Governments are calling for more innovation, agility, and problem-solving partnerships — but the reality of working with government can be complex for organisations of all sizes. From major vendors to startups and SMEs, navigating procurement frameworks, trust barriers, and the need for public value alignment is a shared challenge.

This conversation explores how industry, regardless of size, can become a trusted partner, translate innovation into real-world impact, and help government deliver on reform priorities.

• Proving trust and relevance – whether you're a global player, a scale-up, or a newcomer without a panel presence
• Practical strategies to navigate procurement hurdles – including pilot programs, partnerships, and creative partnerships
• Translating innovation into public sector value – aligning your unique offering with government priorities, risk appetite, and reform goals
• Lessons from startups and SMEs: what larger vendors can learn from their agility and approach to trust-building

• What does “strategic partnership” look like in the context of the Australian Government’s reform and transformation agenda?
• Insights into federal priorities for 2026: technology, capability, and customer outcomes
• Common challenges in partnerships: how can industry better align to government requirements to better support needs?
• What suppliers can do to better demonstrate value, innovation, and alignment
• The role of trust, adaptability, and domain knowledge in long-term collaboration

Deborah Jenkins

Deputy Secretary/Chief Operating Officer, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

Sarah Polhill

Chief Information Officer, ACCC

Dimitar Dimitrovski

Chief Information Officer, Fair Work Ombudsman

Exploring how industry can exceed expectations by aligning with government objectives and fostering collaborative relationships.

• How AI fits into broader government reform and digital transformation agendas
• The differing AI priorities and challenges at federal, state, and local levels
• Expectations for transparency, ethics, and accountability in AI-enabled solutions
• How suppliers can demonstrate relevance and build trust when offering AI technologies
• Practical examples of co-designed AI initiatives that delivered measurable public value
• Insights on procurement and partnership frameworks adapting for AI innovation

Alana Lundy

Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Social Services

Luke Halliday

Former WoVG Chief Technology Officer & Executive Director, Strategy and Assurance (Digital Transformation), Department of Government Services

Dr Liming Zhu

Research Director, CSIRO’s Data 61

• Understanding state-level reform agendas
• Co-designing with multi agency or cluster-based structures
• Winning tenders with strategic clarity and fiscal accountability
• Understanding state government procurement policy

Suneetha Bodduluri

Chief Technology Officer, Service NSW

Lance Oswald

Chief Information Officer, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland

Stuart Watt

Chief Information Officer, Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia

• Explore what “value” truly means to councils balancing tight budgets and rising expectations.
• Understanding the Local Government procurement requirements and processes
• Delivering flexibility and fit-for-purpose solutions
• Supporting financial resilience through scalable models
• Building trust amid capacity constraints and shifting mandates

Mark Hannan

Chief Technology Officer, City of Gold Coast

Dr. Tom Gao

Chief Technology and Digital Services Officer, City of Sydney

Gaya Gounder

Chief Information Officer, Camden Council NSW

David Griffiths

Chief Information Security Officer, Northern Beaches Council

Luke Kenny

Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Procurement

• How to align better with government needs: Industry's common pitfalls
• Demonstrating value and building relationships - how can industry offer trust, value and alignment?
• Advancing your understanding and aligning your offering to Government needs – solving challenges and aligning solutions to mission objectives rather than features
• Decoding and working successfully within the procurement process
• Identifying & engaging all the necessary influencers & decision-makers
• Tools, insights, and real examples that drive results