Keynote Speakers

Peter Baines OAM

Hands Across the Water

  • Peter is a former NSW Police officer who spent 22 years serving in high-stakes environments, including leading international disaster response efforts across Southeast Asia. He played a key role in the forensic response to the 2002 Bali bombings and the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, experiences that shaped his belief in leadership through action. In 2005, he founded Hands Across the Water, a charity supporting children in Thailand, which has since raised over $40 million AUD and provides housing, education, and vocational opportunities. His commitment continues through multi-day charity bike rides and a growing social enterprise aimed at long-term impact. In the final chapter of his policing career, Peter was seconded to the National Institute of Forensic Science, where he led national and international projects focused on building leadership capability and strengthening counter-terrorism strategies. Peter’s expertise in crisis leadership has been sought globally, with roles supporting Interpol, the UN, and foreign governments. His humanitarian work has earned him the Order of Australia Medal, Rotary International’s Professional Excellence Award, and recognition from the King of Thailand.

  • Together we can

    Peter will draw on a lifetime of service, crisis leadership and purpose-driven action to inspire, challenge and unite.

Professor Paul Taylor

Chief Scientific Officer, National Police Chiefs Council UK

  • Professor Paul Taylor became the first Police Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) on 1 May 2021, with a remit to connect science and technology expertise both in the UK and globally to keep policing at the forefront of best practice. The role of the Police CSA is to guide critical strategies, policies and decisions, helping police to protect millions of people. Paul is a Professor of Psychology at Lancaster University, Professor of Human Interaction at the University of Twente, and founding director of the UK Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST). Established in 2015, CREST has brought together over 140 researchers from 35 universities and SMEs to deliver research that informs policy and practice in security and policing. Over his career Professor Taylor has contributed science advice to a number of high-profile police investigations in the UK and overseas. In 2005 he received a Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Commendation for his contributions.

  • Policing what matters: insights from the UK on policing reform

Detective Sergeant Mark Cronin

Northern Territory Police Force

  • Detective Sergeant Mark Cronin is the NT Police Team Leader of the Northern Territory Joint AntiChild Exploitation Team, a collaborative taskforce between Northern Territory Police and the Australian Federal Police. Originally from Denmark (EU), he relocated to Australia in 2007 and joined the NT Police Force in 2012. Since 2016, Detective Sergeant Cronin has specialised in child abuse and sexual crimes across remote, regional, and metropolitan areas. He holds a Bachelor of Policing and a Master of Investigation from Charles Sturt University, Sydney.

  • Case Study: Operation Haine- Investigating Zoosadism

    This case study will outline the 2022 investigation by the Northern Territory Police Force's Joint AntiChild Exploitation Team (JACET) which identified renowned Zoologist Doctor Adam Britton as a highlevel zoo-sadist and his involvement in an international zoo-sadist network across encrypted applications, highlighting how the use of specialised investigative strategies from the child exploitation space can be used to solve other crime types.

Inspector Freda Grace

New Zealand Police

  • Freda started her career with New Zealand Police in 1984 and has undertaken a wide range of duties. Her roles have included operational planning, tactical coordinator and shift commander. In 2013 she was promoted to Inspector and became a road policing manager and an area commander, while also holding the role of an AOS commander. In 2019 she led critical incidents – developing and embedding NZ Police organisational response to critical incidents and the support system for police officers. She is currently Manager Operations Support, a role that encompasses the National Commander of the Special Tactics Group, supports operational practice, policy, tactics, training, equipment and uniform for Armed Offenders Squads and Police negotiating Teams across New Zealand.

  • Fit for Duty: Reintegration After Critical Operational Events

    This session will highlight the New Zealand Police Reintegration Programme. The programme is designed to support officers returning to duty after experiencing work-related traumatic events, such as officer-involved shootings, serious injury, or lifethreatening incidents. Its primary goal is to help staff regain confidence and resume operational duties safely, using a structured, individually paced process. Throughout, the programme emphasizes trust and confidentiality, and works collaboratively with the involved officer’s health professionals to ensure each officer receives tailored, comprehensive support.

Detective A/Sgt. Nathan Langdown

ACT Policing

  • Detective A/Sergeant Nathan Langdown has been a police officer within ACT Policing for 10 years. For the last 5 of those years, he has worked within the Major Crime Squad. Nathan is currently the Team Leader for the Major Crime Squad – Belconnen responsible for the investigation of the most serious crime within the ACT, such as aggravated robberies, serious assaults, firearm offences and complicated deaths. Highlights of his career include a successful Manslaughter prosecution and the extradition of a child sex offender from Spain to Australia.

  • Case Study: Virtual Kidnapping

    This case study will examine virtual kidnapping, including its rise in occurrence, the profiles of victims, investigative challenges, and strategies for prevention and public awareness.

Dr Alison Money

Australian Federal Police

  • Dr Alison Money has held the role of Chief Medical Officer for the AFP since 2022, where in addition to her technical responsibilities she is lead author for AFP’s most recent Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Alison is a foundation member of the Australia New Zealand Police Health and Wellbeing Advisory Group and was its inaugural chair. Prior to joining the AFP, Alison completed over 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy and is a veteran of warlike service. A doctor for over thirty years, she holds post graduate qualifications in aerospace medicine, general practice, clinical leadership and defence studies.

  • AFP Beyond 2024 - Seven Lessons from Building our Health and Wellbeing Strategy in a Complex Policing Environment

    Dr Money will discuss how focusing on workplace culture, and the important relationship between supervisor and worker, supported by enabling services such as organisational health delivers a sustainable model for health and wellbeing improvement.

Detective Acting Inspector Sam Norman

ACT Policing

  • Sam Norman has 22 years’ experience in the AFP and ACT Policing across the fields of forensics, patrol, legislative reform, dispatch operations, serious and organised crime investigations, and the problem-oriented Proactive Intervention and Diversion Team (PIDT).

    He is determined to create better outcomes for victims of crime, the community as a whole, and the offenders themselves through the application of evidence-based policing practices, with a focus on the proactive prevention of crime rather than the reactive responses to it.

    A 2023 Churchill Fellow, Sam is an advocate for police engaging with recidivist offenders through multi-agency partnerships, identifying their needs and risk areas, and implementing collaborative strategies to reduce reoffending.

    He currently leads ACT Policing’s Domestic and Family Violence Investigation Unit (DFVIU), responsible for delivering trauma-informed investigations and interventions in the Territory's highest risk family violence cases.

    Sam holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Forensic Investigation), an Advanced Diploma of Policing (Investigations) and a Professional Certificate in Evidence-Based Policing Leadership.

  • Integrated Offender Management (IOM): How multiagency partnerships can reduce crime and recidivism – 2023 Churchill Fellowship

    In 2024 Detective Acting Inspector Norman traveled to the United Kingdom (UK) and embedded in police forces across the country delivering the UK's national Integrated Offender Management (IOM) model. UK IOM co-locates police, community corrections officers, public housing, mental health, and AOD practitioners, who jointly and intensively manage the small percentage of high-risk recidivist offenders responsible for much of the crime and harm impacting the community. Detective Acting Inspector Norman will present on his recently published Churchill Fellowship report, including insights into the UK model, implementation challenges, impressive crime reduction statistics, and reported cost savings for governments. Finally, he proposes what an IOM model could look like for Australian jurisdictions.

A/Sgt. Peter Romanis

Leading Senior Constable Mick Roscoe

Australian Federal Police

Victoria Police

  • Peter is a Detective Sergeant with the Victoria Police Major Collision Investigation Unit and PhD candidate with the University of Tasmania researching compassion fatigue in policing. His doctoral work is informed by lived experience and a previous scholarship through the Emergency Services Foundation, which enabled him to engage with international experts in trauma and resilience. He is committed to translating evidence into practical strategies that support the wellbeing of those who serve.

  • Sustaining Those Who Serve: Exploring Compassion Fatigue and Resilience in Policing

    Policing demands more than operational skill - it requires emotional labor, exposure to trauma, and resilience under public scrutiny. Over time, these pressures can take a toll.

    This presentation explores compassion fatigue: a form of cumulative wear and tear, both psychological and physical, arising from the combined effects of secondary traumatic stress and burnout. When amplified by organisational demands, it can quietly erode empathy, emotional regulation, and connection to purpose - often without clear signs.

Kristy Thomson

Australian Federal Police

  • Kristy has been with the Australian Federal Police for 19 years and has worked in many portfolios including Management of Serious Crime, Protection, Counter Terrorism, Victim Based Crime and currently as the team leader of the Online Child Safety Team.

    Kristy and the team develop and deliver prevention and engagement programs, messaging and initiatives to the Australian community including the award winning ThinkUKnow Australia program.

    ThinkUKnow is an evidence-based education program led by the AFP, delivered nationally in partnership with police and industry partners to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

    The team are based in Brisbane at the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.

  • Collaboration for Online Safety Panel Discussion

Commander Mark Wall

New South Wales Police Force

  • Mark joined New South Wales Police Force in 1996. He has spent the majority of his career as a front-line operational police officer, working in police stations in both metropolitan and regional locations.

    He was appointed to the rank of Superintendent in 2019 as the Commander, Youth and Crime Prevention Command before transferring to Southwest Police Transport Command in 2022.  At PTC SW he developed and implemented Operation Generate targeting sexual offenders on the public transport system, to reduce the number of sexual related offences, with a victim-based approach focusing on a high legal action rate for offences committed.  

    In July 2024 he was the Co-Chair of Taskforce Ares which was established to implement the knife scanning laws in NSW, based on Jack’s Law in Queensland.  After six months since the implementation of the legislation NSWPF has conducted over 140 declarations and seized over 120 weapons in locations across the state.

  • Police Transport Command Led Operations to Enhance Public Safety: Addressing sexual and violent offences on the public transport network and targeting weapons offence

    This session explores enhancements to NSWPF’s oversight of sexual offending on public transport. New measures introduced to target sexual offenders have resulted in a reduction of 30% of sexual offending on the public transport network.

  • Mick Roscoe Federal Agent, Professional Development Team, Operational Safety and Practice, Learning and Development Command. Mick Roscoe has over 52 years of combined experience in the British Royal Marines and three Australian Police Tactical Groups (PTG), with active service in Northern Ireland and Iraq. He has played a pivotal role in curriculum design and training implementation in South Australia, Queensland, ACT, Iraq, and the Asia-Pacific region. Mick’s academic studies and research publication on stress, perception, and memory during lifethreatening incidents aided the development of Threat Assessment Dynamics (TAD); methodologies designed to enhance cognitive and physical performance under extreme pressure.

  • Threat Assessment Dynamics: Understanding behaviour in high stress environments

    This session will cover Threat Assessment Dynamics (TAD), an evidence-based course designed to improve officer safety, decision-making and operational outcomes during weapon-related critical incidents. It is grounded in cutting-edge research on the neuroscience of human performance under stress.

Chief Inspector Kellie Watkins 

South Australia Police

  • Chief Inspector Kellie Watkins is a senior officer with over 20 years of policing experience and currently serves as the Officer in Charge of SAPOL’s Family and Domestic Violence Section. She leads the development of policy, training, and operational strategies across the organisation. Her portfolio spans critical areas including domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse involving people with disability. Kellie is committed to driving systemic change, enhancing victim safety, and improving frontline responses. Her leadership ensures a coordinated, trauma-informed approach to some of the most complex and sensitive issues facing policing and the broader community.

  • South Australia Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

Acting Assistant Commissioner John Atkin

NT Police Force

  • John Atkin joined the Northern Territory Police Force in 2004 and has served in a wide range of roles over more than two decades.  His career spans operational, corporate, and specialist support roles, giving him a broad understanding of policing and the people, processes, and structures that sustain it.

     

    John is currently the Acting Assistant Commissioner for Digital Transformation and Reform. He leads a portfolio responsible for the NT Police Force’s digital and reform programs, delivered in close partnership with the Commonwealth and other government agencies. This includes the Digital Transformation Program, which brings together projects such as the National Firearms Register, Working with Children Clearance reform, and integration with the National Criminal Intelligence System.

     

    His portfolio also oversees Business Intelligence, SAFE NT, Frontline Systems Support, the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit, and the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre.

     

    Nationally, John represents the NT Police Force as Chair of the ANZPAA Chief Information Officer Network (ACION) and as a member of the ANZPAA Transformation and Strategic Service Delivery Network (ATSSDN).

     

    He holds a Master of Business Administration, tertiary qualifications in leadership, investigations, program management, and public safety, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

  • Digital Transformation Under Pressure: What Really Matters for the Frontline

    This presentation will share how the Northern Territory Police Force is working to modernise systems and processes in one of the most operationally complex environments in the country, while also trying to keep pace with growing expectations from all stakeholders, including the public, other agencies and elected officials.

Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu

Fiji Police Force

  • Mr. Rusiate Tudravu is the Commissioner of Police, Fiji Police Force, bringing over 40 years of distinguished service to national law enforcement.   Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles including Deputy Commissioner, Chief Operations Officer, Director Operations, Divisional Police Commander and Director of Special Branch. He holds an Executive MBA and has completed advanced training in China, Russia, Australia, and the United States among other countries. Mr. Tudravu is highly respected for his expertise in strategic operations, intelligence led policing, crisis management, public safety, and has served on several national boards supporting security, education, and community development.

  • Strengthening Pacific Policing: Innovation, Partnerships and Regional Impact.

Detective Sergeant Dion Achtypis

Victoria Police

  • Detective Sergeant Dion Achtypis has been with Victoria Police for 29 years and his experience reaches back to the infancy of covert online operations and cybercrime investigations.  His operational experience with cryptocurrency dates back to 2013 where he was the lead investigator in an operation targeting a Silk Road darknet marketplace vendor which culminated in Australia’s first cryptocurrency seizure and remains as one of the largest bitcoin seizures ever recorded.  Dion has conducted cryptocurrency focused investigations targeting money laundering, counter-terrorism, child sexual abuse material distribution, corruption and organised crime financing.  He is the organisational subject matter expert on cryptocurrency and has informed legislative reform, policy and investigative guidelines.  Dion leads the Victoria Police Cybercrime Squad’s Cryptocurrency Operations Team who provide Victoria Police with a full spectrum of cryptocurrency capabilities including forensic tracing, seizure, operational support and training. The team has developed and delivered specialist cryptocurrency investigator training to every Australian and New Zealand Police agency and relevant regulators and intelligence organisations.      

  • Serious and Organised Crime: Innovative strategies and multi-agency partnerships targeting high level SOC and MEOC assets gained from the illicit tobacco market

    This session will explore recent legislative advancements in Victoria to tackle unexplained wealth, cryptocurrency seizure powers, and tobacco reform. It will look at challenges posed by the criminal use of cryptocurrency and encryption to traditional investigative frameworks and discuss collaboration and intel sharing with state and federal partner agencies.

Assistant Commissioner Simon Watkins

South Australia Police

  • Simon Watkins was appointed Assistant Commissioner, South Australia Police in 2023. With over 22 years of policing experience, he has created first class standards of operational and strategic leadership across diverse portfolios. He drives enduring organisational change, and understands and mitigates strategic risk through application of best practice. In his current role of Assistant Commissioner, Governance and Capability Service he is responsible for a wide range of policing functions encompassing Ethical and Professional Standards Branch, Commissioner’s Support Branch, Communication and Engagement Branch, and Office of the General Counsel. His portfolio is responsible for anticipating and responding to, the demand for policing services, improving access to and the use of, information; performance reporting to the SAPOL executive, government and the public; driving performance policy and strategy development; supporting legislative reform and identifying and addressing emerging issues.

  • Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics in Police Discipline

    Simon’s session will explore how AI can assist in monitoring officer behaviour, identifying trends, and predicting misconduct before it escalates and how it can address ethical concerns and potential biases in automated disciplinary processes.

Gareth Lorigan

Managing Director, Institute for Strategic Leadership

  • Gareth is the successor to Geoff Lorigan, the Founder of ISL. His mission - To propel the ISL legacy forward, building on 23 years of excellence while integrating SmartLeader's cutting-edge, evidence-based leader and team development tools.

    As Programmes Director, Gareth has led over 70 weeklong residential Programmes for Senior Executives and delivered hundreds of high-performance leadership workshops across many sectors.

    Gareth leads an amazing team at ISL, delivering the renowned Strategic Leadership and Leadership Step-Up residential programmes. He specialises in building High Performing Teams, with executive coaching skills through business and leadership

    experience in the commercial sector, including regional sales leadership role at Amcor,

    serving as GM at a private packaging firm and a background in the

    Telecommunications sector.

  • Take the Step Up

    Working across corporate, non-profit, education, public and international development sectors, ISL combines evidence-based insight with experiential learning. Alongside flagship programmes, ISL delivers in-company workshops that strengthen trust, collaboration and performance.

    “Take the Step Up,” distils these learnings into three levers of high-performance leadership: confidence, mental resilience and team & organisational impact and ways to step off the treadmill, lead with authenticity and navigate complexity with confidence.

Jehan Casinader

Journalist, Speaker & Mental Health Advocate

  • Jehan Casinader is an award-winning New Zealand journalist, keynote speaker and mental health advocate. His was named “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards, and “Best Political Columnist” at the Voyager Media Awards. In the aftermath of natural disasters, terror attacks, sporting triumphs and everything in between, Jehan has helped hundreds of people to share their deeply personal stories. A survivor of depression and suicidality, Jehan is the author of “This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life” (HarperCollins). He is an official ambassador for Men’s Health Week. Now, Jehan works with organisations to unleash the power of storytelling. He is a respected voice in the areas of mental health, leadership and workplace culture.

  • Generation Next

    In his keynote presentation, Jehan will explore how Generation Z is challenging traditional views that will impact police recruitment and retention. They’re asking bold questions: What’s the purpose? Does loyalty count for anything? And will a demanding, full-time job really satisfy their desires?

Speakers

Ema Blatancic

Victoria Police

  • Ema Blatancic is the Senior Forensic Psychologist and Clinical Lead of Victoria Police’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Unit. She has over 10 years’ experience in the assessment and treatment of young people within the criminal justice system, with research achievements focused on adult and adolescent serious mental illness and its relationship to violent behaviour. Previously, Ema worked in the Service Enhancement team supporting the Victorian Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (VFTAC) and presented at the Asia Pacific Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (APATAP) Conference on assessing and treating fixated threat and grievance-fuelled violence. She served on the working group and steering committee that established the Countering Violent Extremism Multi-Agency Panel (CVEMAP) in 2022. Ema also developed the first bespoke CVE Case Management Framework and Model implemented by Victoria Police’s CVE Unit in 2024.

  • A Review of Neurodiversity within Victoria’s Terrorism Context

    Ema will present on the findings of a project to explore and address the increasing prevalence of neurodiversity within the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and broader Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) cohort. This session will cover the varying vulnerabilities that may lead to radicalisation towards violent extremism.

Superintendant Andrew Evans

NSW Police Force

  • Andrew joined New South Wales Police Force in 1999. He has dedicated much of his career to criminal investigation as a Detective at Command level, State Crime Command and the Australian Crime Commission. He was appointed to the rank of Superintendent in 2023 as the Commander, North West Police Transport Command a role he thoroughly enjoys. Developing Operation Waratah, establishing intelligence systems and tactical methods to identify and locate violent offenders on the transport network. In April 2024 he was the Commander of Strike Force Dribs, the response and investigation into the civil unrest at Wakeley after a religious leader was stabbed. Restoring calm and community confidence quickly and placing 41 persons before Court. Formally he holds a Master of Business Administration and graduate certificate in Applied Management.

  • Police Transport Command Led Operations to Enhance Public Safety: Addressing sexual and violent offences on the public transport network and targeting weapons offences

    This session explores enhancements to NSWPF’s oversight of sexual offending on public transport. New measures introduced to target sexual offenders have resulted in a reduction of 30% of sexual offending on the public transport network.

Senior Sergeant Darren Green

Queensland Police Service

  • Darren is a Senior Sergeant with the Queensland Police Service, with over a decade of experience in evidence-based and problem-oriented policing. His work focuses on turning research into practical strategies that improve policing outcomes. Darren is currently finalising his PhD, which explores how random breath testing (RBT) strategies can be optimised to deliver multiple benefits.

  • Hot Spots, Nudges and Focused Deterrence: Tools for Smarter Policing

    This session will explore a range of innovative, evidence-based approaches to improving police efficiency, with a focus on Australian contexts. It will cover:

    • The Precision RBT program.

    • The use of behavioural nudges to address volume crime with minimal resource investment.

    • Addressing persistent offending through FUSE, a focused deterrence initiative delivered in partnership with Queensland Corrective Services.

Detective A/Supt. John Hawkins

ACT Policing

  • John joined the Australian Federal Police in January 2003.  His formative years have been in general duties, as a pursuit motorcyclist, as a part-time bomb squad member, and leading joint organised crime, counter terrorism, homicide, and corruption investigations.

    He has completed secondments to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity and later the Australian Customs and Border Protection to assist in the establishment of the Australian Border Force Investigations Division. In February 2019, John became the officer in charge of the ACT Policing Communications, responsible for managing Triple Zero, Police Attendance Line, Crime Stoppers, radio communications, and coordinated distal Command functions during the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. He also managed the collaborative pilot and establishment of PACER (Police, Ambulance and Clinician Early Response), delivering tri-service acute mental health services to persons in crises.

    John is currently the a/Superintendent responsible for the ACT Policing Watch-house and Judicial Operations, he is undertaking a review of the ACT Policing Watch-house, including the facilities, staffing model, governance, training, and technology.  He is leading the remediation project to reform areas of critical need, and business improvement focused on reasonable adjustment, improved medical assessment and treatment, and improving the use of technology.

  • Watch House Readiness

    This session will focus on the safety and wellbeing of police and those in police custody, emphasising the importance of embracing accountability as an opportunity for continuous improvement.

Detective A/Sgt. Nathanael Holdsworth

ACT Policing

  • Nathanael Holdsworth began his policing career with ACT Policing in 2016 and has served in a range of operational roles, including general duties, AFP National, and the Major Crime Squad. He is currently seconded to Operation AEGIS, a joint taskforce between the AFP and the ABF, investigating breaches of bridging visa holders. Nathanael has led complex investigations into serious and high-profile offences. Career highlights include a national investigation into a virtual kidnapping scam involving a physical unlawful confinement, and the recent resolution of a case involving the theft of nearly $1 million in valuables, a kidnapping, and links to OMCGs.

  • Case Study: Virtual Kidnapping

    This case study will examine virtual kidnapping, including its rise in occurrence, the profiles of victims, investigative challenges, and strategies for prevention and public awareness.

Detective Sergeant Liam O’Mahony

ACT Policing

  • Liam O’Mahony is a Detective Sergeant of the Business Capability & Improvement Team within ACT Policing (ACTP). The role involves reviewing and analysing Judicial Operations (JO) business processes and managing projects that focus upon improving operational processes currently being undertaken by ACTP members. Liam has been involved in the delivery of projects such as the Proof of Life technology, Biometric Capture revitalisation and the procurement of the Ozone Cleaner for the ACT Regional Watch House. Liam has worked for the AFP/ACT for 23 years as a sworn operational member across fields including Counter Terrorism and Sensitive Investigations, Drugs and Organised Crime, the Anti-Gangs Taskforce and ACT Community Policing. Liam has studied a Bachelor of Business (Management) and a Bachelor of Justice Studies at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

  • The Watch House Readiness Team

    In 2024, the ACT established a dedicated Watch House Team to focus upon the training, governance and administrative duties for all Watch House staff. The ACT Watch House has introduced trialling the Vital Signs Monitoring (VSM) technological solution which uses radar devices to increase prisoner supervision capability by utilising technology that focuses on proof-of-life measuring and notification.

Dr John Rolfe

Australian Institute of Police Management

  • John has over 35 years in the Public Safety and Security Portfolio with broad experience across policing and emergency services. Currently serving as Head of Faculty for Higher Education within the Australian Institute of Police Management. He has worked across all levels of government working within Disaster Management and or Counter Terrorism. He has held leadership roles within Queensland’s State Disaster Coordination Centre and or deployed regionally to assist executive teams during disaster events. John has a history of developing and delivering innovative capability development programs spanning individual enhancement through to teams and integrated systems approaches. He has a Doctorate in the Thinking of Commanders in High Risk and has maintained a focus on capability development within complex systems characterised by uncertainty and time/risk pressures. Since 2004, John has facilitated within specific capabilities of the Australia New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee and on specific request from jurisdictions he has participated in various State and multinational capability development initiatives.

  • Future-Ready Policing: Human Thinking at the Edge of Innovation and Relevance

    Policing in the 21st century is unfolding within a world of exponential change: accelerating technologies, volatile geopolitical and financial shifts, and rapidly evolving societal demographics and expectations. These forces are reshaping the public safety and security environment and question traditional forms of thinking and leadership.

    This presentation explores how contemporary psychology and neuroscience offer insights into the way humans think, adapt, and innovate under conditions of complexity and uncertainty. It highlights new perspectives on the imperative of critical thinking, cognitive agility and readiness, strategic design thinking and adaptive strategy. By understanding and maximising the strengths inherent in human cognition, leadership can better position themselves and their organisations to anticipate challenges, harness innovation, and remain relevant and trusted in the eyes of diverse communities.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith

NSW Police Force

  • Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith has over 36 years of frontline and specialist policing experience, from undercover operations to leading major investigations into drugs, firearms, robbery, organised and financial crime. His career has focused on targeting and disrupting high-risk criminal networks. Since 2022, he has worked with the NSWPF Cybercrime Squad, leading specialist teams including Online Covert Engagement. Jason has led many successful strike force investigations targeting criminal groups involved in the trafficking of drugs and illicit commodities on the Darkweb.

  • Policing the Shadows: Challenges and trends in Darknet Investigations

    This session offers an overview of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating illicit drug trafficking on the Darknet. Attendees will gain operational insights into how the NSW Police Force Cybercrime Squad identifies, targets, and disrupts criminal networks operating Darknet markets. The session will also touch on emerging trends and methodologies of Darknet vendors.

Detective Sergeant Darren Bethell

Western Australia Police Force

  • Detective Sergeant Darren Bethell is the team leader of the West Australian Police Force Investigative Genetic Genealogy Team. Before having the privilege of creating the inaugural team in 2023, Darren had 37 years policing experience, predominantly within the Homicide and Cold Case Homicide Squads.

    Along with an extensive major crime investigative background, Darren holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research and 8 years investigating his own convict ancestors, which made a perfect fit into what has been described as the next major advancement in solving crime since DNA.

  • Cold Cases: New Tools

Graham Coleman APM

Queensland Police Service

  • Following 42 years of service as a Police Officer, Graham Coleman was appointed in 2023 as Executive Director of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Olympic and Paralympic Games Group leading security planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (B2032).

    During Grahams police career with the QPS, he performed key roles in leading the planning and delivery of security operations for the 2014 G20 events held in Queensland and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Immediately prior to his retirement, Graham led the Security and Counter Terrorism Command’s Prepare Prevent Protect Group for five years.   

    Graham has trained at the UK College of Policing and is a certified Counter Terrorism Security Coordinator and his expertise is acknowledged by his work with numerous international policing organisations in the planning of major events including the Federal Police of Argentina (G20 Summit 2018), Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (APEC 2018), New Zealand Police (APEC 2021) and West Midlands Police (Commonwealth Games 2022).

  • Policing Major Events Panel Discussion

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan KPM

South Wales Police

  • Jeremy began his policing career in 1996 with North Wales Police, rising to Chief Superintendent and leading Local Policing Services. In 2016, he joined South Wales Police as Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for Specialist Operations, including Professional Standards, Criminal Justice, Operational Planning and the Public Service Centre. In 2017 he took responsibility for the Territorial Policing portfolio including leading on Neighbourhood and Response Policing and was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in 2019. Jeremy is the Vice Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council which brings together UK police leaders to set direction in policing and drive progress for the public. He is also the Chair of the NPCC Science and Innovation Coordination Committee (SICC), which aims to provide strategic guidance and direction for the delivery and implementation of the National Policing Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy. Jeremy is the UK Policing Lead for HeForShe, UN Women’s global movement for gender equality. A fluent Welsh speaker, Jeremy was appointed to the Gorsedd Cymru in 2019 for services to the Welsh language in policing. In December 2024 he received a King’s Police Medal (KPM) for services to policing.

  • Policing what matters: insights from the UK on policing reform

Detective Inspector Graham Banks

Victoria Police

  • Detective Inspector Graham Banks is the Senior Investigating Officer for Taskforce Lunar, which was established in October 2023 to target the ongoing conflict between serious and organised crime groups seeking to control the illicit tobacco market in Victoria. Prior to his current role, Graham was the in charge of the Victoria Police Echo Taskforce and Gang Crime Squad. These units are responsible for investigating acts of serious violence and organised crime committed by OMCG, middle eastern organised crime groups and other gangs. Graham has a Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership and a Masters in Organisational Leadership.

  • Serious and Organised Crime: Innovative strategies and multi-agency partnerships targeting high level SOC and MEOC assets gained from the illicit tobacco market

    This session will explore recent legislative advancements in Victoria to tackle unexplained wealth, cryptocurrency seizure powers, and tobacco reform. It will look at challenges posed by the criminal use of cryptocurrency and encryption to traditional investigative frameworks and discuss collaboration and intel sharing with state and federal partner agencies.

Senior Sergeant Courtney Brunt

New Zealand Police

  • Courtney graduated as Police Officer in 1998, with a first posting as a Patrol Group Constable to Counties Manukau, Auckland. Following a serious stabbing injury in 2000, he took a transfer to Rotorua, Bay of Plenty in 2001.

    Courtney joined the Rotorua Armed Offender Squad in 2006, and spent the next few years in frontline response roles before being promoted to Sergeant in 2009.

    He was promoted to Senior Sergeant in 2014, and worked in various roles including operational planning and shift commander roles.

    Courtney is currently the National Reintegration Coordinator, a role he has held since 2022. He has 18 year’s experience as an Armed Offenders Squad tactical operator, team leader and firearms instructor, and regularly presents Nationally on Post-Critical Incident Support processes.

    Having personally experienced several critical incidents, Courtney is deeply committed to ensuring that NZ Police provide the best possible support for staff involved in such incidents.

  • Fit for Duty: Reintegration After Critical Operational Events

    This session will highlight the New Zealand Police Reintegration Programme. The programme is designed to support officers returning to duty after experiencing work-related traumatic events, such as officer-involved shootings, serious injury, or lifethreatening incidents. Its primary goal is to help staff regain confidence and resume operational duties safely, using a structured, individually paced process. Throughout, the programme emphasizes trust and confidentiality, and works collaboratively with the involved officer’s health professionals to ensure each officer receives tailored, comprehensive support.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Davis

Tasmania Police

  • With a nearly 30-year career in policing, Rebecca is currently the Detective Inspector in charge of the Safe Families Coordination Unit (SFCU) within the Family and Sexual Violence Command. This role is responsible for Tasmania Police’s commitment and collaboration within the Tasmanian whole-of-government response to family violence, Safe at Home, and providing strategic support and advice to the executive of Tasmanian Government agencies. The SFCU is a statewide collaborative unit that undertakes cumulative assessment of risk and harm to coordinate agency operational responses and services for victims of family violence and to hold perpetrators accountable.

  • Behind Closed Doors: A Shared Response to Prevent Family Violence

    Tasmania Police, in collaboration with the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation and the Department of Justice, has introduced specialised face-to-face workshops on coercive control training. Delivered to approximately 2,500 participants so far, this session will explore how the program equips police and communities to disrupt family violence effectively, framing it as a collective societal responsibility.

Detective Superintendant Jason Dickinson APM

NSW Police Force

  • Jason has over 32 years policing experience with much of his career spent in specialist investigative duties including with the Child Protection & Sex Crimes Squad, Fraud & Cybercrime Squad, and the Homicide Squad. In 2022 Jason joined the Counter Terrorism & Special Tactics command leading the Anti Terrorism & Intelligence Group before moving to his current role leading the Terrorism Investigations Squad. In 2023 Jason completed the Leadership in Counter Terrorism Program. He has also completed the Executive Development Scheme and holds several tertiary qualifications including a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Investigations (Management).

  • Strike force pearl: NSW Police Force response to serious hate crime and offences targeting places of worship in 2024

    Strike Force PEARL was established by the NSW Police Force in response to a series of significant hate related crimes and serious offending targeting places of worship. The strike force included both proactive policing strategies and specialist investigative responses to the crimes committed across Sydney. It resulted in dozens of offenders arrested and put before the courts for a broad range of significant charges.

Emma Guo

ACT Policing

  • Emma Guo is the Senior Team Leader in the Legislation and Governance section within ACT Policing. Emma’s teams are responsible for leading ACT Policing’s law reform and policy agenda, including through the recent implementation and operationalisation of the minimum age of criminal responsibility reforms. Emma completed her studies at the Australian National University, obtaining a Master of Criminology, Justice and Regulation and a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and International Security Studies. Emma’s previous Government experience was at the Department of Home Affairs and Attorney-General’s Department, with a policy focus on aviation and maritime security and modern slavery and human trafficking.

  • Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility in the ACT

    In 2025 the ACT became the first jurisdiction in Australia to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) to 14 years. This session will cover policy and operational challenges that accompanied the reforms, including a staggered roll-out of support services and a shift in responsibilities for police.

Nick McDonnell

Auror

  • Nick works at Auror, a crime intelligence platform working with retailers and police globally to connect communities to stop crime. He is responsible for Auror’s work across trust and safety, public policy, law enforcement partnerships and corporate affairs. He’s passionate about how technology can empower communities in public safety and support law enforcement to keep us all safe. Prior to joining Auror, he worked with Meta, including across counter-extremism, child protection and election integrity. He is a board member of Safeguarding Children - a child abuse prevention NGO. Nick is admitted as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand and holds degrees in laws, political science and a masters in public policy from the NYU Wagner School and University College London. He is Sydney based.

  • Digital Transformation Under Pressure: What Really Matters for the Frontline

Detective Superintendent Hamish McKenzie

WA Police Force

  • Hamish McKenzie is a highly accomplished law enforcement professional with over 38 years of experience in policing. Hamish was the previous head of the WA Police Sex Crimes Division and Chair of the Australia and New Zealand Child Protection Working Group (Operation Griffin). In 2019, Hamish was seconded to INTERPOL's Crimes against Children Unit, where he collaborated with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to prevent transnational child sex offenders from gaining employment in international humanitarian aid organizations. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the global landscape of sexual crimes against vulnerable members of our community.

  • Online Reporting - Safe2Say

    This session will showcase Safe2Say, an anonymous reporting platform developed by Crime Stoppers WA in close collaboration with WA Police, academics, and industry partners. The platform's unique combination of anonymous, two-way communication and trauma-informed design has made it possible for individuals to report in their own time, on their own terms. Safe2Say significantly improves the capacity of police, particularly within sensitive investigative units, to safely and effectively engage with victim-survivors.

Hannah Murphy

ACT Policing

  • Hannah has over 20 years of experience working across the public and private sectors. Prior to entering the justice sector, she worked in multidisciplinary research teams specialising in social network analysis. For the last 18 months, Hannah has worked within the Queensland Police Service’s (QPS) Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group (CASCG), working closely with operational areas, including CASCG's specialty units, the QPS Child Protection and Investigation Units (CPIUs) and Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Team. In addition to the CPIU Workload Management Project, she is currently on the project team responsible for implementing Queensland’s Public Child Sex Offender Register.

  • How can policing agencies manage the increased demand and impact of highharm crimes against children while ensuring officer wellbeing?

Scott Peel

Law Enforcement Outreach, TikTok

  • Scott Peel is TikTok’s Regional Lead for Law Enforcement Outreach across APAC, Sub-Saharan Africa, and other key regions, based in Singapore. In this role, he works closely with legal, public policy, and investigation teams to build strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, with a focus on internet safety, emergency response, and privacy protection. Scott develops proactive outreach programs to raise awareness of TikTok’s data disclosure processes, supports child-safety initiatives, and strengthens cross-sector collaboration to improve public safety outcomes.

    Prior to joining TikTok, Scott served 15 years as a Detective in the New Zealand Police, specialising in organised crime, covert investigations, and child exploitation cases. He is passionate about building meaningful partnerships between law enforcement and the private sector to tackle complex challenges and create safer online and offline environments.

  • Collaboration for Online Safety Panel Discussion

Laura Poidevin

Queensland Police Service

  • Laura Poidevin is a values and people centred leader with nearly two decades of experience in public service across Australia and the UK. As the Chief Digital Officer for the Queensland Police Service, Laura is currently driving digital and data initiatives and strategy to significantly uplift capability with the primary aims to support our frontline police officers and keep our communities safe. One of her first roles was working on a reset of the UK’s strategy to tackle illicit tobacco smuggling. Since then, her career highlights include leading large-scale customer service operations and significant enterprise transformations to a digital and data led future, at the ATO, Services Australia, and the UK Tax Office. Laura excels at bridging and the bringing together of business and technology teams, fostering collaboration, and navigating complex environments. She's also passionate about mentoring emerging tech leaders and promoting digital literacy.

  • Digital Transformation Under Pressure: What Really Matters for the Frontline

Professor Lawrence Sherman

Benchmark Cambridge

  • Lawrence Sherman is an experimental criminologist whose innovations in policing have been tested and adopted in the UK, US, Australia and Europe. Since 2024 he has served as CEO of Benchmark Cambridge, the global subsidiary of Benchmark Analytics (USA). His prior roles include Chief Scientific Officer, Metropolitan Police Service (London); Director, Cambridge University Institute of Criminology; Chair, University of Pennsylvania Criminology: Director of Research, Police Foundation (US) and adjunct professorships at Australian National University and University of Queensland.

  • Predict to Prevent: A Cambridge Strategy for Police Wellness

Detective Sergeant Joshua Wood

Tasmania Police

  • Joshua is a Detective Sergeant with Tasmania Police, with over 10 years of experience working across the state in both uniform and detective roles. He’s led investigations into serious crimes, including family violence murders, and now works in the Safe Families Co-ordination Unit. He works closely with other government agencies to assess risk, develop policy, deliver frontline training, and monitor family violence incidents statewide to identify risks, response/information gaps and implement appropriate strategies. Josh also oversees the Family Law Court Liaison Officers and works with the electronic monitoring of family violence offenders. He is passionate about continually improving responses to family violence in Tasmania.

  • Behind Closed Doors: A Shared Response to Prevent Family Violence

    Tasmania Police, in collaboration with the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation and the Department of Justice, has introduced specialised face-to-face workshops on coercive control training. Delivered to approximately 2,500 participants so far, this session will explore how the program equips police and communities to disrupt family violence effectively, framing it as a collective societal responsibility.

Craig Doran

CEO & Founder, Comtrac

  • Craig’s law enforcement career spans more than two decades, beginning with the Queensland Police Service, where he led high-stakes units across fraud, corporate crime, drug, and property investigations. He played a key role in securing a conviction against an international fraud syndicate and dismantling an outlaw motorcycle gang, earning recognition for his contributions. In 2008, Craig led the development of a digital evidence management system at the Crime and Corruption Commission, improving the way briefs of evidence were managed and presented. In 2016, he founded Comtrac, creating an AI-assisted platform that streamlines investigations and generates briefs of evidence efficiently.

  • AI as Your Investigation Partner – The 30-40-30 Rule for Better Outcomes

    AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a plug-and-play solution. Its impact depends entirely on how it is applied. At Comtrac, we have been building AI as an investigation partner, a force multiplier that enhances the work investigators are already doing.

    That force multiplier works both ways. With poor practices, AI magnifies problems. With sound investigative methods, it speeds case building, sharpens analysis, and improves the clarity of briefs of evidence.

    The 30-40-30 Rule provides a simple framework for better outcomes. The first 30 percent is the investigator setting objectives and giving AI clear instructions. The middle 40 percent is AI generating its response. The final 30 percent is the investigator applying judgment, context, and professional expertise to put AI’s output into practice.

    This approach makes AI a true multiplier of good practice. It improves efficiency while boosting both the speed and quality of investigations, keeping the human at the centre of decision-making.

    The potential impact is substantial. If AI handles 40 percent of tasks usually done by officers, a 10,000-strong force would gain the equivalent of 4,000 extra officers. At an average salary of $120,000, this amounts to nearly half a billion dollars, or $480 million, per year in cost-equivalent value.

    This is the scale of impact AI can deliver with the right methodology, AI does more than speed up investigations. It can transform capacity, resources, and outcomes across the entire justice system.

Dee Madigan

Executive Creative Director & Founding Partner of Campaign Edge

  • Dee grew tired of selling people things they didn’t need, which led her to establish Campaign Edge in 2014, focusing primarily on the progressive space. She is an award-winning creative professional who has worked with some of Australia’s largest brands across various categories, including FMCG, banking and finance, health, and education. Additionally, she collaborates with a range of unions and has served as the Creative Director for the Labor Party during 24 election campaigns, including the 2015, 2017, and 2020 Queensland campaigns, as well as the 2022 federal election and the 2025 federal election. Recognized as one of Australia’s leading campaign strategists, she effectively uses creativity as a tool to persuade audiences. She is a panellist on the television program Gruen (ABC TV) and frequently appears on Sunrise (Channel 7), the Today Show (Channel 9), and The Project (Channel 10). Furthermore, she is the author of The Hard Sell and a contributing author for several works, including Mothermorphosis, Perspectives on Change, and Unbreakable. She serves on the boards of Per Capita and Australians for Mental Health.

  • How to rebuild trust in your organisation’s brand

    Dee will explore how public-facing institutions like police and government agencies - can use strategic communication and creativity to strengthen community trust and rebuild reputation.

Dr Sarah Benson PSM

Chief Executive Officer,
Sport Integrity Australia (SIA)

  • Dr Sarah Benson PSM was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) in March 2025.

     

    Dr Benson joined SIA as a member of the senior executive team in 2023. She was the inaugural leader of the newly established Safety in Sport Division, with responsibility for driving a nationally coordinated response to sport integrity issues in Australia. Dr Benson established and led the agency’s policy response to prevent and respond to integrity threats to women and girls across all levels of sport in Australia through SIA’s Empowering Women & Girls in Sport Integrity Program. She also established the Law Enforcement Partnership Program to ensure a proactive agency posture in preventing threats to sports from crime.

     

    Dr Benson’s career has been defined by leading national strategy, policy and capability to enhance Australia’s standing in protecting the community and leveraging national reputation to influence global change. Dr Benson is a Board Member of the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organisations (representing 80 international organisations) and Chair of the Global Network of National Sport Integrity Agencies (bringing agencies together to build capability and an enduring global network).

     

    Prior to joining Sport Integrity Australia, Dr Benson was the Chief Forensic Scientist for the Australian Federal Police (AFP). In this role, she was responsible for executive leadership and management of the AFP Forensics Command providing strategic, operational and capability leadership across the AFP’s domestic and international policing responsibilities.  While in this this senior and influential role, Dr Benson also provided high-level strategic advice to the AFP Executive, Australian Government and external committees, including the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee, Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency and INTERPOL. 

     

    In 2019, Dr Benson coordinated Australia’s law enforcement support following the volcanic eruption on White Island in New Zealand. She was also instrumental in the forensic and disaster victim identification support offered to the Netherlands and Ukraine following the 2014 MH17 disaster.

     

    Dr Benson studied at the University of Technology, Sydney and holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Science) – Forensic Analysis of Explosives using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (2009) and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Chemistry – Forensic Science (2000). 

     

    In 2021, she was awarded the Public Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List; the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) Alumni Award for Excellence (Faculty of Science); and the UTS Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

     

    Dr Benson is committed to authentic, impactful leadership and fostering strong teams and strategic partnerships that advance the agency’s vision and build a protective ecosystem for sport through to 2032 and beyond.  

  • Sport and Crime: protecting in partnership

    The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Corruption in Sport (2021) reveals the staggering scale, manifestation and complexity of corruption and criminal networks in sport at national and international levels. The report identifies the following major issues.

    • Gender and Corruption in Sport

    • Organised Crime and Sport

    • Corruption and Abuse in Sport

    • Understanding the Manipulation of Sports Competitions

    • Illegal Betting and Sport

    • Major Sports Events and Corruption

     

    Established on 1 July 2020, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) is the government agency responsible for preventing and addressing threats to sport integrity and coordinating a national approach to matters relating to integrity in sport.

     

    Threats to sports integrity include:

    • Abuse of young people and other members in a sporting environment

    • Use of drugs or doping methods in sport

    • Manipulation of sporting competitions.

    • Failure to protect people in a sporting environment from bullying, intimidation, discrimination, or harassment

     

    The agency is an Enforcement Body for the purposes of the Privacy Act and can receive and disclose personal information where it believes that the use or disclosure of personal information is reasonably necessary for enforcement related activities conducted by, or on behalf of, an Enforcement Body.

     

    SIA’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program seeks to position the agency to prevent and respond to criminal threats to sport. The agency has a National Strategy for Information Sharing, made up of MOUs with Australian Law Enforcement Agencies, an MOU with INTERPOL, and closer working relationships with EUROPOL and UNODC.

     

    SIA also monitors sports wagering and match fixing through the National Platform and is leading the development of National Sport Integrity Offences to combat competition manipulation and associated corruption in sport.

     

    The presentation (panel session) will highlight the nexus between crime and sport integrity and look over the horizon at emerging trends and collaboration opportunities on the pathway to the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

Assistant Commissioner Sandra Booth

Australian Federal Police

  • In July 2024, Sandra was promoted to Assistant Commissioner AUKUS Command. Sandra is responsible for the design and delivery of the AFP’s security strategy to support the Australian Nuclear Submarine program, managing the AFP’s commitment to the Australian Defence Force through the provision of Protective Services and building a future-ready Protective Service Officer (PSO) workforce committed to contributing to Australia's sovereignty. Sandra has been a member of the AFP since 2000 and has a broad range of policing and leadership experience across domestic and international domains, including commanding the AFP College, Counter Terrorism, Organised Crime, Child Protection, Protection Operations, Community Policing and Investigations.

  • The Australian Federal Police's role in the AUKUS initiative

    Established in July 2024, the AFPs AUKUS Command is responsible for the delivery of the AFP protective security overlay in support of the Australian Nuclear Submarine Program, under the AUKUS initiative. This session will explore how AFPs Protective Service Officer workforce is resilient, agile, informed, security conscious and future ready, capable of protecting Australia’s national interests over the next decade and beyond.

Vishal Dhir

Vishal Dhir

Axon

  • Vishal is the Senior Vice President at Axon, leading strategy and driving adoption of Axon’s public safety technology platform across the Commonwealth. Over the past 9.5 years, he has partnered with police and public safety agencies to implement cloud-based Digital Evidence Management, body-worn and in-car video, TASER devices, Real-Time Crime Centers, and immersive VR training. Previously, he oversaw growth across Latin America. A frequent speaker, Vishal has presented at Provincial Chiefs’ Associations (BCACP, OACP), the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Annual and Leadership Conferences, the International Association of Women Police (IAWP), the Canadian Police Association (CPA), and the IACP Technology Conference, as well as numerous webinars. His focus areas include the practical benefits of AI, secure cloud adoption, modernisation of training and Software-as-a-Service models that improve outcomes for officers and communities.

  • Digital Transformation Under Pressure: What Really Matters for the Frontline

Bryan Downie

Investigations Branch, eSafety Commissioner

  • With 28 years of experience in law enforcement and regulatory investigations, Bryan is the Executive Manager of the Investigations Branch at the Australian Communications and Media Authority - eSafety Commissioner. Bryan oversees the eSafety Commissioner’s regulatory and enforcement operations that includes 4 investigation teams, a capability and enhancement team and the intelligence team.

  • Collaboration for Online Safety Panel Discussion

Esther Giang

ACT Policing

  • Esther Giang is an Acting Team Leader of the Legislation and Policy team within ACT Policing, which formulates and coordinates whole-of-agency engagement on legislative reform. Esther was significantly involved in developing the ACT Policing position on raising the age of criminal responsibility in the Australian Capital Territory and was one of the policy leads to implement and operationalise this legislation, including training more than 700 staff. Esther’s previous Government experience was at the Attorney-General’s Department, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Esther studied a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of New South Wales.

  • Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility in the ACT

    In 2025 the ACT became the first jurisdiction in Australia to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) to 14 years. This session will cover policy and operational challenges that accompanied the reforms, including a staggered roll-out of support services and a shift in responsibilities for police.

Marlene Hadges

Critical Response Team, Bumble

  • Marlene Hadges is Bumble’s Critical Response Manager for Australia. With over four years of experience in trust and safety, Marlene leads Bumble’s Critical Response Team in the region, managing and responding to global legal and emergency disclosure requests, including serious cases involving child exploitation, terrorism, and violent extremism. She also oversees responses to regulatory inquiries, ensuring compliance and promoting safer online communities.

    Prior to joining Bumble, Marlene worked at Snapchat and Salesforce in law enforcement operations and policy, and she previously served as a Constable with the New South Wales Police. An admitted legal practitioner, she is dedicated to fostering innovative collaboration between law enforcement and the private sector to address emerging threats and enhance the safety and integrity of online communities.

  • Collaboration for Online Safety Panel Discussion

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty APM

NSW Police Force

  • Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty APM is the Commander of the State Operations & Emergency Management Command. Assistant Commissioner Hegarty has 36 years policing experience having joined the NSW Police Force in 1989. Assistant Commissioner Hegarty was promoted to Sergeant at Shoalhaven in 2002 and Inspector at Wollongong in 2007. In 2013 Assistant Commissioner Hegarty was promoted to the rank of Superintendent as the Commander at Radio Operations Group before transferring to Commands such as Wollongong, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Marine Area Command and the Traffic and Highway Patrol. In 2021 he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner at Traffic Highway Patrol Command and transferred to the State Operations & Emergency Management Comment (formerly Police Transport & Public Safety Command) in 2022.  Assistant Commissioner Hegarty has represented NSWP on various committees and is the current Deputy SEOCON – State Emergency Operations Controller. In 2003 Assistant Commissioner Hegarty was awarded the NSW Police Valour Award, in 2005 he was awarded the Australian Bravery Award and in 2020 he was awarded the National Police Medal.

  • Police Transport Command Led Operations to Enhance Public Safety: Addressing sexual and violent offences on the public transport network and targeting weapons offence

    This session explores enhancements to NSWPF’s oversight of sexual offending on public transport. New measures introduced to target sexual offenders have resulted in a reduction of 30% of sexual offending on the public transport network.

Detective Inspector
Jennifer Locke

Victoria Police

  • Jennifer has been a member of Victoria Police for 23 years, working on the Purana Taskforce, Melbourne Criminal Investigation Unit and the North West Regional Crime Squad. She has focused on targeting money laundering activities within Victoria and At the Armed Crime Squad, she was responsible for a number of teams investigating non-fatal shootings across Victoria, as well as armed robberies on financial institutions and post offices, and kidnappings.

    During this time Jennifer assisted Crime Executive with the preparation of the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy along with the Illicit Firearm Strategy, both of which are documents visible to the public, which outlines the Victoria Police vision and plan for tackling serious crime.

    Jennifer is currently the Officer In Charge of the Criminal Proceeds Squad, Victoria Police. The Criminal Proceeds Squad evaluates all matters where a person is charged with a relevant offence under the Confiscation Act and seizes and restrains assets in order deprive offenders of the proceeds of crime and undermine the profitability of serious criminal activity. They are also the lead on money laundering investigations throughout Victoria.

  • Serious and Organised Crime: Innovative strategies and multi-agency partnerships targeting high level SOC and MEOC assets gained from the illicit tobacco market.

    Taskforce LUNAR was established with the aim of gathering intelligence, disrupting, and dismantling the organised crime syndicates dominating the illicit tobacco and vape market within Victoria and more broadly Australia.

    This session will cover:

    • recent legislative advancements within Victoria to tackle unexplained wealth, cryptocurrency seizure powers, and tobacco reform

    • challenges posed by the criminal use of cryptocurrency & encryption to traditional investigative frameworks, and to identify some of the asymmetric opportunities that these technologies offer the modern investigator

    • collaboration and intel sharing with state and federal partner agencies.

S/Sgt & Chief Remote Pilot Alistair Nisbet

Victoria Police

  • With over 26 years of operational policing experience, Senior Sergeant Alistair Nisbet is a leading figure in Victoria Police's drone and counter-drone capabilities, also serving as the Chief Remote Pilot.

    His expertise is further recognised through his role as National Capability Advisor and Chair of the ANZCTC Counter RPAS Working Group, where he collaborates with state and federal partners to enhance counter-drone strategies.

    Al's diverse career includes significant operational and management roles within the water police, search and rescue, and dog squads, showcasing his versatility and commitment to public safety.

    His leadership and dedication to service have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Service Medal – 25 Year Clasp, the National Medal, and the National Police Service Medal.

    Driven by a passion for innovation in policing, Al is committed to integrating advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency and safety. His extensive experience, combined with his proactive approach to emerging challenges, positions him as a key contributor to the future of law enforcement in Victoria.

  • An Overview of the Australian Law Enforcement Drone Threat Environment

    This session will cover the foreign and domestic drone environment, legislation challenges and drone data at major events and high risk infrastructure. Alistair will also look at a number of case studies and then consider operational challenges and strategic considerations for policing.

Michael Jeh

Small Steps for Hannah

  • Michael Jeh designed and now presents Hannah's Story around Australia to a multitude of audiences. He has been working in the DV education sector for 20+ years, long before it became the touchstone issue it is now. He cites the collaboration with Tasmania Police as the most significant milestone in this journey to help save lives through the courage and grace of Small Steps 4 Hannah.

  • Behind Closed Doors: A Shared Response to Prevent Family Violence

    Tasmania Police, in collaboration with the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation and the Department of Justice, has introduced specialised face-to-face workshops on coercive control training. Delivered to approximately 2,500 participants so far, this session will explore how the program equips police and communities to disrupt family violence effectively, framing it as a collective societal responsibility.

Dr Rob Orr

Bond University

  • Professor Rob Orr began his career in the Australian Army as an infantry soldier, later transitioning to the Physical Training Instructor and physiotherapy streams. Retiring for service as a Human Performance Officer, he joined Bond University, where he now leads the Tactical Research Unit; a globally connected centre collaborating with academia, industry, and operational agencies.

    Professor Orr’s research, consultancy, and training delivery focus is on load carriage, physical conditioning, rehabilitation, and injury prevention for tactical populations including law enforcement, military, firefighters, paramedics, and first responders. His work spans the full occupational lifecycle, from trainees to specialists. He served as editor for the NSCA Tactical Strength and Conditioning Technical Report (2015–2020) and has contributed to international committees and congresses including the International Physical Employment Standards Conference and International Congress on Soldiers’ Physical Performance. With over 380 publications and technical reports, Professor Orr has received multiple awards for research outcomes, publications, presentations, and teaching. He has delivered keynotes at leading institutions worldwide and is currently ranked among the top 10 global researchers in law enforcement studies.

  • Police officer fitness: Current and future factor impacts

    Maintaining officer fitness is essential for effective policing, as poor fitness is linked to higher injury rates in trainees, absenteeism in attested officers, and decreases in operational outcomes (e.g. excessive use of force). Yet, rising sedentarism and obesity, reduced movement skills, and post-COVID impacts are shrinking the pool of fit recruits and increasing risks for serving officers. These trends pose increasing and significant challenges to recruiting, training, and sustaining a fit police workforce.

Senior Sergeant Jarrod Walsh

New Zealand Police

  • Jarod began his career as a Police Officer in 1997 and was posted to Waikato working in various frontline and investigative roles.

    In 2003 he joined the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad and became a team leader on the squad when he promoted to Sergeant in 2010. He is still on the squad and enjoys developing the leadership skills of junior NCO’s.

    As a Sergeant Jarod worked in investigative and response roles and spent time in operations planning before being seconded to Police National Headquarters to set up and develop the Police reintegration program.

    Following this he returned to Waikato District and promoted to Senior Sergeant – Tactical Operations Coordinator while maintaining reintegration work as a portfolio.

    Jarod has personally been involved in a number of critical incidents and is passionate about looking after Police staff who have been involved in similar traumatic incidents. Jarod’s wife also works for Police in a civilian role, and they have two boys one of whom also wants a career in Police.

  • Fit for Duty: Reintegration After Critical Operational Events

    This session will highlight the New Zealand Police Reintegration Programme. The programme is designed to support officers returning to duty after experiencing work-related traumatic events, such as officer-involved shootings, serious injury, or lifethreatening incidents. Its primary goal is to help staff regain confidence and resume operational duties safely, using a structured, individually paced process. Throughout, the programme emphasizes trust and confidentiality, and works collaboratively with the involved officer’s health professionals to ensure each officer receives tailored, comprehensive support.

Adam Hislop

Motorola Solutions

  • An accomplished professional with over 24 years of experience designing and deploying communication and software solutions. Currently working for Motorola Solutions as a Solutions Architect focused on assisting public safety agencies with their next generation command centre solutions.

  • From Reaction to Foresight: Building Your Future-Ready Policing Ecosystem

    In an era of competing demands and rapid change, what matters most is an agency's ability to connect its people, its data, and its community. This session explores a future-ready ecosystem model, moving beyond siloed tools to create a single source of truth. We will discuss how integrating the frontline officer, the command centre, and post-incident intelligence can build a safer, more efficient, and more trusted police service for tomorrow.