The Future of Queensland Summit 2025
27 March, The Star Brisbane
https://fst.net.au/event/future-of-queensland-government-summit-2025/
— From the organisers “This summit offers an ideal platform for government and industry to join forces. Beyond an inspiring plenary session, participants can engage in a range of roundtable discussions based on case studies and led by industry experts. These sessions allow attendees to ask questions, exchange ideas, and leave with actionable insights.”
The event was professional and well-run. I had opportunities to meet several vendors and sponsors and attend a range of insightful speaker sessions and forums.
Managing Data as a Valuable National Asset
Andrew Lalor, Assistant Secretary, Data Policy and Assurance Branch, Department of Finance
- Every agency should have a service owner
- Non-sensitive data should be open by default
- Trust depends on:
- Tech
- Expectations
- Social licence
- People are tech savvy—and they expect government to be tech savvy too
The idea that all non-sensitive data should be open by default really stuck with me. It challenges the culture of defensiveness and silos. The key, of course, is ensuring it’s non-sensitive—but there’s still plenty we could and should be sharing. Andrew’s reminder that the public is growing more digitally capable was also important. He suggested that agencies should empower this progress rather than fear it.
Executive Think Tank
Panel:
- Damian Green – Deputy Director-General, Corporate Services, Queensland Health
- Gillian Gardiner – Executive Director, Innovation Operations, Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
- Mark Pozdena – General Manager, Business IT & Digital Delivery, Powerlink Queensland
- Lucy Poole – General Manager, Strategy, Planning and Performance Division, Digital Transformation Agency
Key Messages:
- Damian Green:
- “Agility!”
- “Don’t make perfect the enemy of the good. Don’t talk IT – talk outcomes.”
- Mark Pozdena:
- “Waterfall focuses on the widget – not the outcome.”
- “Share / spread the risk.”
- “Our language should not be about schedule and risk – but outcomes.”
- “We’re using AI to measure user sentiment. It’s about having rich data AND the tools to measure it.”
- Lucy Poole:
- “AI has shifted the sands. Business is technology.”
- “We’re trying to figure out the best approaches – best of both worlds.”
- “Community has mixed feelings about AI in gov. Eg RoboDebt – but this was not caused by AI. It has created scepticism.”
- “In reality, we do not have control anymore, should not expect to retain control.”
- On Citizen Development:
- “Beware of the hype cycle ie High Tech, but low actual outcome delivery.”
- “We need to change how we think: bring in the consumers – get clarity first.”
- Mark Pozdena (again):
- “Customers are already using these tools. Already using them via external services.”
- “It is going to change our world – the sooner we start – the more we can shape it.”
This session resonated deeply. I appreciated the emphasis on outcomes over outputs—a mindset Agile, Scrum, and HCD already embrace. There was also an honest caution around technology hype, which we’ve experienced firsthand—cloud features that promised much, but delivered inconsistently. Finally, the point about customers already using these tools highlights the need to meet them where they are and shape our strategies accordingly.
Navigating Cybersecurity’s Future
Andrew Philp, Field CISO, ANZ, Trend Micro
“It is our view that agencies are not ready to respond.”
- Current state:
- High response
- Medium protection and detection
- Low prediction
- “Being reactive isn’t enough anymore.”
- Complexity and scale are the new attack surface
- Major issues include legacy systems and tech debt
- “Think of data as an asset.”
- Many agencies rely on a checkbox mentality—e.g. Essential8 and patching—as a façade of security
- What’s needed:
- Continuous, near real-time risk assessment
- Better telemetry
- “Fix what matters first.”
This was a sobering look at cyber preparedness. I was struck by how real the disconnect is between checklist compliance and meaningful protection. Andrew’s final message—“Fix what matters first”—was a sharp and necessary reminder.
Roundtable Discussion
Are we ‘data rich but data selfish’?
- Current mindset: “Why should we share it?”
- Target mindset: “Why should we hide it?”
This session cut to the heart of the issue: attitude. Often, it’s not about the technical capability, but a lack of will—or fear that it’ll be too hard. That mindset is holding us back.
Embracing Public Service Values in Digital Transformation
Scott Sheldon, Digital Delivery Executive, DB Results
- Emphasis on “Customers First” to build citizen-focused services
- Successful case study: NDIS app – 4.8 stars
- Government app average: 1.3–3 stars (Feb 2025)
How to live public service values:
- Customers First – “Listen to your customers”
- Simplify: reduced 27 website functions to 3
- Included CX/UAU with blind users
- Ideas into Action – “Your team must know they are supported”
- Protect them from unnecessary blockers
- Unleash Potential – “Take calculated risks”
- Requires leadership and courage
- Be Courageous – “Push for better”
- Embed innovation from the start
- Empower People – “Listen and acknowledge feedback EVERY DAY”
Success factors:
- Leadership, vision, purpose
- Passion
- Fit-for-need
- Capability to deliver
- “But you have to want it.”
This was one of the most affirming sessions for me. It reminded me of why we do what we do—and how critical empathy, listening, and innovation are to public service. I particularly loved the accessibility case study, which reminded me of our own UAT with visually impaired users for QTeachers. A powerful experience.
Empowering Queensland through Digital Connectivity
Georgina Gold, Acting Director, NSW Telco Authority
- Built the NSW Digital Connectivity Index using both public and sensitive private data
- Created a conceptual prototype first
- Engaged users throughout
- Delivered two versions: one for government, one public-facing
- “Government must be agile—in tech and in mindset—to deliver faster.”
Though NSW-led, this case study had a lot to offer QLD. The bold but careful approach, and consistent user engagement, were inspiring.
Data and AI Panel Discussion
Panel:
- Dr Petra Kuhnert – CSIRO Data61
- Dr Olivier Salvado – QUT
- Joanne Kummrow – Queensland Information Commissioner
-
Nathan Bines – Dept of Customer Services
- Ongoing tension: Access to private information vs privacy
- “Challenge: right-sizing policy. Public trust == greater uptake”
- Academics have stopped trying to prevent AI use among students—“We need to pivot”
- AI is forcing a rethink of data policy
- Central question: How do we build trust in government?
This was a rich, if early-stage, discussion. There are clearly more questions than answers at this point, but it’s evident that AI is reshaping our assumptions.
Cyber Panel Discussion
Panel:
- Darron Richardson – Southern Cross University
- Sadeed Tirmizey – Seqwater
-
James R. Carlopio – Cultural Cyber Security
- Perceived policy gaps often mask literacy gaps
- Data isn’t ready for AI – needs improved management
- Suggested approaches:
- Start small
- Sandbox
- Trial
- “Transparency is important. Keep the human in the centre – it’s all about people.”
- “What’s the risk/challenge of gov NOT using AI – but the community using it?”
- “High level of breach is human not technology – it’s a human issue.”
- “Security is seen as a technology issue – The technology will protect me! – I call this The human firewall.”
- Need for collaboration—current landscape too siloed
- “Phishing is still the top attack – Who is teaching us about this? We need cyber life skills taught in schools.”
- “Annual mandatory training is often quite useless.”
- “Understand your digital footprint.”
- “Our job is not policy – it is education. It’s a cultural issue, not a document issue.”
- “Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the face.”
- BCPs fail without training
- Run cyber drills, like fire drills
While I don’t consider myself a cybersecurity expert, this session made clear that digital safety is everyone’s responsibility. I thought of the comparison to driver training—most of us don’t know how an engine works, but we still need to understand how to drive safely - and are tested accordingly. I feel Cyber awareness should be embedded more into school curricula. Our digital natives need real preparation for the future.
Final Reflection
Overall, this was a highly valuable and thought-provoking summit. I came away energised—and a little challenged—to bring these lessons into my daily work, especially in how we support and engage with the Queensland education community.