

By attending the Australian Governance Summit in-person or virtually, AICD members will gain 20 DPD units

Yes, AICD members can enjoy reduced pricing to this event.

Logistics information for face-to-face attendance at the MCEC will be sent two days before the event. 

Virtual attendance information, including the link to login to the virtual EventsAir platform will be sent one day before the event. 

Venue

The dress code for the Australian Governance Summit is smart business.

At the Australian Governance Summit, we strive to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all participants, regardless of age or ability. AUSLAN Interpreters (for in-person attendees) and live captioning (for in-person and virtual attendees) will be available at every session. See more on the venues accessibility here.

Food and accessibility requirements can be communicated by the attendee when registering for the event. MCEC accessibility information can be found here.

How to Contact Us

Please contact us at nationalevents@aicd.com.au with your name and organisation and we will get back to you.

If you are experiencing issues with the online registration process or have additional questions, please get in touch with the National Events team at nationalevents@aicd.com.au.

Follow the AICD on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.

Directors stand at the forefront of their organisations. Staying ahead of a complicated set of circumstances, ensuring the financial viability of the companies they serve and driving outcomes for diverse stakeholders is required of directors. The Australian Governance Summit helps directors across all of these dimensions and puts them at the forefront of contemporary governance practices.

Mark Rigotti
Managing Director and CEO of AICD

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