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Agenda |

Western Australia 2025

Government Innovation Showcase Western Australia

 Thursday, 21 Aug 2025
8:00AM

BelleVue Ballroom Foyer, Level 3

Registration and Networking

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM (45 mins)

8:45AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Welcome from the Chair

8:45 AM - 8:55 AM (10 mins)

Marion Burchell Advisor, Public Sector Network
8:55AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Keynote

New, Now, Next: WA's Digital Vision

8:55 AM - 9:05 AM (10 mins)

Lisa O'Malley Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research, Western Australian Government
9:05AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Empowering the public sector with data, AI and agents

9:05 AM - 9:25 AM (20 mins)

Aaron Mullins Regional Vice President, Public Sector, Salesforce
9:25AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Fireside Chat

Digital Strategy, Roadmaps, and Digital for Purpose | Insights from WA and NSW’s Journeys

9:25 AM - 9:45 AM (20 mins)

Greg Italiano Government Chief Information Officer, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA
Laura Christie Deputy Secretary, Digital NSW, NSW Department of Customer Service
  • Sharing an update on key outcomes from the current Western Australian Digital Strategy – where are the gaps, and what is the primary focus?
  • Learning from New South Wales’ vision of delivering digital with purpose
  • Laying the roadmap for the next phase of the digital transformation journey and its impact on citizen services
  • The vision for a digital government – understanding the key driving factors for both Western Australian and New South Wales governments
9:45AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

AI-First Application Modernisation: The End of Development Teams as We Know Them?

9:45 AM - 10:05 AM (20 mins)

Joel Macfarlane Director - Engineering and Data, Datacom

Traditional application modernisation projects are high-risk, slow-moving, and often fail to deliver real value. But what if there was a radically different approach?

In this session, we challenges conventional thinking and introduce a new methodology—an AI-First Approach to modernisation. We’ll explore:

  • Why so many modernisation projects fail—and what needs to change
  • How AI is rewriting the rules for software development
  • Live examples of AI-driven code transformation
  • The future of development teams—are we witnessing the beginning of the end?

This isn’t just another AI talk. It’s a glimpse into what’s next. Are you ready to rethink the future?

10:05AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Keynote

International Keynote: A Look Into The Philippines Government’s Digital Transformation Journey

10:05 AM - 10:20 AM (15 mins)

David L Almirol Undersecretary for eGovernment, Department of Information and Communications Technology (Philippines)
  • The role of cloud technologies in enabling digital citizen-centric services
  • Sharing insights into the National Government Portal
  • Delving into policies to drive digital transformation
10:20AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Panel discussion

Visionary Leaders’ Panel: Shaping Western Australia’s Digital Blueprint to Drive the Digital Economy Forward

10:20 AM - 10:50 AM (30 mins)

  • What sets Western Australia apart from other Australian states when it comes to digital maturity?
  • How can Western Australia foster innovation and emerging technologies to accelerate digital economic growth?
  • What digital infrastructure investments are essential to support the state’s economy and ensure inclusivity?
  • How can the public and private sectors collaborate to build a digitally skilled workforce for the future?
  • What strategies are needed to build digital trust within the economy?
Chief Executive Officer & Chair, City of Vincent & Australian Urban Design Research Centre
Angela Trevithick
Executive Director, Industry Development, Department of Energy and Economic Diversification
David Hughes-Owen
Chief Executive Officer, Busselton Water
Matt Walsh
Chief Customer Officer, Customer Delivery, Fibre & Support, Vocus
10:50AM

Exhibition Hall - BelleVue Ballroom 1, Level 3

Morning Tea and Networking

10:50 AM - 11:20 AM (30 mins)

11:20AM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Digital Services and Customer Experience

Welcome from Track Chair

11:20 AM - 11:30 AM (10 mins)

Rob Delane Former Director General, Department of Agriculture and Food WA
11:20AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Welcome from Track Chair

11:20 AM - 11:30 AM (10 mins)

Marion Burchell Advisor, Public Sector Network
11:30AM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Keynote: Accelerating Digital Service Innovation through Whole of Government Digital Platforms

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM (20 mins)

Alberto Degli Esposti Chief Technology Officer, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA
  • Transforming service delivery through whole-of-government digital platforms
    Learn how ServiceWA, WA Identity Gateway and WA.gov.au are streamlining access, reducing duplication, and delivering smarter, faster, and safer services for all Western Australians.
  • Real-world impact: agency success stories
    Hear how WA government agencies are delivering measurable results by integrating with ServiceWA, WA Identity Gateway, and wa.gov.au—from online firearm licensing and digital learner driver logbooks to streamlined student payments and environmental rebates.
  • Why your agency should be part of the acceleration
    Explore how integrating with whole-of-government platforms can reduce costs, improve trust, and deliver seamless digital experiences that meet rising public expectations.
11:30AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Keynote Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Keynote: Harnessing the Power of Linked up Government Data

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM (20 mins)

Keith Moss Director - Data Analytics, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA
  • Sharing the journey - how we got here, how PeopleWA is leveraged, and what we've learned along the way
  • Understanding how PeopleWA can be harnessed for data-driven decision making
  • The journey ahead of us - growing PeopleWA to include more data and support new communities of users
11:50AM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Digital Services and Customer Experience

Keynote: Understanding Peppol e-Invoicing

11:50 AM - 12:10 PM (20 mins)

Chami Herath Director eInvoicing, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA
11:50AM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Empowering WA Government: Modernizing infrastructure for future-ready AI supported cloud access

11:50 AM - 12:10 PM (20 mins)

Philip May Senior Global Solutions Architect, Equinix

As digital transformation accelerates, the Western Australian Government is poised to lead the charge by harnessing trusted and scalable infrastructure in Perth and beyond. This session will highlight how Equinix offers unparalleled access to both public and private cloud solutions, empowering government agencies to enhance service delivery, boost operational efficiency, and ensure robust data security.

We will explore the strategic advantages of modernizing, including seamless connectivity, exceptional performance, and the ability to scale resources on demand. Additionally, we will discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cloud environments, showcasing how AI can drive insights, automate processes, and improve decision-making within enterprise and government operations.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices for navigating the complexities of cloud adoption, ensuring compliance, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration. Real-world case studies will illustrate successful implementations and the tangible benefits realized by government entities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The transformative benefits of Equinix’s infrastructure for government modernization.
  • Strategies for integrating AI into public and private cloud solutions.
  • Real-world examples of successful cloud and AI adoption in government settings.
  • Best practices for ensuring security, compliance, and scalability in digital transformation efforts.
12:10PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Panel: Enabling Citizens and Businesses Through a Whole-of-Government Approach

12:10 PM - 12:40 PM (30 mins)

Alberto Degli Esposti Chief Technology Officer, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA
Karine Suares Manager, Digital Industries Facilitation, Industry Development Division, Department of Energy and Economic Diversification
  • How can cross-agency collaboration enhance the delivery of citizen-centric services?
  • What are the key challenges in aligning government departments for a unified vision?
  • How can a whole-of-government approach to the digital economy improve our Better Life Index?
12:10PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Panel discussion Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Panel: Harnessing Data-Driven Decision-Making in Government: Unlocking Collaboration, Governance, and Innovation

12:10 PM - 12:40 PM (30 mins)

  • What role does data play in improving service delivery and making government more responsive to citizen needs?
  • What are the primary obstacles to implementing data-driven decision-making in government departments, and how can they be overcome?
  • How can public sector leaders make data a core asset for decision-making processes?
  • How can different departments collaborate to ensure seamless data utilisation while maintaining data privacy?
  • Can you share examples of successful cross-agency data initiatives?
Darren Mottolini
Programme Director, Spatial WA
Bruce Miller
Director Strategic Business Intelligence, Office of the Auditor General
Sarada Lee
Co-Founder and Principal AL/ML Strategist, Perth Machine Learning Group
Kevin Harper
Director of Business Development for Data Services, Visa
12:40PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Getting your information AI-ready with strategies that drive trust

12:40 PM - 1:00 PM (20 mins)

,
  • How can WA agencies move beyond AI pilots to deliver trusted, real-world outcomes backed by secure, compliant, and high-quality information?
  • What role does information governance play in enabling AI that aligns with WA’s digital and citizen-focused priorities?
  • Whether you manage records, systems, or strategy, are you ready to make information the foundation of intelligent government?
  • How can you surface data from multiple systems to achieve high-quality outcomes from Microsoft Copilot or other AI services?
1:00PM

Exhibition Hall - BelleVue Ballroom 1, Level 3

Lunch and Networking

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (60 mins)

2:00PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Digital Services and Customer Experience

Welcome Back from Chair

2:00 PM - 2:05 PM (5 mins)

2:00PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Welcome Back from Chair

2:00 PM - 2:05 PM (5 mins)

2:05PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Keynote: Transforming Patient Care for WA | A Look at The Role of Digital Health in Improving Healthcare Outcomes for Regional, Rural, and City Based Patients

2:05 PM - 2:25 PM (20 mins)

Demogene Smith Chief Information Officer, South Metropolitan Health Service
  • Understanding the vision of Digital Health and the journey in enabling improved patient healthcare
  • Painting a picture of how emerging technologies and digital health has helped improve patient care in Australia – how can continuous improvement be a part of this journey with (future) tech disruptions?
  • Delving into the plans for better accessibility for rural WA patient care
2:05PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Case Study Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Government Case Study Keynote: Learnings from the Use of AI and Synthetic Data

2:05 PM - 2:25 PM (20 mins)

Alex Jenkins Director; Chair & Founder, WA Data Science Innovation Hub; Curtin AI in Research Group
  • Understanding the role of AI in driving innovation in the public sector.
  • Laying the foundation for using synthetic data – what do we want to learn and improve using the synthetic data?
  • Sharing the journey of innovation with synthetic data and AI – how has this helped us unlock opportunities for the public sector?
2:25PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Panel: Driving ICT Transformation to Enable Digital Innovations

2:25 PM - 2:50 PM (25 mins)

  • What strategic frameworks are essential for guiding ICT transformation initiatives?
  • How can leadership cultivate an innovation-driven mindset to sustain digital advancements?
  • What metrics should be established to evaluate the success of ICT transformation efforts?
  • How can cross-functional collaboration enhance the implementation of digital technologies across government?
Sean Halligan
Chief Technology Officer, Department of Justice
Sue Wilson
Chief Information Officer, Department of Communities
Fiona Bishop
Chief Information Officer, University of Western Australia
2:25PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Keynote Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Government Keynote: Driving Innovation in Public Safety: WA Police’s Tech Transformation

2:25 PM - 2:45 PM (20 mins)

Marc Smith Assistant Commissioner Technology Portfolio, WA Police
  • Streamlined IT functions to boost efficiency and agility, supporting cloud-based services and scalability.
  • Advanced mobile field operations by integrating cloud technologies for real-time data access and seamless officer experiences.
  • Enhanced data-sharing frameworks to ensure the timely, secure delivery of critical information across public safety networks.
2:50PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Interactive Digital Services and Customer Experience

Government Interactive: Sharing the Reality of Connectivity and Accessibility to Digital Technologies in Regional and Rural WA

2:50 PM - 3:10 PM (20 mins)

Sarah McCall A/ Project Manager, Regional Telecommunications Industry and Economic Development, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Adam Edwards Director Digital Strategy and Governance, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA

Join an engaging debate-style session designed to spark lively discussions and encourage audience participation. Led by an expert facilitator, this session will dive deep into the topic at hand, prompting thought-provoking exchanges among peers. You'll have the opportunity to actively contribute your insights, ask questions, and engage in spontaneous discussions with fellow participants, creating a collaborative and insightful experience.

2:45PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Interactive Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Government Interactive: Data, Analytics, and AI Driven Governance: Rethinking Government Functions and Processes for Tomorrow

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM (30 mins)

Join an engaging debate-style session designed to spark lively discussions and encourage audience participation. Led by an expert facilitator, this session will dive deep into the topic at hand, prompting thought-provoking exchanges among peers. You'll have the opportunity to actively contribute your insights, ask questions, and engage in spontaneous discussions with fellow participants, creating a collaborative and insightful experience.

Shiv Akarsh Meka
Chief Data Scientist, Royal Perth Hospital
Milanna Heberle
Executive Director, Enterprise Governance and Partnerships, Department of Education
Dr Liming Zhu
Research Director, CSIRO’s Data 61
3:10PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Insights from a Digital Transformation Advisor

3:10 PM - 3:30 PM (20 mins)

Michelle Simpson Strategic Technology Advisor, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA
  • Common challenges observed across Agencies and what to do about them in a practical way
  • Keys to success including why transparency is important, and the need to manage your vendors
  • The constructive use of the Assurance Review and other DGov assistance available
3:15PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Case Study Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Interstate Keynote Case Study: Showcasing Digital, Data, and AI Initiatives | Department of Human Services South Australia

3:15 PM - 3:35 PM (20 mins)

Shikha Sharma Chief Information Officer, Department of Human Services
  • How are we leverage data to provide end-to-end digital services for everyone in SA?
  • What are the key pain points in providing accessible government services?
  • Where are the biggest opportunities for the Department of Human Services to leverage AI for service delivery?
3:30PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Interactive Digital Services and Customer Experience

Government Interactive: Looking into WA’s Digital Transformation Adoption and Maturity | What’s Working and What’s Not?

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM (20 mins)

Demogene Smith Chief Information Officer, South Metropolitan Health Service
Miriam Sanchez Blanco Chief Technology Officer (CTO), City of Stirling

Join an engaging debate-style session designed to spark lively discussions and encourage audience participation. Led by an expert facilitator, this session will dive deep into the topic at hand, prompting thought-provoking exchanges among peers. You'll have the opportunity to actively contribute your insights, ask questions, and engage in spontaneous discussions with fellow participants, creating a collaborative and insightful experience.

3:35PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Case Study Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Case Study: Elevating Government Collaboration through Data Sharing

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM (20 mins)

Shaun Walsh Executive Director Digital Health (Acting), WA Health
  • Enabler
    • Legislative
    • Policy
    • Collaborative People
    • Technology
  • Benefits
    • Industry innovation
    • AI Capability
    • Demand Management
    • Improved Decision making
  • Case Study
    • HealthConnect (Health Information Exchange)
3:50PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Panel: Bridging the Gap: Advancing Digital Equity and Inclusion in Western Australia

3:50 PM - 4:25 PM (35 mins)

  • Understanding digital accessibility and inclusivity within the regions in Western Australia – what is the demographic, ethnic, and socio-economic breakdown of Western Australia?
  • What are the challenges and solutions to bridge the barriers in digital inclusivity for citizens in WA?
  • What is the Government’s role in helping educate and equip its citizen with the digital tools?
  • What does user-centred design on technologies to enhance digital inclusivity look like?
Louisa Frome
Senior Manager Marketing & Insights, Horizon Power
Chantal Adams
Executive Director Corporate and Organisational Services, North Regional TAFE WA
Michelle Otterman
Principal Policy Officer, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA
3:55PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Panel discussion Data, AI, IT and Analytics

Panel: Implementing an Open Data Sharing Approach Within Government | The Risks, Rewards, and Tribulation

3:55 PM - 4:25 PM (30 mins)

  • Can you share examples where open data sharing directly benefited a government initiative or public service?
  • What are the main privacy concerns related to open data sharing and how can they be effectively mitigated?
  • For governments that have already implemented open data sharing, what were some unforeseen challenges, and what advice would you offer Western Australia to avoid similar pitfalls?
Sonya Sherman
A/Director Data Policy, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA
Adam James
Director Innovation, Office of Medical Research and Innovation, WA Health
John Rampono
Practice Director, Data and AI, Insight
4:25PM

Meeting Rooms 1&2, Level 2

Digital Services and Customer Experience

End of Track Highlights and Insights

4:25 PM - 4:30 PM (5 mins)

4:25PM

BelleVue Ballroom 2, Level 3

Data, AI, IT and Analytics

End of Track Highlights & Insights

4:25 PM - 4:30 PM (5 mins)

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