Speakers

The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP

Tom has been the Member of Parliament for the seat of West Torrens since 1997 and is currently Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining and the Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly. Tom previously held ministerial appointments for Transport and Infrastructure between 2013 and 2014 and Mineral Resources and Energy between 2011 and 2018. He was also responsible for these portfolios in the Shadow Ministry between 2018 and 2022.

Chris Menz

Chris leads Renewal SA, the state government’s property group, in delivering lasting impact through property and projects for South Australia, across the environment, community and economy. The urban renewal activity focuses on increasing the amount and availability of affordable housing, creating connected and sustainable communities, accelerating the supply of housing for our regions, facilitating industrial and commercial developments, and contributing meaningfully to the elimination of carbon emissions. Chris holds over two decades of experience in the property industry across consultancy, private development sector and government, across a number of States. He is dedicated to helping drive initiatives that unlocks economic and social growth for South Australia.

Jeremy Conway

As Chief Executive of Infrastructure SA, Jeremy has led development of the State’s first 20-year infrastructure strategy and is responsible for providing independent advice to the South Australian Government on infrastructure projects and prioritisation. His team has a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making and seeks to improve the maturity of infrastructure planning and investment across government. Infrastructure SA also aims to identify projects that deliver benefits for all South Australians by adopting a state-wide cross-sectoral lens. This is aided by Jeremy’s deep experience in both the public and private sectors. He has held senior roles at the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Department for the Premier and Cabinet; meanwhile his vast commercial and business experience comes from having worked in property development at Places Victoria for three years and in private equity CVC Capital Partners in London for nine years.

Matt Opie

Matt Opie commenced as Chief Executive of Defence SA in April 2024. Matt’s priority is to support and grow the defence and space sectors in South Australia to contribute to the state’s prosperity and national defence capability. His role also encompasses Chief Executive of the South Australian Space Industry Centre and responsibility for the Defence Innovation Partnership and Veterans SA. An Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon graduate, Matt has held senior defence positions across government, industry and academia over the course of his 35-year career. He served as an officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals in Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Matt has worked on high technology defence projects in the Asia-Pacific, US and Europe with defence forces, governments, research organisations and the private sector. Prior to joining Defence SA, Matt served as Director Defence and Space at the University of South Australia, where he was responsible for the university’s research strategies and engagement with the defence and space sectors. Previously he has also held various roles at Saab and BAE Systems in program management, business development and industry engagement. Matt has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration.

Peter Taylor

As the Head of Project Delivery at Adelaide Airport, Peter is passionate in leading a team of project managers and specialists delivering all Capital Infrastructure Projects of both aviation and commercial developments at Adelaide and Parafield Airport Ltd. He possesses extensive experience in Construction Projects ranging from Residential through to Commercial and Aviation Capacity and Expansion initiatives. Peter holds a keen interest in Governance as part of his role at Adelaide Airport and continually strives for efficiency and improved ways of working. As a dedicated professional, he is committed to continually advancing his knowledge and experience through self-learning, training, education and learning from peers. Additionally, he is devoted to volunteering with Surf Life Saving SA and holds several development coach awards to assist in training future coaches in the movement. Peter holds a BSc Hons, Building Surveying from Liverpool John Moores University (UK) which covered Project Management, Construction Law, Landlord and Tenant Law, Architectural Design and Specification amongst other elements of our industry. Peter also recently completed the PACE PMP obtained at University of Adelaide. Peter has over 20 years experience in Project Management and the Built Environment, working across multiple sectors in varying roles.

Malcolm Short

Malcolm has over 40 years experience in road, rail, tunnel and bridge projects with expertise in developing and delivering major and complex mega transport infrastructure projects across Australia and globally. As the Director, Engineering for the North-South Corridor, River Torrens to Darington Project, Malcolm is responsible for the development of the Reference Design, engineering aspects of procuring major contractors for the Project and the technical oversight for delivery of the $15.4 billion Project. Malcolm has both Honours and Masters degrees in civil engineering from the University of Adelaide. He is a chartered engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers and a member of the Australasian Tunnelling Society.

Joel Alexander

Tony Pisanelli

As a seasoned Graduate Architect, Registered Builder, and Certified Passivhaus Designer with 30+ years of experience, I am committed to designing and building sustainable, cost-effective housing. My focus on 60-year life spans, reduced energy usage, and carbon footprints reflects my dedication to ecological responsibility. I am a firm believer in the Passivhaus Standard, which delivers energy-efficient, eco-friendly buildings that prioritize both occupant health and environmental stewardship.

Lloyd Damp

Lloyd Damp is CEO of Southern Launch and is at the forefront of the space industry in Australia. He founded Southern Launch in 2017 and the company conducted the first commercial space launch from Australian soil in 2020. Today, Southern Launch employs 30 people and operates two licensed space launch and return facilities in Koonibba and Whalers Way on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. These multi-user space launch facilities have been used by domestic and international customers with the Koonibba Test Range hosting the launch of the first high-powered rocket under Australian legislation. Lloyd leads a team dedicated to developing world-class space launch and return facilities in South Australia and providing bespoke solutions for customers. Lloyd’s vision is to build a connected space industry centred around domestic launch and return capabilities to establish Australia as the next global space hub. Prior to starting Southern Launch, Lloyd spent over 12 years working for the Australian Government specialising in complex program design and delivery. While there Lloyd also played a small part in helping Australia undertake regular rocket launches into space from Woomera.

Rebecca Robinson

Rebecca brings over 15 years of experience as a licensed residential building supervisor to her role as Director at Adelaide Green Homes (AGH) and Alliance Development and Construction. AGH aims to transform the housing market with their commitment to energy-efficient, beautifully designed homes. AGH's mission is to make high-performance homes accessible to more homeowners. Their approach combines passive design principles, a focus on airtightness, and advanced mechanical systems to create homes that are both sustainable and future-proof. By optimizing these elements, AGH delivers energy-efficient residences that remain affordable without compromising on quality or design.

Jackson Digney

Jackson Digney is a Certified Passive House Consultant and Builder committed to raising building standards and driving energy efficiency in the South Australian construction industry. With a deep passion for sustainable homes, Jackson challenges the status quo by delivering cutting-edge, energy-efficient building solutions. His approach focuses on providing a seamless, stress-free experience for clients, backed by the latest technologies and best practices from around the world. As the owner of Enduro Builders and Climasure, Jackson consistently strives to push the boundaries, setting new benchmarks in comfort, health, and energy performance for new and existing buildings.

Bettina Venner

Bettina Venner is the Head of ICN SA within the Department of State Development, and she is currently the National Chair of the ICN Network. ICN is part of a national network that connects local companies with opportunities by building supply chains and growing local capability. Key sectors of focus include energy, defence, mining, manufacture, infrastructure and construction – including the emerging hydrogen sector. Bettina worked as a chemical engineer in the oil and gas industry in South Africa, Germany and Australia before joining government; her government roles include environmental and regulatory policy, regulation and economic development.

Rebecca De Cicco

Brenton Cunningham

Brenton Cunningham founded the Diverseco Group in 1992, passionate about Australian transformative business growth and skills acquisition which innovates, modernises and digitises how businesses can solve complex problems with previously unimaginable opportunities. Brenton holds multiple Board and positions in industry, association and private companies.

Emma Crichton

Emma Crichton is the CEO, APAC at AutogenAI, the world's most fascinating and rapidly expanding organisations in the field of generative artificial intelligence. Emma leads and implements AutogenAI's growth strategy in the APAC market, drawing upon her extensive 25-year global leadership experience spanning the Community, Employment, Arts, and Technology sectors. Emma's background transitioning from social work to business development and technology leadership, highlights her innovative spirit and ability to embrace innovative solutions. She exemplifies the Australian approach to technology, displaying a passion for leveraging advanced tools like generative AI to enhance professional workflows.

Trevor Cooke

With an outstanding track record in funds management globally, Trevor leads Commercial & General as an integrated development to delivery and funds management property firm. Trevor’s exceptional credentials have been gained through various positions including as Managing Director – Global Head of Real Estate Asia Pacific for UBS and Managing Director of AMP Brookfield. His leadership and strategic involvement has been critical in the delivery of major projects including the $345m Calvary Adelaide Hospital and the $500m Australian Bragg Centre alongside significant defence manufacturing and logistics assets across the country. Trevor sits across boards for Junction Australia, the Asia Pacific Real Estate Association and the Committee for Adelaide.

Michael Kilgariff

Michael Kilgariff is the Chief Executive Officer of Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia - the peak body for the heavy construction materials industry in Australia. CCAA members produce the majority of Australia's cement, concrete, and aggregates, which are crucial to Australia's building and construction sectors. These materials support the development of our nation's transport, energy, water, housing, defence, and social infrastructure. The industry generates approximately $15 Billion in annual revenues and employs approximately 30,000 Australians directly and a further 80,000 indirectly. Michael Kilgariff has a strong background in stakeholder engagement and collaboration. He has always sought to build strong working relationships between industry and government, with the aim of supporting and achieving public policy outcomes that are beneficial to industry. Michael has a keen understanding of the major economic, social and government policy drivers, combined with a broad understanding of the key issues impacting on industry. In recognition of his work in this area, Michael won the Transport and Logistics Executive of the Year in the CEO Magazine 2014 Executive of the Year Awards. Michael holds a degree in Economics from the Australian National University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ diploma and advanced diploma courses. He also completed the Cambridge University Judge Business School Advanced Leadership Programme in November 2017.

Peter Harrison

Rebecca Pickering