SA Forum 2026

Forum opening: Jess Adamson GAICD

Welcome to Country

Mark Thirlwell GAICD Chief Economist, AICD

Global economic conditions are becoming more complex and less predictable, shaped by geopolitical fragmentation, shifting trade patterns, inflation dynamics, and divergent policy settings across major economies. For Australian boards this environment brings both heightened risk and new avenues for growth and resilience.

In this presentation, Mark Thirlwell GAICD, AICD Chief Economist, will provide an economic update spanning the global and national outlook. He will explore the key forces shaping the international economy, the implications for Australia’s growth and productivity trajectory, and what current trends mean for South Australia’s economic prospects. The presentation will also highlight where boards should focus their attention to navigate uncertainty, position their organisations for opportunity, and make informed strategic decisions in a fragmenting world.

Dr Amanda Rischbieth AM FAICD PhD Harvard ALI Advisory Board member

The session will translate fast-moving technical, legal and commercial developments into practical questions for boards as to where AI should create value, and where it may create unacceptable risk. What governance settings are needed to keep pace with machine-speed innovation and what about the role of agentic AI real-time inputs at the board table?

Dr Rischbieth will explore how directors can govern responsibly and confidently as AI moves from experimentation to enterprise infrastructure. Drawing on her latest insights from Harvard, MIT and leading global AI debates, she will share latest developments, practical guardrails, compute as a strategic dependency, and the growing challenge of idea theft, data leakage, intellectual property protection.

Moderator: Julie Cooper FAICD
Speakers: Freddy Bartlett GAICD, David Fechner, Kevin Osborn FAICD

Capital allocation is one of the board’s most consequential responsibilities, shaping an organisation’s long-term performance and resilience. In a climate of tighter capital, rising costs, increased investor scrutiny, and geo-economical threats, boards are under mounting pressure to ensure resources are deployed effectively.

This panel will explore how disciplined capital decisions can improve organisational efficiency, strengthen financial performance and deliver sustainable value. Hear from experienced directors on the strategic choices boards must make to prioritise investment, manage trade-offs and maintain strong oversight of capital deployment.

Speakers: Jim Whiting OAM, Kathy Gramp FAICDlife
 
Culture and conduct sit at the heart of effective governance, shaping how boards and executive teams make decisions, manage risk and maintain trust. In times of heightened scrutiny and external pressure, boards must ensure they uphold strong relationships with the CEO while remaining focused on long-term organisational interests.

This panel will explore lessons drawn from real governance experiences, examining how boards can foster trust, navigate competing influences and maintain a unified leadership culture. Hear from experienced directors on how strong board–executive relationships and clear values can help steer organisations through uncertainty.

Former Senator the Hon. David Fawcett Former Assistant Minister for Defence of Australia

In an era defined by strategic competition, disrupted supply chains and rising geopolitical risk, the relationship between business and government has never been more critical — or more complex.

Drawing on experience across Defence, Parliament and international engagement, The Hon David Fawcett will explore how geopolitical forces impact domestic policy decisions, regulatory settings and government priorities — and what this means for boards, senior leaders and shareholders.

This session will examine how the global circumstances are changing the way governments think about national interest, security and economic resilience, and how organisations can engage constructively and credibly in that environment.