• Northern Australia Defence

    Hosted by the NT Government, this policy-driven event will look at the opportunities for Australia’s Defence industry in Northern Australia.

    29 April 2025
    Darwin Convention Centre

    BOOK NOW REGISTER INTEREST

Overview

The Northern Australia Defence Summit returns as part of NT Defence Week 2025, running from 28 April to 2 May.

This year’s expanded two-day format underscores the Northern Territory’s critical role in Defence and national security.

With the theme “Uplifting Industry Across the North to Meet Capability Demands of the ADF, Allies, and Partners,” the summit will bring together Defence leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and SMEs to discuss:

  • Defence capability development in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Economic growth opportunities tied to Defence initiatives in Northern Australia.
  • Strengthening partnerships with Defence and allied stakeholders.

What to expect at the 2025 Summit:

  • High-profile speakers from Defence, government, and industry.
  • Engaging panel discussions and keynotes on Defence readiness and innovation.
  • Networking opportunities to connect with decision-makers shaping the future of Defence in the region.

As a signature event of NT Defence Week, the Summit is your gateway to influence, innovate, and invest in Northern Australia’s Defence landscape.

Be part of the conversation shaping the future.

Speakers


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


The Hon Eva Lawler MLA
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory


The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP
Assistant Minister for Defence


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


BRIG Doug Pashley
Commander,
1st Brigade


CAPT Mitch Livingstone
Commander,
NORCOM


Giovina D’Alessandro
Deputy Infrastructure Commissioner of the Northern Territory


CAPT David Shirvington
Commanding Officer,
HMAS Coonawarra


WGCDR Lauren Guest
Commanding Officer,
13th Squadron


Georgia Davey
Program Manager,
NORSTA Maritime


Jason Miezio
Defence Sector Lead,
Sitzler


Dr John Coyne
Head of the Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre, ASPI


Dr Victor Abramowicz
Manager for Defence & Advanced Manufacturing, Charles Darwin University


Ewen Levick
Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine


Sudantha Hettiarachchi
National Design Leader – Defence, Multiplex


Robert Dane
Chief Executive Officer, Ocius Technology


Stephen Land
Chief Investment Officer, The Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF)


Phil Thompson OAM
MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence


Jim Walker
Chapter President,
AIDN NT


Matthew Niikkula
Shire President of Exmouth & Chair, North West Defence Alliance


Lia Finocchiaro MLA
Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Strategic Defence Relations


LTGEN (ret’d) Shigeki Muto
Japanese Air Self Defense Force & Japan Lead for the NT National Security Advisory Group


Peter Colacino
Project Strategy & Delivery Lead, Mott MacDonald


Aaron McMahon
Senior Adviser Northern Australia, Arican


Ricky Yates
Project Director – Defence, Sitzler


Des Marsh
Contractors Representative, Sitzler


Dr Alan Dupont AO
Northern Territory Defence and National Security Advisor


LTGEN (Ret’d) John Wissler
United States Marine Corp & US Lead for the National Security Advisory Group

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Coffee Cart Sponsor

Exhibitors

Event Partners

Charity Partner

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

2024 AGENDA

Conference Day | Wednesday 8th May 2024

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: Tyson Sara, CEO & Chief Strategist, CMAX Advisory

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

The 2024 National Defence Strategy – a Sitzler Perspective

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
Matthew Biviano, Executive Director, Plenary
Moderator: Dr Alan Dupont AO, Northern Territory Defence and National Security Advisor

12:30

Lunch

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
Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Strategic Defence Relations
Aaron McMahon, Senior Adviser Northern Australia, Arican
Moderator: Brent Clark, CEO, AIDN

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

The geostrategic significance of Darwin and Northern Australia to the Indo-Pacific

  • Northern Australia’s close proximity to key shipping and trade routes
  • Military installations and facilities contributing to regional security
  • Partnerships and alliances with close allies

LTGEN (Ret’d) John Wissler, United States Marine Corp & US Lead for the National Security Advisory Group

14:45

PANEL | 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, Manager for Defence & Advanced Manufacturing, Charles Darwin University
LTGEN (ret’d) Shigeki Muto, Japanese Air Self Defense Force & Japan Lead, NT National Security Advisory Group
Moderator: Dr Alan Dupont AO, Northern Territory Defence and National Security Advisor

15:20

Afternoon Tea

15:40

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

16:00

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
Moderator: Jason Miezio, Defence Sector Lead, Sitzler

16:55

Closing Remarks from the Chair

Jason Miezio, Defence Sector Lead, Sitzler

17:00

End of Conference & Networking Drinks

Pricing

Early-bird available until 28 February 2025

SME is organisation with fewer than 200 employees globally
A local SME is one based in the Northern Territory with fewer than 50 employees
A conference pass includes admission to each of the sessions, the welcome reception and the post conference drinks

*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.

Packages Early Bird Full Rate
Conference pass – Standard Industry Rate $2,195 + GST $2,395 + GST
Conference pass – SME Rate $1,395 + GST $1,595 + GST
Conference pass – Local SMEs Rate $450 + GST $550 + GST
BOOK NOW

Networking Function

DefenceNT Networking Function

DefenceNT, in collaboration with Australian Industry and Defence Network, the Chamber of Commerce, Master Builders, the Indigenous Business Network and Industry Capability Network, will host a networking function following the Defence Summit.

This will provide a great opportunity to engage with key decision makers from Government and industry while enjoying a drink and canapes at Wharf One Food & Wine, one of Darwin’s best waterfront venues.

NT Defence Week returns in 2024 from 7 – 13 May.

Now in its third year, NT Defence Week facilitates strategic dialogue; fosters collaboration; strengthens relationships; and showcases industry capability. A valuable opportunity for engagement between locals and interstate visitors, this year NT Defence Week will see a suite of events across Darwin, Katherine, and for the first time, Alice Springs.

This year’s line-up includes the annual ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit, which attracts Australian Defence Force (ADF) decision makers, industry leaders, academics, strategic analysts and businesses from all around Australia. The Summit will cover a range of topics considering ADF capability requirements in Northern Australia, investment in infrastructure projects and Defence as a driver for local economic growth.

NT Defence Week 2024 will also feature a Meet the Buyer Showcase hosted by the Industry Capability Network NT (ICN NT), regional roadshows in Katherine and Alice Springs, multiple networking opportunities and an industry awards evening hosted by the Australian Industry and Defence Network NT (AIDN NT).

Following the release of the Northern Territory Defence Veterans Strategy – which has committed to supporting and honouring Defence veterans – this year’s events will also feature opportunities to focus on veterans and their families, and celebrate their contributions to the economy and community.

As we sit between the release of the Defence Strategic Review in 2023 and await the release of the National Defence Strategy, it is a critical time for the Northern Territory to engage and demonstrate the key role it plays in defence and national security. NT Defence Week 2024 is not to be missed.

For more information and to view the list of NT Defence Week events, please visit: https://defence.nt.gov.au/industry/local-events.

Venue

Darwin Convention Centre
10 Stokes Hill Rd,
Darwin City NT 0800
(08) 8923 9000

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.