• Defence Financing Summit

    Harnessing private capital to enhance sovereign defence capability

    16th October 2024
    Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney

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Overview

As Australia faces the most uncertain geostrategic circumstances in 70 years, successive governments will increase spending on defence procurement. But with global tensions, war on two continents and ever-increasing fiscal constraints, will this funding be enough?

In the US, private investment in national security is regarded as a patriotic cause and lauded. Here, the narrative needs to change if Australia is going to compete and effectively defend itself.

There is an appetite for greater private investment in the Defence sector. But what are the challenges? What are the risks? And what can (and should) the Federal Government do to develop Defence as an Asset Class?

This one-day event will bring together key players from Government, the investment community, Defence, and Defence industry to look at the opportunities and scope for private capital investment in Australian military capability.

Speakers


Mark Stevens
Managing Partner,
Periscope Capital Partners


John Hopkins
Managing Director and CEO,
Export Finance Australia

Partners

Host Partner

Sponsors

WELCOME RECEPTION

Tuesday 7th May 2024

Enjoy the picturesque surroundings and gorgeous view of the Darwin horizon at Parliament House as the Chief Minister welcomes attendees to the 10th Annual ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit.

Hosted by: The Hon Eva Lawler MLA, Chief Minister, Northern Territory Government

17:30 – 19:00 | Main Hall, Parliament House

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Chief Minister’s Welcome Address

The Hon Eva Lawler MLA, Chief Minister, Northern Territory Government

AGENDA

08:00

Registration opens

You can collect your name badge at the Welcome Reception and fast track your entry into the Summit.

08:45

WELCOME TO COUNTRY |

08:50

WELCOME ADDRESS FROM AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MAGAZINE |

Ewen Levick, Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine

08:55

OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Jason Miezio, Defence Sector Lead, Sitzler

09:00

CHIEF MINISTER’S ADDRESS |

The Hon Eva Lawler MLA, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory

09:20

MINISTERIAL ADDRESS |

The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry & Minister for International Development and the Pacific

09:30

FIRESIDE CHAT |

The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry & Minister for International Development and the Pacific
Interviewer: Ewen Levick, Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine

09:50

PANEL | Enhancing Regional Development and Collaboration Across Infrastructure Projects

  • Outlining the North’s current capacity to support infrastructure projects
  • Including sustainability into planning and construction
  • The value of infrastructure to the region

Stephen Land, Chief Investment Officer, The Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF)
Sudantha Hettiarachchi, National Design Leader – Defence, Multiplex
Matthew Niikkula, Shire President of Exmouth & Chair, North West Defence Alliance
Giovina D’Alessandro, Deputy Infrastructure Commissioner of the Northern Territory
Moderator: TBC

10:25

Morning Tea & Networking Break

10:50

MINISTERIAL ADDRESS |

The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Defence

11:00

KEYNOTE | Defence infrastructure initiatives across Northern Australia

  • Analysis of Defence expenditure across the North
  • Upgrading of existing Defence facilities
  • Project timelines and anticipated results
  • Benefits to local communities and industry

AIRCDRE Ron Tilley, Director General Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch, Department of Defence

11:20

IN CONVERSATION |

The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Defence
AIRCDRE Ron Tilley, Director General Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch, Department of Defence

11:35

CASE STUDY | Current and future infrastructure projects of Sitzler

Ricky Yates, Project Director – Defence, Sitzler
Des Marsh, Contractors Representative, Sitzler

11:55

PANEL | Creative funding and financing for future Defence projects

  • Encouraging private investment into the defence industry sector
  • Defence as an investment category and asset class
  • The potential contribution of superannuation funds to financing defence programs

Peter Colacino, Project Strategy & Delivery Lead, Mott MacDonald
Mark Stevens, Managing Director, Arican
Matthew Biviano, Executive Director, Plenary
Moderator: Dr Alan Dupont AO, Northern Territory Defence and National Security Advisor

12:30

Lunch

13:30

FEDERAL OPPOSITION ADDRESS |

Phil Thompson OAM, MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence

13:40

PANEL | Addressing challenges in local industry: Engaging with Northern Australia’s Defence sector

  • Successful strategies for integrating into defence supply chains
  • Overcoming entry barriers and establishing a foothold in defence
  • Fostering innovation and technology
  • Future growth areas and partnership opportunities

Jim Walker, Chapter President, AIDN NT
Anthony Weymouth, Head of Defence, Space & Advanced Manufacturing, AUSTRADE
Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Strategic Defence Relations
Moderator: TBC

14:15

CASE STUDY | Defence of the North of Australia with sovereign USVs 

  • Renewable energy powered sea surface drones – powered by sun, wind and waves
  • Long duration persistent surveillance, remote from mainland
  • Above and below water sensors for ISR and ASW
  • Proven capability with an effect
  • Integrate with and complement crewed assets
  • Approved by AMSA, launched from Darwin

Robert Dane, Chief Executive Officer, Ocius Technology

14:35

Navigating Asia-Pacific Geo-Politics: Implications for Northern Australia

  • Strategic engagement amidst a growing US-China rivalry
  • Security challenges and dynamics in the region
  • Northern Australia’s role within the region
  • Defence capability and economic integration

Dr John Coyne, Head of the Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre, ASPI
Dr Victor Abramowicz, Manger for Defence & Advanced Manufacturing, Charles Darwin University
LTGEN (ret’d) Shigeki Muto, Japanese Air Self Defense Force & Japan Lead for the NT National Security Advisory Group
Moderator: Dr Alan Dupont AO, Northern Territory Defence and National Security Advisor

15:30

Afternoon Tea

15:50

CASE STUDY | Delivering maintenance and sustainment projects across Northern Australia: Challenges and opportunities

  • Collaborating with local industry
  • Unique environmental and geographical challenges
  • Workforce and skills requirements
  • Managing risk and uncertainties

Georgia Davey, Program Manager, NORSTA Maritime

16:10

PANEL | Specific Challenges Operating Defence Bases in the North

  • Unique constraints of the Northern Environment
  • Logistics and supply chains
  • Indigenous engagement and cultural sensitivities

BRIG Doug Pashley, Commander, 1st Brigade
CAPT Mitch Livingstone, Commander, NORCOM
CAPT David Shirvington, Commanding Officer, HMAS Coonawarra

WGCDR Lauren Guest, Commanding Officer, 13th Squadron

16:50

Closing Remarks from the Chair

Jason Miezio, Defence Sector Lead, Sitzler

17:00

End of Conference & Networking Drinks

Pricing

Early bird rate expires 31 July 2024

Packages Early Bird Rate Full Rate
Conference pass – Standard Industry Rate $995 + GST $1,195 + GST
Conference pass – SME Defence Contractors $595 + GST $695 + GST

Venue

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney
27 O’Connell St,
Sydney NSW 2000

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.