Master of Ceremonies
Ross Greenwood
Business and Finance Editor at Nine Network
Ross Greenwood is a nationally recognised business and finance journalist with more than 30 years' experience covering markets in Australia and internationally. He is Business and Finance Editor for the Nine Network, contributing across National Nine News, A Current Affair, occasionally 60 Minutes, and hosts the podcast Business Now, with episodes dropping as the market closes each day.
Ross has reported from Europe, the Middle East, Japan, China and the US, and previously worked in London, where he launched a business magazine and website and regularly contributed to BBC, CNN, Sky News and Bloomberg. He has also served as chairman of the Investment Committee for the Media Industry Superannuation Fund and as a director of a listed investment company, and is a sought-after MC, facilitator and keynote speaker.
Our speakers and panellists
Tim Beresford
Chief Executive and Inspector-General in Bankruptcy, AFSA
Tim Beresford is Chief Executive of AFSA and holds the statutory appointment of Inspector-General in Bankruptcy, a role he has held since joining the organisation in May 2022. Based in Sydney, Tim brings extensive leadership experience across government, higher education, financial services, not-for-profit and professional services sectors. He is the immediate past Chair of The Benevolent Society, Australia's oldest non-Indigenous not-for-profit.
Tim previously served as Acting Chief Executive of Austrade, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Macquarie University, and First Assistant Secretary of the Social Policy Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Widely respected for his expertise in strategy, governance, public policy, change management and organisational design, he holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours), Bachelor of Laws, Master of Philosophy (International Relations), and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP is the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury and the Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Before entering Parliament in 2010, he was a Professor of Economics at the Australian National University. He holds first class honours degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Sydney and a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard University.
A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences and recipient of the Economic Society of Australia's Young Economist Award, Andrew is the author of several books on economics, inequality and politics, and hosts a podcast on living a happier, healthier and more ethical life. He is also a keen marathon runner and Ironman triathlete.
Luci Ellis
Chief Economist, Westpac Banking Group
Luci Ellis is the Chief Economist at Westpac Banking Group. She previously served as Assistant Governor (Economic) at the Reserve Bank of Australia from December 2016 to October 2023. Prior to that, Luci was Head of Financial Stability Department at the RBA for 8 years, spent 2 years on secondment at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland, and held several other senior positions at the RBA over a 3-decade career in central banking.
Luci holds a PhD from the University of New South Wales, a Masters in Economics degree from the Australian National University and a first-class Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Melbourne.
Jennifer Dobell
Chief Operating Officer, Enabling Services Group, AFSA
Jennifer Dobell joined AFSA in 2024 as Chief Operating Officer, Enabling Services Group, based in Melbourne. She brings extensive executive experience across the public and private sectors, having held senior roles with the Victorian Department of Health, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Services Australia, the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and ANZ Bank.
Recognised nationally for her expertise in transformation and workforce strategy, Jennifer received acclaim for leading workforce planning initiatives in the Victorian Department of Health and was shortlisted for the 2023 Australian HR Practitioner of the Year.
James Calveley
General Counsel, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)
James Calveley is General Counsel of APRA, a role he has held since September 2022. He leads APRA's legal function of 55 lawyers and investigators across Advisory, Legal and Enforcement teams. James brings extensive expertise in enforcement, litigation and regulatory law, having previously served as Deputy Head of Legal at the Bank of England where he led high-profile prudential enforcement matters, resolution events and crisis management.
He also practised at Eversheds LLP in London, advising financial institutions and acting as a statutorily appointed 'skilled person' for the Financial Conduct Authority, and has conducted litigation in the Dubai International Financial Centre. James holds a BA (Hons) in History from Northumbria University, an LLB and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Nottingham Law School, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Mick Keogh
Deputy Chair, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Mick Keogh is a nationally recognised leader in small business and agriculture policy, with extensive experience in regulatory oversight, advocacy and advisory roles. As Deputy Chair of the ACCC, he oversees the organisation's small business, franchising and agriculture units, and chairs key committees including the Water and Agriculture Committee and Competition Exemptions Committee.
Widely respected across government and industry, Mick has served on Commonwealth inquiries and advisory boards, and has been recognised with the Order of Australia Medal, reflecting his long-standing contribution to Australian agriculture and regional communities.
Dr Simon Longstaff AO
Executive Director, The Ethics Centre
Dr Simon Longstaff AO began his working life on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory of Australia. He is proud of his kinship ties to the Anindilyakwa people. After a period studying law in Sydney and teaching in Tasmania, he pursued postgraduate studies as a Member of Magdalene College, Cambridge.
In 1991, Simon commenced his work as the first Executive Director of The Ethics Centre. In 2013, he was made an officer of the Order of Australia for 'distinguished service to the community through the promotion of ethical standards in governance and business, to improving corporate responsibility, and to philosophy'. Simon is an Adjunct Professor of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW, a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Risk Policy Institute.
Gabbie Gallagher
National Manager, Personal Property Securities and Regulatory Programs, AFSA
Gabbie Gallagher joined AFSA in June 2025 as National Manager, Personal Property Securities and Regulatory Programs, bringing 30 years' experience across regulatory portfolios within the NSW Government, including executive roles at Transport for NSW, the Better Regulation Division in the Department of Customer Service, and Liquor and Gaming NSW.
Widely respected by peers, she is a skilled public sector leader with expertise in statutory decision-making, regulatory stewardship, strategic policy and advice, legislative reform and change management, and she holds a Bachelor of Laws and is an admitted Solicitor of the NSW Supreme Court.
Catherine Ellis
Acting NSW Small Business Commissioner
Catherine Ellis has over 20 years' experience across the public, corporate and consulting sectors, with deep expertise in risk, advocacy and complex issues management. Prior to her role at the Commission, she was Executive Director, Enterprise Risk and Enablement at Service NSW, where she played a key role in delivering services to customers affected by COVID-19, natural disasters and cost-of-living challenges.
Widely respected by peers, Catherine brings extensive experience in advocacy, engagement, partnerships and dispute resolution to support NSW small businesses, ensuring they have access to advice and that their voice is heard in regulatory decision-making. Catherine actively contributes to her community as a member of the Housing Trust Board and the Access Care Network Australia Client and Service Quality Advisory Committee.
Ross Booth
Global General Manager, RedBook and Director of Data Services, carsales
Ross Booth is Global General Manager of RedBook and Director of Data Services at carsales, overseeing data research and the delivery of vehicle identification, specification and pricing services across both the carsales business and its global commercial offerings.
With 35 years of experience in the automotive industry, including 16 years at carsales, Ross is a widely respected leader with expertise in product management, marketing, sales, automotive finance, negotiation, business planning and business development. His deep industry knowledge drives innovation and the delivery of data-driven solutions that enhance the automotive ecosystem.
Amanda Linton
Chief Executive Officer, The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
Amanda Linton was appointed CEO of ICB in November 2017, having served as a Director since 2010. With extensive experience as a bookkeeper, sole trader and leader of a multi-state bookkeeping practice, she has been recognised through industry accolades including finalist in the Telstra Business Woman of the Year Awards (2008) and MYOB Partner of the Year (2012).
Widely respected for her leadership and advocacy, Amanda represents the bookkeeping community across industry consultative forums, including Future Skills Organisation and Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) working groups, as well as Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and state-based industry skills councils. She leads ICB's Executive Leadership Team, driving the organisation's ongoing growth and development.
Sue Whitaker
National Manager, Office of the Official Receiver, AFSA
Sue Whitaker is National Manager, Office of the Official Receiver at AFSA, a role she has held since September 2023, based in Brisbane. She brings extensive experience across the Australian Public Service, having held senior roles spanning workers compensation, telecommunications interception, surveillance and model litigant laws.
Sue has managed complex litigation and contributed to the development of legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms, both domestically and internationally, to support transparency and accountability in the use of powers. She holds a Diploma in Law and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and is an admitted legal practitioner. Sue is widely recognised for her expertise in legal oversight, regulatory compliance and the management of high-stakes litigation.
Lucas Walsh
Professor of Education Policy and Practice, Monash University
Lucas Walsh is Professor of Education Policy and Practice at Monash University and Director of the Centre for Youth Policy & Education Practice (CYPEP). His research focuses on youth transitions, careers education, teacher professional learning and the role of education in shaping social and economic outcomes. He has held senior leadership roles within the Faculty of Education at Monash University, worked with the International Baccalaureate in the UK, and served as Director of Research and Evaluation at the Foundation for Young Australians.
Lucas has led major research projects for governments and national education bodies and regularly provides policy advice to state and federal ministers. An active commentator, Lucas has been widely published and contributes expert analysis to Australian and international media, including as a regular commentator for Newsweek.
Chris Grice
Chief Executive Officer, National Seniors Australia
Chris Grice was appointed CEO of National Seniors Australia (NSA) in December 2023 after more than a decade with the organisation, including roles as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager overseeing membership, business operations and commercial services, such as National Seniors Insurance.
He is recognised for his hands-on leadership and active engagement with the NSA branch community, regularly attending meetings, forums and events across Australia. Chris has worked closely with the Policy team on major campaigns relating to retirement income, housing, aged care and the NSA COVID-19 community response, and he contributes to various government committees with Health, ASIC and DFAT to support positive outcomes for older Australians.
Dr Emma Penzo
Head of Regulatory Policy, Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA)
Dr Emma Penzo is a strategic executive leader with over 25 years' experience across banking, finance and professional services. She holds a doctorate in global banking governance and policy, and specialises in high-impact policy development, corporate strategy and governance.
Emma has led senior teams in shaping financial policies that influence industry and regulatory landscapes, and brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, risk management and sustainable financial strategy.
Neville Matthew
National Manager, Education, Integrity and Enforcement, AFSA
A role he has held since February 2024 and based in Brisbane Neville brings extensive experience in regulation, strategy and compliance, having previously served for 10 years at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as General Manager, Risk Management and Policy, in the Consumer Product Safety Division, where he developed data-informed, risk-based regulatory interventions.
Since joining the Australian Public Service in 2003, Neville has held multiple senior executive roles across 3 portfolios, specialising in regulatory strategy, compliance alignment and operational leadership. He holds an Executive Masters of Public Administration and Graduate Certificates in Public Sector Leadership and Police Studies. Neville is widely recognised for his expertise in driving effective, evidence-based regulatory outcomes.
Mike Hayes
Consulting Principal, Keypoint Law and President, Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA)
Mike Hayes is a nationally recognised commercial litigation and dispute resolution lawyer, with deep expertise in insolvency, recoveries and restructuring. As President of ARITA, he plays a pivotal role in shaping best practice standards and contributing to policy development within the profession.
Widely respected by peers, Mike has been recognised through multiple industry accolades, including Best Lawyers Australia, Doyle's Guide and The Legal 500, underscoring his reputation for excellence and leadership in the field.
Vicki Staff
National Coordinator, National Debt Helpline, Financial Counselling Australia
Vicki Staff is a nationally recognised financial counsellor from Queensland and Financial Counselling Australia's Coordinator for the National Debt Helpline, as well as co-Lead of the sector's Practice Standards Project. She has a degree in accounting and spent 12 years in the self-managed super fund sector before teaching accounting to senior high school students in China for nearly a decade.
Widely respected for her expertise and advocacy, Vicki also olunteers as Chairperson of the Centre Against Sexual Violence, supporting women and girls affected by sexual assault, a role she took on following her work with survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
Brendan Thomas
Chief Executive Officer, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC)
Brendan Thomas is CEO of AUSTRAC, Australia's financial intelligence unit and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator. Since his appointment in January 2024, he has led AUSTRAC's work to strengthen the financial sector against criminal exploitation and provide intelligence to national security and law enforcement partners.
Brendan represents AUSTRAC on the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) Board, the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce CEO Board and the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Forum, and leads engagement with the National Intelligence Community. A Wiradjuri man, he has held senior roles across NSW justice agencies, including Deputy Secretary at the Department of Communities and Justice and CEO of Legal Aid NSW. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University and is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand School of Government.
David Allen
Second Commissioner Frontline Operations, Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
David Allen was appointed Second Commissioner Frontline Operations in November 2024. He leads the Frontline Operations Group, which manages a wide range of taxpayer interactions across the community, including telephony and processing, as well as ensuring integrity and compliance across registration, lodgment and payment.
Since joining the ATO in 2010, David has held senior leadership roles across Public Groups and Internationals, Corporate Strategy and Enterprise Strategy and Design, and served as the ATO's delegate to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. He has also held senior positions in the Commonwealth, the United Kingdom, and NSW and local governments. David holds a degree in Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM).
Sarah Court
Deputy Chair, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Sarah Court is Deputy Chair of ASIC, a role she has held since June 2021. With more than 17 years' experience in senior statutory appointments across Australia's key economic and corporate regulators, she leads ASIC's enforcement and investigation work and plays a central role in strategic priority setting, statutory decision-making and policy leadership.
Her focus areas include scams, small business, insolvency, climate disclosure and greenwashing, and she represents ASIC on national bodies such as the Council of Financial Regulators and the National Anti-Scam Centre Steering Group, as well as international Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) committees.
Prior to ASIC, Sarah served 3 terms as a Commissioner at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and held senior roles at the Australian Government Solicitor. She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds law and arts degrees from the University of Adelaide, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University.