ADM AUKUS Pillar II Conference 2025
19 February 2025
Hyatt Hotel, Canberra
Join us for the inaugural Australian Defence Magazine AUKUS Pillar II Conference, taking place on 19 February 2025 in Canberra, as we delve into the deepening technological collaboration between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
With a primary emphasis on advancing military capabilities through emerging technologies, this conference is where the next generation of defence innovation takes shape.
Dive into high-stakes discussions on the integration of artificial intelligence, hypersonics, cyber warfare, robotics, machine learning, quantum technologies, and more. Discover how the three nations can leverage their combined expertise to push the boundaries of defence technology, from joint development initiatives to integrated supply chains and a unified strategy that maximises the benefits of emerging tech for all partners.
This is your chance to be part of a game-changing dialogue—uniting defence leaders, policymakers, industry, and academia to shape the future of military excellence through the power of innovation.
New for 2025! An Unprecedented Opportunity – All in One Place!
The Australian Defence Magazine AUKUS Pillar II Conference will be co-located with the 22nd ADM Congress and the 6th ADM Space Summit. This unique convergence of events gives you exclusive access to three powerhouse industry gatherings with just one registration. It’s the ultimate opportunity to engage with key decision-makers, industry experts, and thought leaders across defence, space, and international collaboration.
And that’s not all – we’ve got special rates for SMEs and academia, ensuring everyone can join in on the action. Department of Defence/ADF attend for free – see details below.
Get in early! The first 300 delegates to register will receive a complimentary seat at the ADM Congress Dinner, valued at $350 + GST. Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance to network, dine, and discuss the future of defence and space.
Sponsors
Gold & Coffee Cart Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Exhibitors
Speakers
David Nockels
First Assistant Secretary Defence Trade, Regulation and Industrial Collaboration, Department of Defence
Steve Moore
First Assistant Secretary AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, Department of Defence
Anthony Weymouth
Head of Defence, Manufacturing & Space, Austrade
Robert Dane
Chief Executive Officer,
Ocius
Professor Lachlan Blackhall
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), The Australian National University
Dr Muhammad Usman
Principal Research Scientist,
CSIRO’s Data 61
Anna Murray
President, AIDN NSW
Dr Mel McDowall
Director, Defence AI Research Network (DAIRNeT)
James Corera
Director – Cyber, Technology and Security, ASPI
Professor Emma Sparks
Dean & Rector,
UNSW Canberra
Matt Hill
Chief Executive Officer,
Hypersonix Launch Systems
Sue Keay
Chair – Board of Directors,
Robotics Australia Group
Dr Robert Hunjet
Program Leader – Australian Defence Science and Universities Network – Defence Science and Technology Group, Department of Defence
Prof Ganna Pogrebna
Executive Director – Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute, Charles Sturt University
Professor Debbie Ashenden
Executive Director, UNSW Institute for Cyber Security
AGENDA | 19th February 2025
8:50
OPENING |Opening remarks from the Chair
9:00
Keynote | Enhancing Defence capability through AUKUS
- Advancements in next-generation weapons technology
- Integrating AI into Defence capability
- Collaboration and interoperability with AUKUS partners
Steve Moore, First Assistant Secretary AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, Department of Defence
9:30
Keynote | Defence industry collaboration and innovation under AUKUS Pillar II
- Key programs and partnerships aimed at advancing defence industry opportunities
- International engagement and market access
- Regulatory frameworks and challenges
David Nockels, First Assistant Secretary Defence Trade, Regulation and Industrial Collaboration, Department of Defence
10:00
Keynote | Export opportunities under AUKUS Pillar II
- Improving the resilience of defence supply chains
- Enhancing Australia’s manufacturing capability through technology transfers, talent sharing and streamlined regulation
- Broadening access to global supply chains
Anthony Weymouth, Head of Defence, Manufacturing & Space, Austrade
10:30
Morning Tea and Networking Break
11:00
Strengthening Collaboration and Unlocking Opportunities Through AUKUS Pillar II
- Advancing technological interoperability and innovation
- Strategies for joint research and development of future capabilities
- Skill sharing and workforce development
- Opportunities for Australian industry in the UK and UK industry in Australia
Kathryn Essex, First Secretary – Defence, United Kingdom High Commission
11:30
Panel Discussion | Enhancing our technological edge
- Major challenges in research, development, and innovation for Australian Defence manufacturers
- Developments in AI, robotics and machine learning
- What excites us most about AUKUS?
Dr Mel McDowall, Director, Defence AI Research Network (DAIRNeT)
Sue Keay, Chair – Board of Directors, Robotics Australia Group
12:10
Case Study | Advancing Hypersonics under AUKUS Pillar II
- Research and development milestones in hypersonic technology
- Future potential of hypersonic capabilities
- Collaboration and partnerships with AUKUS partners
Matt Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Hypersonix Launch Systems
12:40
Lunch
13:40
Panel Discussion | Research and academia’s role in the success of AUKUS Pillar II
- Importance of R&D in driving innovation and technological development
- Universities and research institutions involvement in defence capability
- Bilateral agreements and collaboration with partners
- Funding and support for research
Dr Muhammad Usman, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO’s Data 61
Prof Lachlan Blackhall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research & Innovation, ANU
14:20
Case Study | Uncrewed Surface Vessels: Advancing Continuous Maritime Surveillance
- Designing and developing USV’s – key technologies required
- Collaboration with partners – how will AUKUS support growth?
- Future potential for USV’s and their role in maritime operations
Robert Dane, Chief Executive Officer, Ocius
14:50
Panel Discussion | Bolstering cyber capabilities and enhanced collaboration through AUKUS Pillar II
- What is the current state of cyber threats and the strategic significance of improving cyber capability
- Government – Industry partnerships
- The importance of cyber capability as a modern warfare domain
- Ethical and legal considerations
James Corera, Director – Cyber, Technology and Security, ASPI
Professor Debbie Ashenden, Executive Director, UNSW Institute for Cyber Security
15:30
Afternoon Tea & Networking Break
16:00
Understanding the impact of Australian and US Export Controls reforms
- Why so many export controls reforms?
- What are the key changes in this environment?
- How can your organisation ensure compliance?
- How can your organisation get ahead?
16:30
Panel Discussion | Workforce challenges arising from AUKUS
- 20,000 jobs. What’s the breakdown and where will the workers come from?
- Delivering tailored education, training, and skilling for submarine workforce
- Developing the pipeline of highly skilled STEM graduates
Professor Emma Sparks, Dean & Rector, UNSW Canberra
Anna Murray, President, AIDN NSW
17:10
Closing remarks from the Chair
17:20
End of Conference and Networking Drinks
ADM Congress Charity Dinner
19th February 2025 | Grand Hyatt, Canberra
Wrap up the day’s exciting discussions in style at the ADM Congress Charity Dinner. This evening offers the perfect opportunity to continue networking with fellow Congress attendees while supporting a great cause. Join key industry leaders, defence experts, and policymakers for an unforgettable night of conversation and charity.
Special guest speaker: Major General (Retired) Andrew Bottrell, AO, CSC and Bar, DSM
Special offer – the first 300 conference delegates get a FREE seat at the dinner.
ADM Congress Welcome Reception
18th February 2025 | Grand Hyatt, Canberra
Your event experience begins with the ADM Congress Welcome Reception. Network, connect, and engage while enjoying refreshments, as you hear from a distinguished guest speaker (stay tuned for the announcement!)
This exclusive event is included in your conference ticket.
Pricing
* Conference pass includes access to ADM Congress, ADM Space Summit and ADM Pillar II Conference
* Conference pass includes access to the Welcome Reception, Post Conference Networking Drinks and the Charity Dinner
First 300 delegates get a FREE seat at the ADM Congress Dinner with MAJGEN (Ret’d) Andrew Bottrell AO, CSC & Bar, DSM
SME is defined as fewer than 200 global employees
Micro SME is defined as fewer than 50 global employees
Standard rate ends 31 January 2025
Department of Defence/ADF attend for free. Please register for the ADF/Dept Defence pass by emailing info@informa.com.au and ensure you use your business email address.
* This does not include the Charity Dinner
| Packages | Standard Rate | Full Rate |
| Conference pass – Standard Industry Rate | $2,695 + GST | $2,895 + GST |
| Conference pass – SME, Government and Academia Rate | $1,695 + GST | $1,895 + GST |
| Conference pass – Micro SME Rate | $1,395 + GST | $1,595 + GST |
| Additional Charity Dinner | $350 + GST | $350 + GST |
| Charity Dinner – Table of 10 | $3,300 + GST | $3,300 + GST |
| Charity Dinner – Department of Defence, ADF and Speakers | $250 + GST | $250 + GST |
Venue
Hyatt Hotel, Canberra
120 Commonwealth Ave
Canberra ACT 2600
(02) 6270 1234
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