An engaging event program

AICD CEO, Mark Rigotti, welcomes attendees to the Climate Governance Forum, and outlines some of the major themes and discussion points.

Speaker

• Mark Rigotti MAICD, Managing Director & CEO, AICD

This session takes a high-level view at the current state of climate governance — what’s changing, what’s stalling, and how is boardroom leadership driving real impact. In 2025, directors are operating in a dynamic environment of shifting expectations, political polarisation, and market volatility. For directors seeking clarity in complexity, this session offers a timely and pragmatic look at how to convert ambition into action.  How have stakeholder perceptions of climate and ESG evolved? How are leading boards translating ambition into strategy? And what steps should directors take to measure progress? 

Speakers

• The Hon Matt Kean, Chair, Climate Change Authority
• Vanessa Sullivan GAICD, Director, AGL
• Geoff Summerhayes GAICD, Chair, Zurich Australia, Chair, Heartland Bank

Understanding the fundamentals of climate science is no longer optional for directors — it’s essential to effective risk oversight, strategy development and long-term value creation. This session will translate the latest climate science into board-relevant insights. Experts will provide a concise briefing on key concepts such as global warming thresholds, tipping points, and the physical risks most relevant to Australian organisations and their supply chains.

Speaker

• Professor Emeritus David Karoly, FAA, Melbourne Climate Futures, University of Melbourne, Councillor, Climate Counci

Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to engage in intimate, interactive roundtable discussions. These conversations will be focused on some of the most pressing climate governance issues that boards are grappling with.

Sport holds a unique place in Australia society — shaping culture, influencing public opinion, and reaching millions. But as climate risks intensify, so too do the challenges facing sporting organisations, from disrupted seasons and infrastructure damage to rising operational costs and stakeholder expectations. This session explores the critical role of boards in ensuring that sporting bodies — from grassroots organisations to elite leagues — are prepared to lead on climate governance. How are sporting organisations embedding climate considerations into strategy, risk management, and capital planning? What does net zero look like in a high-profile, high-impact sector? And how can sport’s public influence be used to drive broader climate awareness and action?

Speakers

• Andrew Fraser GAICD, President, Motorsport Australia, Director, Brisbane Broncos
• Kate Roffey AM GAICD, CEO, State Sport Centres, Former President, Melbourne Football Club

Australia’s mandatory climate reporting regime has marked a new chapter in corporate accountability and transparency. For boards and directors, year one has brought both growing pains and valuable insights — from grappling with data quality and materiality thresholds to navigating stakeholder expectations and shifting regulatory guidance. This session brings together directors, regulators and climate reporting specialists to reflect on the first year of implementation. What worked, what surprised, and where are the gaps in capability or confidence?

Speakers

• Rebecca McGrath AM FAICD, Director, Macquarie Group
  
• Kate O’Rourke, Commissioner, ASIC
  
• Tim Stutt, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills

Moderator

• Rebekah Cheney GAICD, Director, Climate Governance, Deloitte Australia

For forward-looking boards, climate governance isn’t just about managing risk – it also includes boosting productivity and unlocking new sources of growth. From clean energy and circular economy models to green finance and low-carbon innovation, climate strategy is becoming a critical driver of competitiveness and long-term value. This session will explore how directors can position their organisations to seize transition-related opportunities while delivering on sustainability commitments.

Speakers

• Barry Sterland PSM, Commissioner, Productivity Commission
• Tony Wood MAICD, Director, Energy Program, Grattan Institute

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires more than ambition — it demands capital, credibility, and a clear business case. For boards, the ability to oversee and support the financing of credible climate transition plans can be critical. This session will explore how directors can play an active role — aligning sustainability goals with financial performance, investment appetite, and shareholder expectations. Panellists will unpack what boards need to know about funding decarbonisation pathways, engaging with financiers, and responding to the evolving demands of institutional investors and lenders.

Speakers

• Penny Bingham-Hall FAICD, Director, Fortescue
• Michael Ullmer AO FAICD, Director, Westpac
• Zoe Whitton, Managing Director, Head of Strategy and Impact, Pollination