Overview

The ADM South Australian Defence Summit returns for its third edition on Tuesday 1st July 2025, bringing together senior leaders from Defence, industry and academia to explore South Australia’s vital role in Defence and national security.

Key themes for 2025 include:

  • Naval shipbuilding and South Australia’s contribution to maritime capability
  • Supply chains and infrastructure
  • Next generation weapons systems and emerging military technologies
  • Defence research and development
  • Cybersecurity and AI in modern defence operations
  • Advanced and additive manufacturing

Welcome Reception

Date/Time: 30 June 2025, 5.30 – 7pm
Venue: Adelaide Convention Centre, Panorama Room Foyer

Your event experience begins with the Welcome Reception. Network, connect, and engage while enjoying refreshments & canapes. This exclusive event is included in your conference ticket.

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Speakers


Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead AO
Director General, Australian Submarine Agency


Major General Hugh Meggitt AM CSC
Head – Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Department of Defence


Angela Wiggins
Chief People Officer, BAE Systems Australia


Alex Walsh
Chief Nuclear & Capability Officer, ASC


Alex Walter
Strategic Campaigns Manager – Marine, Babcock


WGCDR S. Kate Conroy
Responsible AI Lead, Jericho Disruptive Innovation, Royal Australian Air Force


John Fry
Managing Director,
Kongsberg Defence Australia


Prof Robert Hunjet
Program Leader – Australian Defence Science and Universities Network – Defence Science and Technology Group, Department of Defence


LTCOL Jake Penley
Commanding Officer – 1st Armoured Regiment, Australian Army


Dr Mel McDowall
Director, Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Network


Professor Colin Hall
Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia


Libby Day
Chief Executive Officer, Defence Teaming Centre


Matthew Theoharous
Executive General Manager – Defence and Social Infrastructure, Built Australia


Jeremy Satchell
Head of Industry Capability,
BAE Systems Australia


Prof Belinda Chiera
Deputy Director Industrial AI Research Centre, University of South Australia


Anthony Ward
Chief Growth Officer, Aurizn


Professor Siobhan Banks
Director – Behavior-Brain-Body Research Centre, University of South Australia


Dr Liming Zhu
Research Director, Software and Computational Systems, Data 61, CSIRO


Anthony Weymouth
Head of Technology, Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space, Austrade


Simon Joyce
Assistant Secretary Data Governance and Services, Department of Defence


Tony Kyriacou
Defence Partnerships Director, Flinders University


Estha van der Linden
Head – South Australia,
Ai Group


Graham Priestnall OAM
President, AIDN SA


Dr Sanjay Mazumdar
Executive Director,
Defence Trailblazer


Darian Macey
Founder,
DECnet


Dr Damian Copeland
Article 36 Legal


Matt Opie
Chief Executive, Defence SA


Nick Howie
Director, Centre of Excellence – Establishment, TAFE SA


Oskar Jakubowski
Student,
University of Adelaide


Brad Coulter
Senior Technical Sales Consultant, AML3D


Professor Chris Brebner
Pro-Vice Chancellor – Curriculum Impact, Flinders University

Defence Artificial Intelligence and Industry Symposium 2025

30th June Adelaide Convention Centre, SA

The Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Network (DAIRNet) is pleased to host this symposium, as part of the ADM South Australian Defence Summit. This symposium serves as a platform for a meaningful exchange between the Australian Defence and Artificial Intelligence (AI) communities, providing an opportunity to explore both differences and commonalities, while also discussing potential avenues for future collaboration.

As the Defence sector rapidly evolves, the integration of Responsible AI (RAI) presents both exciting opportunities and challenges. While progress is being made, the adoption of RAI across Defence remains inconsistent.

Given the growing significance of RAI, it is more important than ever to deepen our understanding of its implementation and the associated risks. We invite you to join us in this crucial conversation on RAI, as we work towards establishing standardised processes to ensure its use within Defence.

DAIRNet is an initiative of the Department of Defence and is managed in partnership with the University of South Australia. To learn more, visit www.dairnet.com.au

Program
DAIRNet Defence AI Industry Symposium

8:30 – 9:00 Registration

9:00 – 9:15 Welcome
Dr Mel McDowall, Director of DAIRNet

9:15 – 9:50 Keynote address | Theme: Current RAI Landscape
WGCDR S. Kate Conroy, Jericho Disruptive Innovation, Royal Australian Air Force
WGCDR Alec Tattersall, Royal Australian Air Force
Dr Damian Copeland, Article 36 Legal

9:50 – 10:40 Panel discussion | Theme: Standardisation and the Path to RAI
Facilitator: Prof Belinda Chiera, University of South Australia
WGCDR S. Kate Conroy, Jericho Disruptive Innovation, Royal Australian Air Force
WGCDR Alec Tattersall, Royal Australian Air Force
Dr Damian Copeland, Article 36 Legal
Mr Simon Joyce, Department of Defence
Dr Liming Zhu, Data 61, CSIRO

10:40 – 11:00 Morning tea break

11:00 – 12:00 Case study activity
Facilitators: WGCDR S. Kate Conroy, Jericho Disruptive Innovation, Royal Australian Air Force
WGCDR Alec Tattersall, Royal Australian Air Force
Dr Damian Copeland, Article 36 Legal

12:00 – 12:55 Lunch and networking

12:55 – 13:00 Closing remarks

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

Exhibitors

Partners

Charity Partner

Workshop | Collaborative Leadership for AUKUS Success

Date: 27 August 2024 | Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

In a world that thrives on collaboration, it is crucial to understand the barriers faced by industry, government, and academia in working together effectively. This workshop aims to identify these challenges and provide participants with the tools and strategies to excel in the AUKUS supply chain as trusted partners and valued collaborators.

Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, you will explore the concept of collaborative leadership and learn how to adapt it to your organisation’s unique needs. With a focus on competing in collaborative supply chains for AUKUS, you will gain insights into fostering better internal, local, and international collaboration.

Allan Ryan, Executive Director of Hargraves Institute, brings his extensive research and experience in making collaboration a competitive advantage for businesses globally. Join Allan and fellow leaders in this unique opportunity to expand your capabilities, gain practical tools, and empower your teams to adopt collaborative practices that drive success.

By attending this workshop you will:

  • Identify what collaborative leadership means to your organisation
  • Understand how to better compete in collaborative supply chains for AUKUS
  • Explore tools for better collaboration internally, locally and internationally
  • Takeaway a toolkit to engage your team with collaborative practices

Host: Allan Ryan, Executive Director, Hargraves Institute

Register for the Workshop Here

Tuesday 27th August | Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024 Forum

Defence Export Controls will introduce the key changes that are occurring to Australia’s Defence Export Controls  framework resulting from the new Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024.

13:00    Registration

14:00     Welcome and Introduction

Libby Day, CEO, Defence Teaming Centre

14:10     Defence Export Controls

  • An overview of Australia’s current Defence export control framework
  • Key changes introduced by the DTC Amendment Act (i.e. exemptions, new offences, licence-free environment, record keeping)
  • Available support to help you comply with the new legislation.
  • Questions and Answers

Rosanna Domenici, Executive Director, Defence Export Controls Reform, Department of Defence

15:00     Networking break

15:30     Introduction to Government Partners

  • A view of cross-government roles relating to trade control and security measures

15:40     Australian Border Force

James Ryan, Superintendent Counter Proliferation, Australian Border Force
Gabriella Jeffery, A/Supervisor, Senior Investigator, Counter Proliferation, Australian Border Force

15:55     Foreign Arrangements branch 

Barbara Rooks, Assistant Director, Complex Assessments, Foreign Arrangements Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

16:10     Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets

Virginia Konno, Director, Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets, Department of Defence

16:20     Australian Sanctions Office

Claudine Lamond, Director, Sanctions Compliance and Outreach, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

16:30     Q and A Session

Rosanna Domenici, Executive Director, Defence Export Controls Reform, Department of Defence
James Ryan, Superintendent Counter Proliferation, Australian Border Force
Gabriella Jeffery, A/Supervisor, Senior Investigator, Counter Proliferation, Australian Border Force
Barbara Rooks, Assistant Director, Complex Assessments, Foreign Arrangements Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Claudine Lamond, Director, Sanctions Compliance and Outreach, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Virginia Konno, Director, Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets, Department of Defence

17:00     Closing Remarks from the Chair

Libby Day, CEO, Defence Teaming Centre

17:30     Welcome Reception

Sponsored by

Guest speaker:
Steph Lysaght, UK Consul-General, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania

FORUM REGO

CONFERENCE AGENDA 1 JULY 2025

09:15

Welcome from the ADM

09:30

Opening remarks from the Chair

09:40

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Building Australia’s conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.

  • Challenges and opportunities
  • Osborne Submarine Construction Yard
  • Skills and Training Academy (Campus and Initiatives)
  • Workforce and Industry participation

Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead AO RAN, Director-General, Australian Submarine Agency

10:00

The role of infrastructure to enable national resilience in Defence

  • Nuclear subs (SA and WA)
    • Nuclear Assurance and Licencing
    • Public safety
    • Constrained Market – need to think differently
    • Supply chain and resource upskilling – springboard to boat build and sustainment
    • Leveraging international and AUKUS tripartite.

Senior Representative, Laing O’Rourke

10:20

INDUSTRY KEYNOTE | Workforce Development and supply chain uplift to support the submarine program

  • Extending current fleet availability and performance
  • Strategies to skill, attract and retain a workforce capable of delivering future submarine capability
  • Collaborating across industry to deliver undersea warfare capabilities

Alex Walsh, Chief Nuclear & Capability Officer, ASC

10:40

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Accelerating asymmetric capabilities through Innovation

  • ASCA’s alignment to Capability Delivery
  • ASCA’s priority areas that are key to Defence
  • How can South Australian industry can support ASCA’s mission

Major General Hugh Meggitt AM CSC, Head – Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Department of Defence

11:00

KEYNOTE | Partnering to establish South Australia’s Defence Future: Continuous Naval Shipbuilding, High Frequency Surveillance and Advanced Manufacturing

  • Alliances with the South Australian Government to establish world class innovation precincts
  • Industry partnerships to build truly national sovereign defence capability
  • Working with universities and vocational institutions to drive skills and training programs

Angela Wiggins, Chief People Officer, BAE Systems Australia

12:50  Morning Tea & Networking Break

STREAM A: DEFENCE FOUNDATIONS: INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATIONS

11:50 PANEL | Strategic importance of South Australia in Defence operations

  • Strategic location and ability for rapid force deployment to the Indo-Pacific
  • Osborne Shipyard and home to major defence companies
  • Key military infrastructure facilities

Jeremy Satchell, Head of Industry Capability, BAE Systems Australia
Alex Walter, Strategic Campaigns Manager – Marine, Babcock

12:30 Kongsberg’s Investment and Commitment in ADF Capability

John Fry, Managing Director, Kongsberg

STREAM B: FUTURE CAPABILITY AND NEXT GENERATION SYSTEMS

11:50 PANEL | Next Generations Weapon Systems & the Future of Defence Innovation in Australia

  • Key focus areas in emerging technology
  • Autonomous and AI enabled systems
  • Directed energy & electromagnetic weapons
  • Developing hypersonic capability

Anthony Ward, Chief Growth Officer, Aurizn

12:30 Assessing ADF Capability requirements into the future

  • Identifying future capability gaps
  • Predicting future threats and changes in warfare
  • Investing in next-generation technologies

STREAM C – DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

11:50 PANEL | How will AUKUS shape Australia’s Defence R&D landscape?

  • Collaboration with international partners
  • Budgeting and investment into AUKUS priorities
  • How will AUKUS driven R&D enhance Australian military capability

Dr Mel McDowall, Director, Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Network
Tony Kyriacou, Defence Partnerships Director, Flinders University

12:30 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology – Solving the Hard Problems

  • Outcomes of the Defence IS&T Strategy
  • Growing collaboration and coordination
  • ADSUN as a mechanism for enabling partnerships

Prof Robert Hunjet, Program Leader – Australian Defence Science and Universities Network – Defence Science and Technology Group, Department of Defence

12:50    Lunch

STREAM A: DEFENCE FOUNDATIONS: INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATIONS

14:00 PANEL | Supporting Defence Capability: Infrastructure Delivery in South Australia

  • Unique challenges operating in the South
  • Skilling and workforce obstacles
  • Innovation and technology integration
  • Upcoming defence projects and strategic priorities

Matthew Theoharous, Executive General Manager, Defence and Social Infrastructure, Built

14:40 Supporting the growth of South Australia’s sovereign defence base

  • Expanding defence industrial capability
  • Investment in defence infrastructure
  • Increasing opportunities for SMEs

Matt Opie, Chief Executive, Defence SA

15:00 Combat Experimentation in the Australian Army

LTCOL Jake Penley, Commanding Officer – 1st Armoured Regiment, Australian Army

STREAM B: FUTURE CAPABILITY AND NEXT GENERATION SYSTEMS

14:00 PANEL | Preparing for evolving workforce demands

  • Critical skills required for future defence capability
  • Developing closer collaboration
  • Government initiatives to support the Defence workforce

Nick Howie – Director, Centre of Excellence – Establishment, TAFE SA
Oskar Jakubowski, Student, University of Adelaide
Professor Chris Brebner, Pro-Vice Chancellor – Curriculum Impact, Flinders University

14:40 CASE STUDY | Developing and Deploying Additive Manufacturing

  • Comparisons to traditional manufacturing methods
  • Benefits of on demand production and reducing reliance on supply chains
  • What is the future of 3D printing and next-generation application?

Brad Coulter, Senior Technical Sales Consultant, AML3D

15:00 Engaging with local SMEs to bolster capacity

  • Factory of the Future Manufacturing Growth Accelerator
  • How have SMEs contributed to improved capacity?
  • Increasing SA’s manufacturing productivity

Libby Day, Chief Executive Officer, DTC

STREAM C – DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

14:00 PANEL | Bringing Innovation to Defence in South Australia

  • WGCDR Paul Hay, Deputy Director Jericho Disruptive Innovation, Royal Australian Air Force
  • Professor Anna Ma-Wyatt, Director of Astronaut-Autonomy teaming, Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources
  • Mr Steven Benn, Managing Director & CEO, Priori Analytica
  • Mr Paul Daly, Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Defence Trailblazer

Moderator: Phil Temby, Associate Director Defence Innovation Partnership

14:40 Additive Manufacturing CRC – developing the AM supply chain for Defence

  • Role of AM in the Australian manufacturing ecosystem
  • Role of AM in the defence supply chain
  • Role of the AMCRC

Professor Colin Hall, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia

15:00 Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre

Professor Siobhan Banks, Director – Behavior-Brain-Body Research Centre, University of South Australia
Zygmunt Szpak, Australian Institute for Machine Learning, University of Adelaide

15:20  Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

STREAM A: DEFENCE FOUNDATIONS: INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATIONS

15:50 Key Operational Challenges for Defence Establishments in South Australia

  • Geographic and environmental considerations
  • Workforce and population hurdles
  • Supply chain and logistics requirements

16:10 PANEL | Future infrastructure requirements to ensure South Australia and South Australian industry can support the delivery of ADF capability

  • Investment and construction requirements
  • Skills and population demand
  • Ensuring a sufficient defence industrial base

STREAM B: FUTURE CAPABILITY AND NEXT GENERATION SYSTEMS

15:50 Implementing South Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan

  • Unlocking the potential of advanced manufacturing
  • Driving economic growth and supporting SMEs
  • Maximising opportunities within Defence

16:10 PANEL | Accelerating Defence innovation through SMEs and Start ups

  • Improving funding and support
  • Streamlining pathways to accessing defence supply chains
  • Strengthening collaboration between SMEs and Primes

Estha van der Linden, Head – South Australia, Ai Group
Graham Priestnall OAM, President, AIDN SA

STREAM C – DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

15:50 Defence Trailblazer – lessons learnt from a large-scale university-industry collaboration focussed on Defence priorities

Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, Executive Director, Defence Trailblazer

16:10 PANEL | Ethical Considerations in Defence Research

  • Implications of developing AI, Robotics and autonomous systems
  • Legal and regulatory considerations
  • Dual use technologies
  • Managing risks and responsibilities

16:50 Closing from Stream Chair

17:00 End of Conference and Networking Drinks

Pricing

  • *Department of Defence/ADF attend for free. Please register for the ADF/Dept Defence pass by emailing [email protected] and ensure you use your business email address.
  • The SME rate applies to companies with fewer than 200 employees and are not part of a larger group/ parent company
  • Local SME rate applies to South Australian registered organisations employing fewer than 50 people who aren’t part of a larger group/ parent company

 

Packages Full Rate
Industry
SA Defence Summit $1,595 + GST
Dairnet AI Symposium $695 + GST
SME/ Academia/ Govt
SA Defence Summit $1,195 + GST
Dairnet AI Symposium $495 + GST
Local SME
SA Defence Summit $795 + GST
Dairnet AI Symposium $395 + GST
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Venue

Adelaide Convention Centre
North Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000

Book accommodation with HotelMaps
To access the best available rate, book here.

ConnectMe

ConnectMe • Networking enhanced

All of our events utilise a bespoke dynamic smartphone app, ConnectMe – which guarantees attendees a premium event experience. Logins are sent prior to the conference commencement allowing you to check who’s attending, schedule in meetings and catch ups, participate in live Q+A and interactive polls, and much more. ConnectMe ensures you never miss a beat prior, during and post event.

Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability

In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa Connect we are focusing on the short and long-term sustainability impacts we have on customers and colleagues alongside the communities we work in.

We recognise that it’s not just about the way we produce our events and products but recognising that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.

To read more on our latest sustainability reports and Faster Forward initiatives – click here.

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We want everyone who comes to our events to have a great experience. This code explains our expectations and rules, which includes general good practice behaviour, and how to report anything witnessed or experienced that goes against them. Read our Event Code of Conduct here.