GIW NSW: Speakers and Sessions

The morning block of the NSW Digital Government Showcase set the stage with ministerial vision, secure and resilient frameworks, global lessons, and the future of human + AI collaboration. Attendees heard from leading voices across government and industry on how NSW is delivering smarter, safer, and more connected public services.

Key Points:

• Ministerial Address outlined NSW’s digital strategy for a future-ready, citizen-first government.
• Insights shared on how open, resilient, and secure frameworks enable innovation while protecting citizens.
• Estonia’s success story showcased best practice in building digital-first, citizen-centric services.
• Practical strategies highlighted for human + AI collaboration and productivity in government.
• Executive panel discussed priorities for accelerating simple, smart, secure, and connected services into 2026 and beyond.

Speakers:

• Jennifer Arnold – Head of Advisory, Public Sector Network
• The Hon. Jihad Dib MP – Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government; Minister for Emergency Services; Minister for Youth Justice, NSW Government
• David Mellers – Federal and NSW Government Lead, Intel
• Ott Velsberg – Government Chief Data Officer, Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
• Dr. Rebecca Hinds – Head of The Work Innovation Lab, Asana
• Shaun Ruming – Deputy Secretary/Chief People Officer, Department of Education
• Emma Jones – Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive for Technology Operations, Stats NZ
• Paul James – Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs NZ

From ministerial vision and secure frameworks to Estonia’s lessons and AI innovation, this session offered a comprehensive look at the strategies, technologies, and leadership driving NSW’s digital government transformation.