• Deglobalisation and U.S - China Strategic Competition
• Criminal Exploitation and Economic
• Emerging Threats and System Vulnerabilities
• Technology, AI, and National Resilience
• Strategic Recommendations

Michael Outram

Former Commissioner (2018-2024),
Australian Border Force

See Bio

• What does a secure supply chain mean for Australia in today’s multipolar world?
• Where are the biggest blind spots in supply chain visibility for frontline agencies?
• How do you modernise legacy systems without disrupting critical operations?
• What builds trust when sharing data across borders and sectors?
• Where can AI and analytics make the biggest impact on frontline decisions—and what guardrails are needed?
• If you could redesign border tech from scratch, what capabilities are essential?

Hans Koenderink

Assistant Commissioner Crime Command
Australian Federal Police

See Bio

Michael Outram

Former Commissioner (2018-2024),
Australian Border Force

See Bio

Evan Smith

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Altana AI

See Bio

• From islands of inputs to a truly connected operational picture
• The digitally confident frontline: Software, sensors and AI that work for officers and the public
• Trust by design: Ethics, privacy and security in a high surveillance border
• A roadmap to 2032: Modernising a 5% of the planet border without stopping it
  
  

Rhys Hodgson

Managing Director, ANZ
Axon

See Bio

• Digitised cargo clearance for speed and accuracy.
• AI/IoT to secure global supply chains.
• Trade efficiency without compromising security.
  
  

Commander Aaron O'Neill

Assistant Secretary Customs & Border Modernisation
Australian Border Force

See Bio

• Operational Certainty in Uncertain Times: How biometric identity verification supports secure, efficient border crossings amid geopolitical and technological fragmentation.
• Modernising Without Disruption: Lessons from integrating biometric systems into legacy environments while maintaining mission-critical performance.
• Privacy-First Innovation

Robert Avell

Federal Sales Manager
IDEMIA

See Bio

• Technology vision for traveller and trade systems.
• Secure, seamless border crossings.
• Futureproofing Australia’s border IT infrastructure.

Matt Jones

Assistant Secretary - Traveller, Cargo and Trade Systems
Department of Home Affairs

See Bio

• Smart gates, sensors, and automation in action.
• Tech-enabled passenger and cargo screening.
• Boosting efficiency while tightening security.

Matt Jones

Assistant Secretary - Traveller, Cargo and Trade Systems
Department of Home Affairs

See Bio

Commander Aaron O'Neill

Assistant Secretary Customs & Border Modernisation
Australian Border Force

See Bio

Monica Collins

First Assistant Secretary | Biosecurity Operations Division
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

See Bio

Join us in the expo hall to connect with peers, explore the latest innovations in border technology and security, and experience live demonstrations in the Demo Zone. 

• Understanding the Threat: How illicit tobacco and e-cigarette smuggling undermines public health, revenue, and border integrity.
• Coordinated Enforcement: ABF’s multi-agency approach to disrupting criminal networks and supply chains.
• Tech-Enabled Disruption: Leveraging intelligence, screening tools, and data to detect and prevent illicit flows in a fragmented global landscape.

Amber Shuhyta

Commissioner, Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette
Australian Border Force

See Bio

• Targeting Illicit Flows: How HSI is working with regional partners to detect and disrupt drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illicit trade across Pacific routes.
• Operational Collaboration: Real-world examples of joint investigations and intelligence sharing with ABF, AFP, and Pacific law enforcement to strengthen border enforcement.
• Building Regional Resilience: Supporting long-term capacity building, legal cooperation, and trusted networks to secure borders in a geopolitically complex region.

Ernie Verina

Regional Attache Oceania
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

See Bio

• Leveraging advanced surveillance to protect Australia’s maritime domain.
• Coordinated response across Defence, Border Force, and partner agencies.
• Tech-driven deterrence of illegal maritime ventures.
  
  

Rear Admiral Lee Goddard

Former Commander Maritime Border Command & Operation Sovereign Borders
Royal Australian Navy

See Bio

• Transforming Maritime Situational Awareness: How emerging technologies, including satellites and AI, are shaping the future of maritime security.
• Integrated Intelligence: Opportunities and challenges in fusing multiple data sources for a real-time maritime picture.
• Responding to Evolving Threats: Using next-gen tech to detect illicit activities at sea and support operational decision-making.
• Automation & Analyst Enablement: Enhancing workflows and accelerating insights through AI and automation.
• Ethics & Strategic Considerations: Balancing innovation with policy, security, and trust.

Tom Farrow

Strategic Business Development, APAC
Planet

See Bio

Unwind and connect with peers over drinks as the Demo Zone opens for an exclusive showcase of the latest innovations in border technology and security. Experience live demonstrations, meet solution providers driving smarter, faster, and more secure border operations, and toast to the ideas shaping the future of border management across Australia and New Zealand.