Accelerating a Responsive, Resilient and Connected Public Service – Through Digital, Data And AI
Event steering committee
Nikhil Patinge
Director – WoVG Digital Integration Services | Technology & Digital Platforms, Department of Government Services
Emily Mailes
Chief eHealth Strategy Officer, Victorian Department of Health
Maxine Harrison
Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Anafrid Bennet
Head of Technology, Security and Property, Greater Western Water
Carsten Boeving
Chief Information Security Officer, Cenitex
Nikhil Patinge
Director – WoVG Digital Integration Services | Technology & Digital Platforms, Department of Government Services
Emily Mailes
Chief eHealth Strategy Officer, Victorian Department of Health
Maxine Harrison
Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Anafrid Bennet
Head of Technology, Security and Property, Greater Western Water
Carsten Boeving
Chief Information Security Officer, Cenitex
In a time of fiscal constraint and rising public expectations, Victoria’s 2025–26 State Budget signals a strong commitment to smarter service delivery, equity-driven reform, and digital transformation at scale. Major investments across health, education, housing and transport highlight the growing need for operational capability, modern platforms, and a workforce equipped to deliver measurable outcomes.
As Victoria launches its AI Mission Statement and strengthens the foundations of its digital economy, the focus for government is shifting from experimentation to scalable delivery—embedding AI, data and digital tools into the everyday systems that power services, policy and decision-making.
Against this backdrop, the Government Innovation Showcase Victoria will bring together public sector executives, digital and data leaders, technologists and industry partners to explore what’s working now—and what’s needed next—to deliver the future of Victorian public service. The program will examine how AI, data and digital innovation, alongside a future-ready workforce, are being applied to lift productivity, improve service delivery, and build trust through responsible adoption.
With a dedicated focus across three defining tracks—Digital Services, Customer Experience & AI Innovation, Technology, Data & AI Integration, and AI-Enhanced Productivity—the Showcase connects intent with execution. Sessions will provide practical insights into modernising systems, redesigning services, and building the foundations for smarter, faster and more trusted public sector delivery—supporting immediate priorities while strengthening long-term resilience across government.
Sign up or Log in to Public Sector Network to register for this event
Register nowShare your case studies and collaborate with peers to ethically guide AI, integrate citizen feedback into policy, and lead cross-agency efforts for streamlined, inclusive government services.
Discover best practices for implementing predictive analytics, ensuring data security, and the leading AI projects that drive efficiency and optimise service delivery.
Explore ways to improve digital service accessibility, enhance user-centered design, and engage citizens through inclusive and interactive platforms.
Define your strategy for modernisation to achieve agility, resilience and innovation.
Hon Danny Pearson MP
Minister for Government Services, Victorian Government
Matt Carrick
Secretary, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
Dr Steve Hodgkinson
Chief Digital Officer, Victoria Police
Jason Owusu
Chief Data & Digital Officer, Department of Transport and Planning
Nikhil Patinge
Director – WoVG Digital Integration Services | Technology & Digital Platforms, Department of Government Services
Emily Mailes
Chief eHealth Strategy Officer, Victorian Department of Health
Sam Khoury
Chief Information Officer, Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority
Adam Carthew
Executive Director, Digital Platforms, Department of Government Services
Sean Morrison
Information Commissioner, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
For executives in Digital Services, Customer Experience, and Service Design. Explore how to deliver intuitive, inclusive and citizen-centred services through human-centred design, digital tools, and responsible automation.
Designing intuitive, inclusive and impactful services: this track explores how Victorian public sector leaders are reimagining services around the real-world needs of citizens. Through human-centred design, digital innovation, and the strategic use of automation and AI, we’ll examine how to deliver more connected and personalised experiences. We will unpack how Victorian Agencies are embedding digital inclusion and accessibility by design, explore next-gen digital innovation within transport, health and education, and showcase successful initiatives shaping the future of Victorian Public Service delivery into 2027-2028. We'll also tackle how to leapfrog the customer experience and embrace bold moves to accelerate Victorian Government services.
Join us as we explore the tools, mindsets and strategies shaping the next generation of public service delivery in Victoria.
For leaders in Technology, Data, ICT, Architecture and Transformation. Learn how to modernise systems, embed AI, and leverage data to drive smarter, faster and more resilient government operations.
This track brings together technology, data and automation as the engine room of public sector transformation. With a focus on practical enablement, we’ll explore how government leaders are modernising legacy systems, embedding AI into operations, and using data to unlock smarter, faster decisions.
From foundational platforms and interoperable systems to responsible AI and scalable data approaches, this track will cover 'Hype vs Reality – Lessons Learnt in AI Integration' from Transport, and the emerging 2026 requirements for privacy, data governance, transparency and trust.
We'll also tackle 'AI Governance - how to get it right', and delve into 'What makes AI work?' - a session dedicated to the future ready IT executive on how remain ahead of emerging business and what is needed to support Victoria's 2026 CX, Digital, Data and AI agendas.
For COOs, CFOs, HR, Workforce, Operations and functional leaders. Discover how AI can streamline processes, augment decision-making, and unlock workforce capacity while driving both public sector and economic productivity.
Accelerating both public sector performance and the wider economy: this track explores how AI is transforming the way government works, from automating routine processes to augmenting decision-making and boosting workforce capacity. With real-world case studies and practical frameworks, we’ll examine how agencies are deploying AI responsibly to free up time, reduce costs, and deliver better outcomes for citizens. From generative AI copilots to intelligent workflows and predictive analytics, this stream highlights the opportunities—and guardrails—of embedding AI as a productivity driver across the public sector and as a catalyst for national economic growth.
This track will showcase case studies on confident AI adoption in the Victorian public sector, share tangible use cases, practical applications, and Victorian success stories on how AI use has been accelerated for enhanced productivity and efficiency, and how to build future Victorian Public Sector workforce by integrating people and AI effectively.
Gain valuable insights from keynotes, case studies, and expert panels. Leave with practical strategies and knowledge to apply directly to your agency’s digital transformation journey.
Participate in interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration across agencies. Work together on shared challenges, learn best practices, and explore solutions that drive collective impact.
Meet and connect with fellow government leaders, innovators, and industry experts. Build relationships and grow your professional network with peers dedicated to advancing public service.
Becoming a partner at the Government Innovation Showcase Victoria offers unique opportunities to connect with decision-makers, showcase innovative solutions, and align with transformative public sector goals. As a partner, you’ll have access to influential government leaders, providing a valuable platform to demonstrate your expertise and contribute to critical conversations on public sector modernisation.
With a focus on the state’s specific needs, partnership enables you to collaborate directly with key players, co-develop solutions for the state’s challenges, and reinforce your commitment to advancing government services in impactful ways.
Victoria’s Digital Government in Focus—Workforce Priorities, Fiscal Realities, and the Drive for Collaboration
As governments across Australia continue navigating rapid digital change, Victoria’s public sector leaders are shaping their transformation agendas amid a dynamic mix of workforce reform, financial pressures, and growing public expectations. Drawing from recent national polling, this analysis captures how Victoria’s digital priorities align with—or diverge from, those of other jurisdictions across the country.
