16 & 17 October 2025 // Canberra
Protective Security and Government Conference 2025
Beyond Compliance, Towards Capability // #PSG2025
PSG Conference 2025
The Protective Security and Government (PSG) Conference 2025 marks the 8th annual gathering of leaders in protective security, risk management, governance, and national resilience. Delivered by the Australian Security Research Centre (ASRC) in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs’ Protective Security Policy team, the conference continues to provide a national platform for capability building and cross-sector collaboration.
Under the theme “Beyond Compliance, Towards Capability,” the 2025 program will explore how Australia’s protective security sector must evolve to meet current and emerging threats with proactive, capability-led strategies. This year’s event will bring together a dynamic lineup of senior government officials, security professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss practical innovations, policy developments, and leadership insights shaping the national security agenda.
Theme: Beyond Compliance, Towards Capability
Dates: 16–17 October 2025 | Location: Canberra
Theme
Beyond Compliance, Towards Capability
Over two engaging days, the conference will feature a blend of keynote presentations, expert panels, fireside chats, and interactive workshops, addressing topics such as:
- Strengthening capability through cyber and infrastructure security
- Building organisational resilience in critical infrastructure
- Navigating PSPF and SoCI reforms
- Intelligence-led decision-making and operational integration
- Global threats, foreign interference, and hybrid risks
- Security-by-design and human-centric approaches
- Fostering trust, integrity, and leadership in protective security
The PSG Conference provides a rare opportunity for cross-sector dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, ensuring delegates leave equipped with actionable strategies to uplift their organisation’s protective security posture. Whether you’re in government, industry, academia, or security operations, PSG 2025 offers critical insights into the future of protective security in Australia.
Program Highlights
Six Big Topics PSG 2025 Will Cover
From Compliance to Capability
Exploring the strategic shift in Australia’s protective security sector from compliance-based frameworks to capability-driven, proactive, and intelligence-led…
Cyber and Infrastructure Resilience
Strengthening national resilience through cyber and critical infrastructure security, highlighting the importance of integration, collaboration, and government-led…
Policy and Reform in Practice
Unpacking the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), SoCI reforms, and associated legislative and operational developments that support…
Intelligence and Risk-Based Security
Enhancing decision-making through intelligence-led approaches and embedding security into frontline operations, including law enforcement, critical services, and…
Global Threats and Sovereignty
Responding to foreign interference, hybrid threats, and the complexities of safeguarding Australia’s digital and national sovereignty in…
People, Leadership and Culture
Fostering a culture of trust, leadership, and integrity in protective security, while leveraging design thinking, digital innovation,…
Our Speakers
Hear From Leading Experts
Brendan Dowling
Critical Infrastructure & Protective Security Deputy Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
Raelene Lockhorst
Deputy Director National Security Programs Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
Rachell DeLuca
Protective Security Specialist | Former CSO Parliament of Victoria (PSG Conference Ambassador)
Dr Paul Johnston
National Practice Lead, Risk Management Capability and Culture Risk 2 Solution Group
Full Conference Pass
$1,400
- 2 days of access
- Daily morning and afternoon tea breaks
- Daily buffet lunch
- Opening night networking reception incl. drinks and canapes
- Access to on-demand library and live stream recordings for up to 60 days post conference
Corporate Table
$9,900
- 8 x Full Conference Passes
- Prime seating towards the front of the room
- Table sign centerpiece with your company logo
- Company name displayed on event slideshow
- Early access with opportunity to distribute marketing material at your hosted table
Single Day Conference Pass (Day 1)
$940
- Access to Day 1 (16 October 2025) of the conference
- Morning and afternoon tea break
- Buffet lunch
- Opening night networking reception incl. drinks and canapes
- Access to on-demand library and live stream recordings for up to 60 days post conference
Single Day Conference Pass (Day 2)
$745
- Access to Day 2 (17 October 2025) of the conference
- Morning and afternoon tea break
- Buffet lunch
- Access to on-demand library and live stream recordings for up to 60 days post conference
Live Stream Pass (Single)
$700
- 2 days of live stream access
- Participation in live Q&A with speakers via our online platform
- Access to on-demand library and live stream recordings for up to 60 days post conference
Live Stream Pass (Group)
$4,200
- 2 days of live stream access
- Participation in live Q&A with speakers via our online platform
- Access to on-demand library and live stream recordings for up to 60 days post conference
Program
What to Expect at PSG 2025
Day 1 - Strategic Direction and Policy Alignment
Thursday, 16 October 2025 | 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM
Arrival & Registration
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Conference Welcome & Strategic Overview
Dr Gav Schneider, Director & CEO, Australian Security Research Centre (Conference Convenor)
Rachell DeLuca, Protective Security Specialist | Former CSO, Parliament of Victoria (Ambassador)
Dave Cohen, Deputy CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group (MC)
Welcome Address
The Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, Former Australian Ambassador to the United States (Virtual)
Securing Australia’s Future Through Capability-Focused Cyber and Infrastructure Security
Brendan Dowling, Critical Infrastructure & Protective Security Deputy Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
What Good Looks Like: Building a Culture of Integrity and Security Leadership
Nicola Hinder PSM, Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer, Department of Parliamentary Services
Simone Wheatley, Director, National Security, Microsoft
Adam Byrne, Group Chief Security Officer, The Adecco Group
Facilitated by Dr Gav Schneider, Director & CEO, Australian Security Research Centre (Conference Convenor)
Morning Tea Break
10:30 AM - 10:55 AM
Cybersecurity as a Core Capability, Not a Compliance Burden
Keynote Presentation
Intelligence-Led Security: Strengthening Risk-Based Decision Making
Simon West, Lead, Protective Security Capability, Security Consulting Group
Dr Phil Kowalick, Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO)
Harry Coetzee, Acting Head of Global Security, Macquarie Group
Facilitated by Rachell DeLuca, Protective Security Specialist | Former CSO, Parliament of Victoria (Ambassador)
Secrecy, Espionage, Foreign Interference and Sabotage: What is the Role of the Criminal Law?
Jake Blight, Independent National Security Legislation Monitor
Networking Lunch
12:40 PM - 1:25 PM
The Evolving Role of Vetting in National Protective Security
Mel Flett, Assistant Secretary – Vetting, Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA)
Extreme Crisis Leadership (Workshop)
Rob Currie, Owner and Founder, RCAS
James Strickland, Senior Advisor, RCAS
Afternoon Tea Break
2:55 PM - 3:20 PM
Embedding Security into Operations: From Strategy to Frontline
Raelene Lockhorst, Deputy Director National Security Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
Security Governance in Action
George Dionisopoulos, Director & Co-Founder, GRC4
Xiaoyan Lu, Chief Strategist for Digital Uplift, Audit Office of New South Wales
Rachell DeLuca, Protective Security Specialist | Former CSO, Parliament of Victoria (Ambassador)
Facilitated by Dave Cohen, Deputy CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group (MC)
The Critical Role of Risk Intelligence in Shaping Effective Security Strategies
Keynote Presentation
Insights, Highlights, and What’s Ahead / Awards
Dr Gav Schneider, Director & CEO, Australian Security Research Centre (Conference Convenor)
Rachell DeLuca, Protective Security Specialist | Former CSO, Parliament of Victoria (Ambassador)
Dave Cohen, Deputy CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group (MC)
Opening Night Networking Reception @ Lucky's Speakeasy
5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Day 2 - Operational Integration and Future Readiness
Friday, 17 October 2025 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Arrival & Registration
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Conference Welcome & Strategic Overview
Dr Gav Schneider, Director & CEO, Australian Security Research Centre (Conference Convenor)
Rachell DeLuca, Protective Security Specialist | Former CSO, Parliament of Victoria (Ambassador)
Dave Cohen, Deputy CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group (MC)
Cyber-Physical Convergence: Resilience Through Integrated Information Security
Alastair MacGibbon, Chief Strategy Officer, CyberCX (Former National Cyber Security Adviser)
Navigating PSPF and SoCI Reforms: Enablers, Challenges and the Path Forward
Natalie Pearse, Director, Protective Security Policy, Department of Home Affairs
Morning Tea Break
10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
From Silos to Synergy: Breaking Down Barriers Across Security Functions
Terry van Haren DSM, Vice President, Strategy, DroneShield
Alicia Valderrama, Director of Global Operations, Sekuro
Facilitated by Jason Brown, CEO, Cadentis /Cinnteacht PL (Ambassador)
Cross-Sector Collaboration in Practice: Building Shared Security Capability
Simon Levy, Chief Executive Officer, Risk Management Institute of Australasia (RMIA)
Bou Waterhouse, ACT Chapter Chairman, ASIS International
Dr Phil Kowalick, President, Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO)
Facilitated by Teresa Riccio-Goodwin, SA/VIC Chair, Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM)
Early Release Info on the New Global Risk Culture Standard
Dr Paul Johnston, National Practice Lead – Risk Management Capability and Culture, Risk 2 Solution Group
Dr Jolene Morse, Ringleader, Risky Women
In conversation with Dave Cohen, Deputy CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group
Networking Lunch
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Future-Proofing Security Operations: Leveraging Data and Digital Innovation for Operational Excellence
Glynnis Barodien, Executive Manager, Data Governance Lead, CSIRO
Dr Ian Oppermann, Data Standards Chair, Australian Government
Dr Huon Curtis, Telecommunications Sector Lead , CI-ISAC
Facilitated by Dr Gav Schneider, Director & CEO, Australian Security Research Centre (Conference Convenor)
Today’s Decisions, Tomorrow’s Threats: A Futures Lens on Protective Security
Owen Cooper, Senior Advisor, Futures Hub, ANU National Security College
Afternoon Tea Break
2:35 PM - 3:00PM
Securing Global Events: Lessons from the G20 to Brisbane 2032
Graham Coleman APM, Executive Director, Olympic and Paralympic Games Group, Queensland Police Service
Security by Design: Integrating Risk, Tech and Human Factors
Joe Saunders, Manager, Workforce Security, Queensland Health
Chris Taylor, Head, Statecraft; Intelligence Centre, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
Greg Chaffin, Principal, The Asia Group
Facilitated by Dr Gav Schneider, Director & CEO, Australian Security Research Centre (Conference Convenor)
Insights, Highlights, and What’s Ahead
Dr Gav Schneider, Director & CEO, Australian Security Research Centre (Conference Convenor)
Rachell DeLuca, Protective Security Specialist | Former CSO, Parliament of Victoria (Ambassador)
Jason Brown, CEO, Cadentis / Cinnteacht PL (Ambassador)
Dave Cohen, Deputy CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group (MC)
PSG Conference 2025: Beyond Compliance, Towards Capability
Why Attend PSG 2025
Now in its eighth year, the Protective Security and Government (PSG) Conference continues to be the premier national forum for public and private sector professionals involved in the design, implementation, and oversight of protective security.
In 2025, under the theme Beyond Compliance, Towards Capability, the conference will challenge attendees to look past minimum standards and explore how protective security can become a true enabler of organisational capability. As threats become more complex and interconnected, the focus is shifting from box-ticking to strategic resilience, operational readiness, and integrated security practice.
Why you should attend:
- Engage with National Policy Leaders: Hear directly from senior representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, Attorney-General’s Department, and other key agencies on the evolution of protective security frameworks and legislation, including the PSPF and SoCI Act.
- Gain Practical Insights: Learn from real-world case studies and panel discussions on building organisational capability, navigating the balance between policy and implementation, and applying risk-based approaches in diverse operational settings.
- Build Strategic Networks: Connect with security leaders, risk professionals, and policymakers from federal, state, and local government, as well as critical infrastructure providers, academia, and the private sector.
- Enhance Your Capability: Walk away with tools, strategies and fresh thinking to enhance your agency’s or organisation’s protective security maturity, resilience posture, and cross-sector collaboration.
Why Attend the PSG Conference?
Experience the Leading Event in Protective Security
Comprehensive Agenda
Engage with a dynamic lineup of expert speakers, panel discussions, and workshops designed to provide actionable insights and strategies.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with industry leaders, security professionals, and policy makers to exchange ideas and build valuable relationships.
What Our Past Attendees Say
Hear from Our Participants
“
The PSG Conference provides an excellent forum for sharing cutting-edge research and practical applications in threat assessment. It’s a key event for staying current with industry trends.
”
Dr Lorraine Sheridan
Chartered Forensic Psychologist and International Expert on Threat Assessment
“
The PSG Conference offers a unique opportunity to delve into complex security challenges with peers and leaders in the field. The knowledge gained here is immediately applicable and highly beneficial.
”
Rachell DeLuca
Former Chief Security Officer, Parliament of Victoria
“
The PSG Conference is crucial for fostering international cooperation and understanding in protective security. The calibre of speakers and participants is exceptional.
”
The Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO
Australia's Ambassador to the United States of America
“
The PSG Conference is instrumental in shaping our national security strategy. The opportunity to engage with top experts and practitioners is invaluable.
”
Hamish Hansford
Deputy Secretary, Cyber and Infrastructure Security Group, Department of Home Affairs
“
The PSG Conference brings together the brightest minds in security. The depth of discussions and the quality of presentations make it a must-attend event for industry professionals.
”
Joe Saunders
2021 Outstanding Security Consultant of the Year (Australia)
“
The PSG Conference is always a highlight of my year. The insights shared and the networking opportunities are invaluable for anyone in the protective security sector.
”
Dr Gav Schneider
CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Get in Touch
Send us a Message
- 1300 459 970
- [email protected]
- Canberra, Australia