Program
ITEC26 Conference Plenary Sessions
Boulevard Auditorium - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
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| Thursday, 4 June 2026 |
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MC Welcome & Housekeeping
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| 9:00am |
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Mr Gary Eck |
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Gary Eck is an accomplished stand-up comedian, actor, screenwriter, film director, author, and MC, known for his quick wit, adaptability, and engaging style. A graduate of Canberra University with a BA in Marketing and Advertising, Gary began his comedy career writing for 2DayFM’s Morning Crew before hosting The Late Show with Gary Eck. Gary will be with us throughout the ITEC26 Conference to bring us seamlessly through the sessions! |
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Welcome to Country
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| 9:10 am |
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Refiti Tovi
Turrbal Community Member |
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Refiti Tovi is a proud descendant of the Turrbal People. Raised in culture and guided by her Elders, she has learned traditional Lore and Protocol. With over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, Refiti is passionate about empowering the next generation and strengthening her community through truth-telling, advocacy and cultural connection. |
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| 9:20 am |
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ITECA Board Welcome & Sector Update
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Platinum Sponsor - eSkilled Address
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| 9:50 am |
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Keynote Address
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| 10:00 am |
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Mr Lani Refiti
Senior Executive - Azcende |
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The Human Side of Digital Transformation. |
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Digital transformation is reshaping how we work, learn, and lead — but technology alone doesn't drive change. People do. Drawing on 20+ years of executive experience across Intel, Cisco, PwC, and Deloitte, and a unique background spanning cybersecurity and psychotherapy, Lani Refiti shares what it really takes to lead organisations and people through rapid technological change — and come out stronger. |
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10:45 am |
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Morning Tea |
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Presentation
Forecasting the Future – Skills Demand and Workforce Planning.
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| 11:15 am |
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Mr Trevor Gauld
Deputy Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia |
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This session will examine national and regional labour market trends and what they mean for training providers. It will explore how providers can better align course delivery, investment, and workforce planning with emerging skills demand. |
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Presentation
Small Business Navigating Regulatory Change
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| 12:00 pm |
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Ms Skye Cappuccio
Chief Executive Officer, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia |
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This session will examine how regulatory change, compliance obligations, and workforce policy settings are impacting small businesses. It will explore how education and industry can work more closely to build capability, strengthen productivity, and enable sustainable business growth |
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 12:45 pm |
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Lunch |
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Panel Discussion
Stronger together: Collaboration in a Competitive System
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| 1:30 pm |
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Mr Russ Hawkins
Chief Executive Officer, Community Education Australia
Ms Amanda Barrett
Chief Executive Officer, Insight Training Group
Dr Mamta Chauhan
Executive Director, VETASSESS |
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Panelists will discuss how providers can collaborate on delivery, infrastructure, compliance, and innovation while remaining commercially viable |
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Presentation
The Future of Australia’s Tertiary Model |
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| 2:15 pm |
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Professor Andrew Norton
Professor of Higher Education Policy at the Monash Business School, Monash University |
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This session will explore emerging policy proposals and structural reforms shaping the future of tertiary education, including funding, regulation, and system design. |
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 3:00 pm
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Afternoon Tea |
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Presentation
Economic Pressures and Provider Strategy |
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| 3:20 pm |
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Mr Stephen Walters
Principal & Chief Economist at Optimal Economics |
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This session will analyse how inflation, investment trends, productivity pressures, and fiscal policy are influencing provider sustainability and growth. |
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Panel Discussion
Productivity Pressure and workforce reinvention |
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| 4:00 pm |
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Mr Shaun Schmitke
Director of Workplace Relations, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mr Peter Denison
FMIL MBA |
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This panel will explore how organisations are redesigning jobs, skills pathways, and workforce models to respond to technological change and economic pressure. |
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| 7:00pm - 10:30pm |
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ITEC26 Conference Dinner
7:00pm - 10:30pm
Level Twelve - Rydges South Bank |
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Friday, 5 June 2026 |
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Presentation
Using Generative Tech to Drive Real Outcomes
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| 9:15 am |
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Mr Luke Heka
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Selr AI |
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This session will explore how generative technologies can improve learning design, delivery, compliance, and operations when implemented responsibly. |
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Minister Keynote
What government expects from an innovative and responsive skills system. |
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| 10:00 am |
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Hon Andrew Giles MP
Minister for Skills and Training |
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| 10:30 am |
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Morning Tea |
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Panel Discussion
Innovation at the Edges: What Remote Australia Teaches the System |
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Ms Aderyn Chatterton
Acting Chief Executive at Department of Education Northern Territory
Ms Jennifer Trybula
Executive RTO Manager, TEQ-NQ |
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| 11:00 am |
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Panelists will discuss how regional and remote providers are driving innovation in access, delivery, and community engagement. |
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Presentation
How to Build Compliance to Boost Productivity |
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Ms Saxon Rice
Chief Executive Officer, Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) |
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| 11:30 am |
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Linking strong compliance systems with operational
efficiency and risk reduction.
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Presentation
Influencing Policy without burning bridges |
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| 12:00 pm |
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Mr Nicholas Proud
Chief Executive Officer, Civil Contractors Federation Australia |
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This session will examine how providers can engage constructively with government while maintaining strong relationships and credibility |
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| 12:30 pm |
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ITECA Closing Comments |
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