AGS26 program

Presented by Justin Agale First Nations Sector Lead, AICD 

AICD Chair Naomi Edwards opens the 2026 Australian Governance Summit, welcoming delegates and setting the stage for two days of discussion, insight and connection

Presenter:

Naomi Edwards FAICD, Chair, AICD

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Chair, Paul O’Malley, will deliver a keynote address offering his perspective on the major issues shaping governance in the years ahead. 
 

Presenter:

Paul O’Malley, Chair, CBA

Moderator:

Helen Dalley GAICD, AGS 2026 MC

Geopolitical instability has profound implications for Australian organisations, and directors must be adept at navigating these complex issues. This session examines current geopolitical trends, highlighting how directors can proactively assess and respond to global disruptions. Experts will discuss best practices for scenario planning, crisis management, and strategic risk mitigation. 

Presenters:

Abigail Bradshaw, Director-General, Australian Signals Directorate 

David Moffatt MAICD, Chair, Ventia 

Merriden Varrall, Special Adviser, Geopolitics, KPMG Australia

Moderator:

Paul Merril MAICD, Head of Content, AICD

AGS Studio: From Hype to Oversight: How Board Directors Can Practically Harness AI 

10:50am - 11:05am

Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director, Diligent Institute 
 
Moderator: 
 Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS Studio MC 

ASIC Chair Joe Longo deliver an address For the Australian Governance Summit. Following his remarks, Mr Longo will take part in a moderated Q&A session to further explore themes relevant to directors and boards.  

Presenter:

Joe Longo, Chair, Australian Securities and Investments Commission

Moderator:

Naomi Edwards FAICD, Chair, AICD

Board recruitment is both an art and a science—and the chair plays a critical role in shaping the board’s composition, culture, and capability. This session goes behind the scenes of the recruitment process to uncover how chairs assess candidates, identify skills gaps, and build diverse, high-functioning boards. What attributes are chairs prioritising in new board appointments today? How can aspiring directors demonstrate cultural fit and governance capability in interviews? What common mistakes derail otherwise promising candidates? 

Presenters:

Katrina Rathie FAICD, Non-Executive Director, Knight Frank Australia, SBS

Craig Roy FAICD, Chair, Silex Systems

Geoff Brunsdon FAICDLife, Chair, PayPal Australia

Moderator:

Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS 2026 Virtual MC

As boards look to the decade ahead, payroll compliance is emerging as a clear test of governance. It brings together complex regulation, workforce expectations, and technological disruption. What was once an operational detail is now a board-level issue with a range of significant consequences. Over the next decade, AI will play a growing role in this space. While not fully embedded today, its use in payroll assurance will become more frequent, raising new responsibilities for boards to oversee how technology is applied ethically and effectively.

Presenters: 

Charles Ferguson  General Manager and Corporate Development Lead, G-P 

Kate Pollard, Director, Stone & Chalk

Moderator:

Marcus Zeltzer, Co-founder and Managing Director, Yellow Canary 

AGS Studio: Inside APRA’s Governance Proposals: Practical Implications for Boards 

1.00pm - 1.20pm

APRA in 2025 proposed extensive changes to its governance requirements for bank, insurer and superannuation fund boards. APRA subsequently refined a small number of the proposals following consultation with directors and industry. This session will examine the regulator’s proposals and what they may mean for boards in practice. It will highlight where APRA has adjusted its position in response to stakeholder feedback and outline broader governance implications.

 Simon Mitchell, Senior Policy Adviser, AICD 

Moderator: Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS Studio MC 

AGS Studio: Counting the Cost: Regulatory Complexity and Its Impact on Productivity 

1.30pm - 1.50pm

Australia’s regulatory environment has grown increasingly complex, with significant economic and organisational consequences. Drawing on fresh AICD research into the cost of federal regulatory accumulation and complexity, this session will examine how overlapping and poorly designed regulation affects productivity, board decision-making and business investment. Australian organisations now spend an estimated $160 billion each year complying with federal regulation - more than double the cost of a decade ago.   

Dr Adam Triggs, Partner, Mandala Partners

Moderator: Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS Studio MC

Renowned corporate law expert and Emerita Professor at the University of New South Wales, Pamela Hanrahan returns to the Australian Governance Summit to deliver her highly anticipated annual regulatory update. In this comprehensive address, Professor Hanrahan will unpack the latest shifts across Australia's governance regulatory frameworks, offering critical insights into recent legislative reforms, enforcement priorities, and compliance expectations. This is an essential session for directors seeking to stay informed, compliant, and forward-looking in an evolving regulatory environment. 

Presenter: 

Dr Pamela Hanrahan MAICD, Emerita Professor, University of NSW Consultant, Johnson Winter Slattery

Moderator:

Christian Gergis GAICD, Head of Policy, AICD

In this highly interactive session, attendees will break into small groups to step into the shoes of a board faced with complex, real world dilemmas. Each group will be presented with a hypothetical scenario that mirrors the challenges directors are grappling with today. This hands-on format is designed to spark lively discussion, sharpen judgment, and provide fresh insights you can take back to your own boardroom.

[Please note: This session will be offered on both Day One and Day Two to allow flexibility in scheduling. The content is
identical across both days, so we kindly ask that you register for only one session.]

The evolving business landscape demands directors continuously update their skills and knowledge to remain effective and relevant. This session identifies key competencies required by directors in an era marked by rapid technological change, shifting societal expectations, and regulatory complexity. What emerging skills are most critical for directors to acquire? How can directors effectively balance technical knowledge with strategic oversight? What resources are recommended for directors to maintain continuous learning?

Presenters: 

Dr Jonathan Baker, Senior Lecturer, Strategy & MBA Program Director, Adelaide University

Carmel Mulhern GAICD, Director, PwC Australia  

Taryn Williams GAICD, CEO, Director & Founder 

Moderator:

Helen Dalley GAICD, AGS 2026 MC

Economic Outlook with Mark Thirlwell

3:45pm - 4:00pm 

The AICD’s Chief Economist Mark Thirlwell will analyse the global and domestic economic forces shaping the operating environment for Australian boards. Mark will unpack what matters most for directors right now—and what to watch in the period ahead.
 

Mark Thirlwell GAICD, Chief Economist, AICD

Moderator: Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS Studio MC

In this session, McKinsey & Company Senior Partner and McKinsey Global Institute director Chris Bradley explores the structural forces reshaping the global economy, including technological disruption, demographic change, evolving energy systems and a more fragmented geopolitical order. Drawing on McKinsey’s latest research, he will outline what these shifts mean for competition, value creation and long term strategy, and how boards and senior leaders can position their organisations to succeed in a more complex and uncertain era.

Presenter:

Chris Bradley, Director, McKinsey Global Institute, Senior Partner, Sydney, McKinsey 

Moderator:

Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director, Diligent Institute 

The 2026 Australian Governance Summit MC welcomes delegates to Day Two of the event and presents highlights from Day One.

Presenter: 

Australian Governance Summit 2026 MC 

Clara Shih will share her perspective on the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and what it means for organisations and their leaders. Drawing on her extensive experience building and leading AI platforms, founding and scaling technology companies, and advising global brands, Clara will explore the opportunities and challenges emerging as AI reshapes business, strategy, and governance. Her session will offer directors and executives practical insights to help them navigate this next wave of technological change.

Presenter:

Clara Shih, Silicon Valley AI Leader, AI startup funder and investor, ex-Salesforce AI CEO 

Moderator:

Kate Carruthers, Head of Data, Analytics and AI, AICD 

The AICD’s Managing Director and CEO, Mark Rigotti, outlines the organisation’s key priorities for the year ahead. 

Presenter:

Mark Rigotti Managing Director & CEO, AICD 

NAB Chair Philip Chronican joins the 2026 Australian Governance Summit to share insights from the boardroom of one of Australia’s leading companies. Drawing on deep experience across banking, infrastructure and public policy, he will reflect on the challenges and decisions shaping leadership at the highest level. 

Presenter: 

Philip Chronican GAICD, Chair, NAB 
 
Moderator: 
 
Mark Rigotti, Managing Director & CEO, AICD 

AGS Studio: AI in the Boardroom: Use, Risk and Governance

As AI tools become more common in board workflows, the question is no longer whether to use them, but how to use them responsibly. In this session, we will unpack where AI can genuinely add value across the meeting lifecycle, from agenda planning to minute drafting and director preparation, while addressing the governance guardrails that must come first. We will also explore the 12 principles of ethical AI adoption, and what they mean in practice for boards seeking to balance innovation with accountability. You will hear what leading governance bodies are saying about AI generated minutes, oversight and liability, and walk away with clear, actionable steps to embed AI within a secure, well governed framework so your board can innovate with confidence.

Speaker:

Justin Kumar, Sales Director - APAC, OnBoard

Moderator:
Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS Studio MC 

In this highly interactive session, attendees will break into small groups to step into the shoes of a board faced with complex, real-world dilemmas. Each group will be presented with a hypothetical scenario that mirrors the challenges directors are grappling with today. This hands-on format is designed to spark lively discussion, sharpen judgment, and provide fresh insights you can take back to your own boardroom. 
 
[Please note: This session will be offered on both Day One and Day Two to allow flexibility in scheduling. The content is identical across both days, so we kindly ask that you register for only one session.] 

The relationship between the chair and CEO is one of the most critical in corporate governance—when it works, it enables strategic clarity, cultural alignment, and effective execution. When it falters, it can create confusion, mistrust, and even crisis. This session explores how chairs and CEOs can build a partnership rooted in trust, open communication, and shared purpose. What are the essential ingredients of a high-performing chair–CEO relationship? How can chairs provide support and oversight without crossing into operational interference? What should happen when trust between a chair and CEO starts to break down—and how can it be rebuilt? 

Presenters:

Julie Cooper FAICD, Chair, Credit Union SA  
 
Ian Hamm FAICD, Chair, Indigenous Land & Sea Corporation 
 
Natalie Walker GAICD, Managing Director, Inside Policy Board Member, Goodstart Early Learning 
 
Moderator: 
 
Helen Dalley GAICD, AGS 2026 MC

AGS Studio: Climate, Nature and the Boardroom: Managing Interconnected Risks 

12:20pm-12:35pm

Climate change and nature loss are increasingly recognised as interconnected risks, with implications that extend well beyond environmental management into strategy, risk, resilience and long-term value. This session will explore why the relationship between climate and nature has become an emerging area of focus for boards, driven by growing investor expectations, evolving reporting frameworks, and clearer links between environmental degradation and organisational sustainability. 

Presenters:

Darya Boukata, Research co-lead, University of Sydney Business School 
 
Kulja Coulston GAICD Senior Policy Adviser,  Governance Practice, AICD 
 
Moderator: 
 
Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS Studio MC 

AGS Studio: Strengthening Culture: Oversight in Uncertain

12:40pm-12:55pm 

While oversight of organisational culture has crystallised as a core governance imperative, the context in which boards oversee culture has shifted significantly. Directors are grappling with economic and productivity pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and new ways of working. The challenge is not recognising culture’s importance, but understanding the culture that truly exists in the organisation, identifying gaps between stated values and lived behaviours, and shaping a clear path to the culture needed for success. The AICD will soon release a new principles-based guide to support directors across sectors in fulfilling their oversight role. Hear about the approach to the guide in this session 

Presenters:

Sally Linwood, Corporate Governance Lead, AICD 
 
Moderator: 
 
Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS Studio MC 

Many of today’s investors are more active, informed, and vocal than ever. They expect transparency, accountability, and a clear line of sight between strategy, performance, and board oversight. This session lifts the veil on investor expectations—what they value in a board, what raises red flags, and how to build productive relationships. What are the most common concerns investors raise about boards, and how can directors address them early? How should directors approach engagement with activist investors or proxy advisors? What governance attributes most strongly correlate with investor trust and confidence? 

Presenters:

Debby Blakey GAICD, CEO, HESTA 
 
Philip Foo, Vice President, APC Research & Engagement, Glass Lewis 
 
Tim King GAICD, CIO, Melior Investment Management 
 
Moderator: 
 
Helen Dalley GAICD, AGS 2026 MC

The care sector is undergoing profound transformation, driven by demographic shifts, regulatory reform, workforce challenges, and changing consumer expectations. Recent high-profile examples have shown the dangers not having sufficient governance processes in place. Boards overseeing organisations in the care sector must grapple with increasing complexity, rising demand, and pressure to deliver better outcomes with limited resources. What emerging risks and responsibilities should directors in the care sector prioritise? How can boards effectively oversee service quality, safety, and consumer outcomes in a regulated environment? What are the governance implications of workforce shortages and burnout in frontline care? 

Presenters:

Emeritus Professor Deborah Brennan, Board Member, Goodstart Early Learning

Martin Laverty, CEO, Aruma 
 
Heather Watson MAICD, Chair, Uniting Care Australia 
 
Moderator: 
 
Phil Butler, NFP Sector Lead, AICD 

Not all boardroom conversations are easy—but the most important ones rarely are. Whether it's addressing underperformance, confronting cultural issues, or resolving strategic disagreements, directors must be equipped to navigate tough topics with courage, clarity, and respect. This session explores how to structure difficult conversations that maintain trust, protect relationships, and advance decision-making

Presenters:

Gai McGrath FAICD, Director, HBF Health, Insignia Financial & Waypoint REIT  
 
Robert Newman, Managing Partner, Change Focus Group 
 
Paul Zahra GAICD, Former CEO, David Jones , Non-Executive Director, Wayside Chapel  
 
Moderator: 
 
Philippa McDonald GAICD, AGS 2026 Virtual MC 

As the business and cultural significance of sport continues to grow, so too does the scrutiny on how it's governed. This panel will explore the evolving expectations of sports governance in areas such as integrity, inclusion, safety, and transparency. Panellists will examine high-profile governance challenges across elite and grassroots levels and the role of boards in navigating them. Attendees will gain practical insights into what effective oversight looks like in today’s high-stakes sporting environment. 

Presenters:
David Gallop AM GAICD, Chair, Venues NSW, Board Member, Cricket NSW 

Kate Jenkins AO GAICD, Chair, Australian Sports Commission 

Kate Palmer AM MAICD, Board Member, Richmond Co-Chair, Minerva Network, Victorian Chapter 

 Moderator: 
 Paul Merrill MAICD, Head of Content, AICD 

Australia’s productivity growth has slowed, and boards have a critical role in reversing that trend. This session looks at how directors can challenge complacency, encourage innovation, invest in capability, and govern for long-term value creation. Drawing on economic insights and boardroom examples, the conversation explores how governance can contribute to a more competitive, agile, and inclusive economy.  

Presenters:

Angela Jackson, Commissioner, Productivity Commission 

Tim Reed GAICD, Director, Transurban Senior Partner, Potentia Capital 

Mark Thirlwell GAICD, Chief Economist, AICD   

Moderator: 
 
Helen Dalley GAICD, AGS 2026 MC 

Presenter:

Mark Rigotti  Managing Director & CEO, AICD