Speakers

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How will recent energy policy impact heavy industry and manufacturers?

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should industries and manufacturing address carbon standards and certifications to increase credibility and accountability?

Emma Aisbett is an Associate Professor at the School of Law and Associate Director (Research) for ANU Grand Challenge - Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific. Emma’s previous research spans economic globalization, environmental policy, developing countries, and political economy. She is best known for her work on international investment agreements where she has influenced both academic debate and policy. On this topic Emma has been an invited expert at both the OECD and the UN Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). She is also an approved supplier of policy advice to developing countries through the UK Governments TAF2+ initiative.

Session: Ministerial address: Supporting and encouraging local industry and onshore manufacturing as they transition to low or no carbon emissions

Senator the Hon Tim Ayres is the Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing in the Albanese Labor Government.

He was elected as a Senator for New South Wales in the 2019 election. During the 46th Parliament, he was Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration and Member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Standing Committee. He led the work of several Select Inquiries including a Senate report on the capability of the Australian Public Service.

He was appointed as Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing in June 2022, after the election of the Labor Government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Before entering Parliament, Tim spent twenty-four years in the trade union movement, representing the interests of workers across a variety of sectors including manufacturing, defence, food processing, aviation and metal industries.

Session: Energy solutions of the future - the connected business, reducing demand and the role of VPPs

Liam joined Origin in 2012 and has an in-depth knowledge of the company, fueled by a passion for the energy sector and Origin’s role within it. He leads the Commercial team within Origin Zero, focusing on various business development initiatives. Liam brings extensive experience in complex customer arrangements, investor relations, corporate M&A, restructuring, and other capital markets activities.

Session: Interactive group discussions: How businesses can use VPPs to shift demand, optimise energy costs and support the transition

Andrew joined Origin in 2008 and has over 18 years energy industry experience with wholesale, retail and metering exposure. He leads the business products team in Origin Zero, with responsibility for bringing innovative and commercial products to market for Origin’s large business customers. This encompasses energy products, solar and storage and virtual power plant connected services. He is also responsible for Origin Zero’s technology platforms, including customer-facing digital experiences and insights. He has previously worked in Origin’s Future Energy team, where he played a central role in establishing Origin’s VPP program.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Identifying the key barriers to the transition for industry and finding pathways to net zero

Session: Interactive group discussions: Working with contractors and OEMs to decarbonise the whole supply chain

Andrea is the Head of Carbon and Climate Change at High Speed 2. She is responsible for leading a team of specialists (air quality, carbon and climate change) in assessing impacts, drafting, enforcing and ensuring environmental requirements are met across the project. This includes setting ambitious requirements and ambitions to drive environmental sustainability. Andrea led the diesel-free initiatives across the programme, and played an integral part in drafting and driving the delivery of the UK industry-wide route-map to reducing reliance on diesel in construction.

Andrea’s experience extends across a number large scale infrastructure projects within the mining, transportation and industrial sectors across Africa, Europe and the UK. She has a keen interest in innovation and the role it plays across challenging sectors. She aims to inspire effective collaboration, driving innovative technologies to reduce impacts across industries.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should industries and manufacturing address carbon standards and certifications to increase credibility and accountability?

Kulbir, a visionary leader at SDI Plastics, shapes the company's future by spearheading strategic growth initiatives, fostering global partnerships, and driving innovation in sustainable product development. With a rich background in manufacturing, business development, and strategic planning across Asia and Australia, Kulbir's leadership has propelled SDI to new heights, positioning it as a key player in the industry.

His expertise in injection molding and additive manufacturing has not only led to successful collaborations with top brands and academic institutions but also contributed to pioneering advancements in the circular economy. Through his unwavering commitment to quality and adherence to the highest standards, exemplified by ISO 9001:2015 certification, Kulbir ensures that SDI remains at the forefront of excellence.

Fluent in two languages and adept at navigating cross-border cultures, Kulbir forges strong relationships worldwide, inspiring his team with his strategic vision and dedication to driving impactful change in the industry.

Session: Developing emission capture or reduction technology specifically for high emissions industries

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Building the business case for investment in emission reduction/elimination tech

Session: Interactive group discussion: Examining the role of Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) in reaching net zero

Donna Findlay has worked for State Governments for more than 15 years, advising several Ministers across the education, roads and public transport, infrastructure, and treasury portfolios.

Key achievements include the design and delivery of the Brumby Government’s $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan and the successful $9.7 billion Port of Melbourne 50-year lease.

Donna was instrumental in funding infrastructure projects including the level crossing removal program, Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel and other major road and rail infrastructure projects in Victoria.

As a senior department executive Donna has been in key roles such as the development of the former General Motors Holden (GMH) site at Fishermans Bend, assisting with the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 response and recovery and the design and development of the 2020-21 Victorian Budget Jobs Plan.

As Executive Director, she is responsible for the CarbonNet Project and was appointed the Quarry Approvals Coordinator to assist with timely regulatory approvals across the quarry sector.

Session: Defining key issues for domestic industry around net-zero targets and policy

Dr Anton Firth is Director, Research at RepuTex, and leads the company’s carbon market pricing models and industrial decarbonisation research stream, including greenhouse gas abatement and marginal cost analysis. Anton has a Masters of Engineering Science from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, specialising in energy systems analysis, biofuels, and waste heat emissions.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should industries and manufacturing address carbon standards and certifications to increase credibility and accountability?

With over two decades of experience in the construction material industry, Cyril is a seasoned professional who has made significant strides across both European and Australian markets. Currently the Head of Sustainability for Holcim Australia and New Zealand, Cyril oversees the strategy for more than 250 sites, including cement terminals, concrete plants, quarries, and concrete precast factories. His expertise spans critical functional roles in planning and environment approvals, stakeholder engagement, and environment management.

Cyril’s passion for sustainable construction solutions is driven by a science-based approach, ensuring that transparency and advanced practices are adopted within the value chain. As a Director of the Board of EPD Australasia and an active participant in the Green Building Councils and Infrastructure Sustainability Council, Cyril is at the forefront of efforts to make responsible products the norm in the built environment.

Session: Interactive group discussions: Practical strategies for collaborating between government, industry and community to progress investment in place-based industry hubs

Gill is a Director of the Net Zero Industry Innovation Program, as a part of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. At DCCEEW, Gill leads a AUD$360m fund focused on accelerating decarbonisation of our highest emitting industries, industrial regions and supply chains. Her team is currently establishing detailed roadmaps to transition NSW industrial sectors to reach net zero by 2050. Gill is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between industry, community, government, and technology to drive a swift and orderly transition to a low carbon economy.

Prior to joining government, Gill held operations and commercial roles across the energy, infrastructure and mobility sectors, including with BP, Worley Parsons and startups 5B and Evie. Gill has an MBA from London Business School, and Bachelor in Urban Planning from UNSW and is a recent Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Building the business case for investment in emission reduction/elimination tech

Peter is a mechanical and environmental engineer with over 30 years experience assisting business to identify and capture the opportunities in the transition to a low carbon economy.

Peter has worked in corporate, consulting and government agency roles across a diverse range of sectors including the mining, manufacturing, property, transport and energy sectors in Australia and abroad. He brings these perspectives together to provide engineering and business insights to the challenges of rapid decarbonisation.

As an Investment Manager at ARENA, Peter provides technical and strategic guidance to ARENA and ARENA Applicants regarding decarbonisation projects in sectors as diverse as: alumina refining, iron & steel production, food and beverage manufacturing, and the built environment, amongst others.

Session: Building a future flush with renewable gas

Suzie is the General Manager of Renewable Gas at Jemena, where she is responsible for leading and delivering Jemena’s Renewable Gas Strategy. This includes supporting and facilitating the growth of a renewable gas market to enable the delivery of decarbonised gaseous fuels to consumers.

Suzie has spent the last 25 years working across the energy sector, with in depth experience in strategy, sustainability and renewables. She holds a double degree in Commerce (Finance) and Science (Mathematics) from the University of Melbourne.

Suzie is an experienced strategic planning specialist and operational manager, highly regarded for her passionate and collaborative approach to driving effective and impactful change.

Session: Interactive group discussions: How businesses can use VPPs to shift demand, optimise energy costs and support the transition

Haaris has over a decade of experience in the energy industry, providing energy solutions for some of Australia’s largest businesses. He is passionate about unlocking value for large C&I customers as the market transitions to renewable energy. At Origin, Haaris is responsible for growing and developing the Demand Response and Large Storage portfolios by harnessing customers' onsite flexibility and energy profiles to unlock value.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Marghanita Johnson has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Aluminium Council since 2019. She has over 20 years' experience in the Australian mining and manufacturing sectors, predominantly within the aluminium industry.

Prior to joining the Council, she led government engagement and advocacy on behalf of Rio Tinto’s Pacific Aluminium assets and prior to that held key climate and sustainability roles at Rio Tinto.

Marghanita has Environmental Engineering and Chemistry degrees from the University of Western Australia. She is currently a board member of the Energy Users Association of Australia and Vice Chair of the Australian Industry Greenhouse Network.

Session: Developing and implementing the technology to meet net zero targets

As the Manager for Low Carbon Solutions Australia, Stephen leads a diverse team focused on project development in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Hydrogen, Low Emissions Fuels, Nature Based Solutions and Lithium. His mission is to deliver projects that will be critical for ExxonMobil to lead in the energy transition.

Stephen joined the company in 2001 following roles in the mining and minerals exploration industry. During the course of his career he has held a variety of technical, commercial and leadership roles spanning exploration, development and production across U.S.A, West Africa and the Asia Pacific region. In 2014 he was made the Geoscience Supervisor for Asia Pacific and Middle East South New Opportunities team and in 2017, Stephen became a Commercial Advisor for Australian Upstream business development before joining the Global Projects organisation in 2021, initially progressing Global CCS projects in Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia prior to assuming his current role.

Stephen received his bachelor’s degree in Science with honors and earned his Masters of Environment (Hydrogeology) from the University of Melbourne, Victoria.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How will recent energy policy impact heavy industry and manufacturers?

Tats Kato is Head of Project Origination (ESG, Decarbonization & Energy Transition) at Sojitz, which is a Japanese conglomerate listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange, comprising of over 440 group companies, employing approximately 22,000 and operating globally for more than 160 years.

Based in Sydney, Tats oversees new business developments and investments in renewable energy, Nature-based Solutions (NBS) carbon credits, biogas / biomethane, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and healthcare across Australia.

Tats is also an Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC)-JABCC Future Leader, promoting business co-operation opportunities for the sustainable growth of Australia and Japan.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should industries and manufacturing address carbon standards and certifications to increase credibility and accountability?

Michael Kilgariff was appointed to the Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) in May this year. He joins the CCAA with over 20 years industry association experience across infrastructure, transport, logistics, and energy, including as CEO of Roads Australia and the Australian Logistics Council.

Michael has a highly developed knowledge of both policy development and advocacy at the federal and

state level, and broad recognition as an industry leader and key influencer. A key strength is in stakeholder management combined with extensive experience in building strong working relationships between industry and government.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How do you get buy-in for whole of business transformation from internal and external stakeholders?

Session: Interactive group discussions: Practical strategies for collaborating between government, industry and community to progress investment in place-based industry hubs

Eric Kimmel is a program manager at the Office of Energy & Climate Change for the NSW Treasury Department.

He is currently leading the design and delivery of the New Low Carbon Industry Foundations stream of the $1.05 billion Net Zero Industry Innovation program for the State of NSW.

His area of focus is to support the development of clean manufacturing precincts and accelerate the deployment of the enabling low carbon infrastructure and technologies to decarbonise industrial supply chains.

Eric supports governments and business develop and deliver collaborative solutions to solve policy and regulatory problems, manage public risks, and improve organisational performance.

For over 15 years, Eric has been involved with major energy policy reforms and business transformations. He has led and delivered government programs to solve problems and manage risks with a mission to advance a more just, prosperous and sustainable world.

Eric has a Master of Public Policy and an undergraduate degree in Economics.

Session: Interactive group discussions: Heat pumps to increase energy efficiency and decrease emissions

As CEO of A2EP, Jarrod is focussed on taking energy productivity in Australia to the next level by building on A2EP’s reputation for innovative programs and engagement. We will continue to build awareness of the economic, productivity and environmental benefits of investing in energy productivity and to support the success of currently available innovative technologies, as well as looking further afield for the next generation of developments.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Building the business case for investment in emission reduction/elimination tech

Rajesh Lekhwar has over 15 years of expertise in the energy and sustainability space. At Qube, Raj plays a key role in driving sustainability strategies to achieve Qube's short- and long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. Prior to his current role, Raj provided advice to large commercial and industrial clients in the energy and sustainability sector.

Raj holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Sustainable Renewable Resources from the Australian National University, complemented by a Master of Engineering Management from Macquarie University.

Session: Interactive group discussions: Opportunities for biomethane in decarbonising manufacturing, with a focus on processes that require heating (steam etc)

Since joining Bioenergy Australia in 2017 Shahana has led the creation of important industry alliances including the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Alliance of Australia and New Zealand, the Renewable Gas Alliance and the Cleaner Fuels Alliance. She has successfully advocated for Australia’s first Bioenergy Roadmap released by the former Energy and Climate Change Minister Angus Taylor and more recently the creation of a Jet Zero Council for Australia announced by Minister King. Shahana is the creator of the Renewable Gas Challenge charged with replacing 20% of Australia’s domestic gas with renewable sources by 2030. Bioenergy Australia has increased membership by 400% under her tenure and now includes leading domestic and global brands.

Shahana has a reputation for building strong collaborative relationships within industry and government. She previously sat on the ASBEC Cities and Infrastructure taskforces, was a co-convener of the Living Cities Alliance, a member of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Better Cities, and was invited to sit on the Federal Government’s Cities Reference Group Chaired by the Minister for Cities, Angus Taylor. Listed in The Australian – Black Book of Green People, Shahana founded public campaigns including the Living Cities Alliance, The International Festival of Landscape Architecture, My Park Rules, Parks Changing Australia and KIDSCAPE.

Jackie is Program Director of the Business Renewables Centre Australia (BRC-A). Jackie has over 15 years’ experience in carbon and energy management, renewable energy procurement, decarbonisation strategy, strategic planning, corporate advisory & stakeholder engagement.

Jackie and her team launched the BRC-A in 2018.  BRC-A is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation for corporate renewable PPAs,  providing independent training, connection and ‘how-to’ resources to drive renewable energy procurement and industry decarbonisation.  BRC-A recently announced it has already surpassed its goal to support industry to contract 5 GW of renewable energy PPAs by 2030 - seven years ahead of target.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How do you get buy-in for whole of business transformation from internal and external stakeholders?

Stephanie is an experienced General Manager with more than 15 years' experience in resources and utilities. She is skilled in business strategy, corporate sustainability, corporate affairs and community transition and engagement. Stephanie is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How do you get buy-in for whole of business transformation from internal and external stakeholders?

Justin is the Group Sustainability Director at Lion, one of Australia’s largest brewers. He is responsible for setting and delivering Lion’s ESG strategy that focuses on carbon, sustainable packaging, water stewardship, responsible consumption and community investment. Prior to Lion, Justin held various roles in Qantas and was Operations Manager at the Koppers chemical plant in Kurnell for 11 years. Justin has a Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of Newcastle and Master of Environmental Management from the University of New South Wales.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How will recent energy policy impact heavy industry and manufacturers?

Beth is a seasoned strategic planner with experience across diverse policy settings including community development, rural industries, sustainable procurement, corporate sustainability, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Previously, Beth was Director of Asset Strategies in an infrastructure branch of the ACT Government where she coordinated emission reduction strategies and key partnerships to transition ACT’s public schools to a zero-emission future. Notable achievements include the first zero emission public school in the ACT and laying the foundations for a future virtual power plant.

Session: Meeting climate commitments without carbon offsets

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should industries and manufacturing address carbon standards and certifications to increase credibility and accountability?

Interface is a global leader in modular flooring, offering an integrated collection of carbon neutral carpet tiles and resilient flooring that includes luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and nora® rubber flooring. The company set out, in 1994, to reduce its environmental impact to zero, celebrating success in 2019. Interface is a carbon neutral enterprise and has set a new goal to become carbon negative by 2040.

Aidan Mullan, a Chemical Engineer with Lean skills, leads local innovations to reduce and eliminate hazardous substances from all processes, reduce embodied carbon and continue efficient contribution to the circular economy.

He uses Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) tools to evaluate raw material and manufacturing environmental impacts to assist the company in transitioning to more sustainable processes and products.

Session: INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Strategizing the pathways for industries and manufacturers locked into fossil fuels as heat sources

As Fonterra’s GM Energy & Climate, Linda leads the Co-op’s decarbonisations strategy, which includes the conversion of coal boilers to wood pellets that is currently underway at Fonterra’s Hautapu site and the transition to wood biomass at Waitoa.

These targets include a reduction in emissions of 50% by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline) at the Co-op’s manufacturing sites.

Session: Navigating the uncertain path to net zero

Mussaret Nagree was appointed General Manager Climate Opportunities in 2021, reflecting WesCEF's strong focus on sustainability, and climate. Prior to this, Mussaret was General Manager Innovation and Advanced Analytics. Mussaret has been with the Wesfarmers Group since 2007, where she held a variety of roles within Wesfarmers’ Business Development team as well as co-leading its Emerging Ventures team. Prior to joining Wesfarmers, Mussaret was a Fund Manager and Equities Analyst at Schroders in London and BT Investment Group in Sydney. Mussaret is a Chartered Financial Analyst with a Bachelor of Business.

Session: Securing energy for the National Electricity Market’s largest connected load

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should industries and manufacturing address carbon standards and certifications to increase credibility and accountability?

Andrew Newman is the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of Tomago Aluminium.  He also serves as a Director of Kooragang Bulk Facilities, located at the Port of Newcastle.

He has an extensive background in finance, commercial and operational leadership across a variety of commodities including copper, zinc and lead in addition to aluminium.  His career has taken him across Australia and Canada with experience in an array of mining, metals processing, manufacturing and infrastructure businesses.

Tomago Aluminium is the National Electricity Market’s largest connected load (representing 12% of NSW demand) and are currently in the process of contracting their post 2028 power supply.  This has the potential to be Australia’s largest renewable PPA.

Session: How do you reduce emissions from the state's largest domestic cement manufacturing facility?

Dr Ali Nezhad is an Adjunct Professor at UNSW School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Head of Sustainability and Innovation at Boral Limited.

Session: Developing new decarbonisation technology across all aspects of a heavy industry business

Bruce Perry is graduate chemist and holds the Diploma in Advanced Concrete Technology. His current area of focus at Cement Australia is the implementation of technologies that assist concrete producers in reducing their levels of embodied carbon in concrete mixes though the adaptation of new admixture technologies.

Session: Interactive group discussions: Handling a changing regulatory system around net zero – what are the most important policies and regulations for industry?

Session: Addressing embodied carbon in imports and exports

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How will recent energy policy impact heavy industry and manufacturers?

Tennant Reed is Director - Climate Change and Energy at the Australian Industry Group. Since 2008 he has been deeply involved in Australian climate and energy issues: advising Ai group's Leaders' Group on Energy and Climate Policy; coordinating joint research and advocacy with wider energy stakeholders; facilitating the Australian Climate Roundtable; developing reports on energy prices, carbon border adjustments and business energy use; and closely observing international climate negotiations. In 2021 he was appointed to the Independent Expert Panel recommending 2035 emissions targets for the State of Victoria. Tennant lives in Melbourne.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How do you get buy-in for whole of business transformation from internal and external stakeholders?

Amanda Robertson is the Head of Sustainability for Nestlé Oceania. In this role, she acts as a change agent, working to build Nestlé's program for delivering the Nestlé Net Zero Roadmap within the Oceania region. She focuses on developing this program as an embedded way of working within the organization, aiming to bring about significant change at a rapid pace.

Before taking on this position, Amanda had a diverse career in commercial roles, including marketing, sales, and e-commerce, in both Australia and the UK. She has worked with companies such as Colgate, Johnson & Johnson, and Sara Lee.

Amanda's strong commercial expertise and ability to connect with others are instrumental in supporting Nestlé in achieving its sustainability goals across all areas of the business.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Building the business case for investment in emission reduction/elimination tech

Session: Interactive group discussions: Reducing the costs and risk of low emissions technologies through partnerships

Jenny has over 20 years’ experience as an Engineer and Non-Executive Director specialising in energy and decarbonisation. Jenny is currently the CEO of HILT CRC, a Co-Operative Research Centre that brings industry, universities and government organisations together to identify and de-risk decarbonisation pathways for Heavy Industry. Prior to this, Jenny worked across the energy industry at AEMO, the Australian Energy Market Operator where she focused on increasing renewable penetration in the Victorian transmission network, and at ExxonMobil, specialising in international joint venture and asset management. Formerly on the board of HILT CRC, Jenny is currently an Non-Executive Director at Gippsland Water.

Session: Creating a robust carbon roadmap by analysing results of current initiatives

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Building the business case for investment in emission reduction/elimination tech

Tamara has 23 years’ experience in environment, process improvement, and quality engineering in manufacturing (Food and pharmaceutical industries). She has a vast knowledge in lean manufacturing methodologies, statistical process control, 6 Sigma, and validations.

Tamara started at Lion in 2022 and is responsible for the creation and execution of the carbon zero roadmap, water stewardship, circular economy, network energy of water efficiency, and waste management for the Australian & New Zealand market, and the carbon emission reduction for the US business.

She was previously Beverage Operations Manager ANZ at PepsiCo for 2 years, where she was responsible for business strategy for the ANZ team and providing governance and improvement opportunities to PepsiCo bottlers manufacturing sites. Tamara led the implementation of rPET bottles (the first market in APAC), provided Subject Matter Expertise Supplier’s capabilities, project management, and technical leadership in resolving quality issues.

Tamara has previously worked with AstraZeneca, Teva Pharmaceutical and hP.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Building the business case for investment in emission reduction/elimination tech

As a senior manager at Orica, the world's largest provider of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems, Antony has over 20 years of experience in the heavy manufacturing sector.

Antony leads the safety, health, environment, and security (SHES) function for Orica’s continuous manufacturing portfolio, which covers 5 large sites across Australia, Indonesia and Canada. His core competencies include the management of Orica’s SHES management systems, regulatory compliance, project management, stakeholder engagement, and delivering cultural change. Antony is passionate about creating value through continuous improvement, integration of new technology and driving operational efficiency. He has proven success in leading large teams, managing complex projects, and providing practical technical advice and is committed to advancing SHES and sustainability initiatives that align with Orica's vision and values.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

An experienced Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director focused on an inclusive people-based approach to making a difference. Skilled in policy development, strategy, advocacy, communication, public relations, negotiation, business planning, R&D project development and implementation, financial planning, organisational development, and public speaking.

Margie has accumulated over 30 years of executive level experience across the Australian manufacturing and rural sectors and has represented a number of industry bodies at a state, federal and international level.

Margie is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Cement Industry Federation representing Australia’s integrated cement manufacturers as well as a Non-Executive Director and holds post graduate qualifications in economics and agricultural economics.

Session: Prioritising the steps in a net zero strategy to bring the whole organisation on the journey

Damon is an environment and sustainability leader and committed change agent with 20 years of experience gained in senior operational, corporate and regulatory roles in the energy, mining and heavy industrial sectors in Australia and internationally.

He has had proven success leading teams and implementing strategies which deliver efficient compliance, continuous improvement and reduction in operational risk.

Damon is an innovative problem solver with a passion for sustainability and lifelong learning applied across continuously evolving regulatory and community expectations.

He is technically competent and educated to Masters level in environmental science and technology with a focus on application of best practice environmental management to deliver sustainable outcomes.