Global Speakers

Lynda Voltz is the Member for Auburn in the NSW Parliament. She is the current Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism and Shadow Minister for Sport. She previously served twelve years in the NSW Legislative Council and held the portfolio of Shadow Veteran’s Affairs.

Lynda grew up in Birrong and attended Birrong Primary School and Birrong Girls High School. She holds a BA (Security, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism).

Lynda was a Soldier in the Australian Regular Army from 1987-1993. Posting 1 MIL HOSP RACT, 22MP PL RACMP, 23MP PL RACMP, SIB Randwick RACMP, and a member of the Army Reserve 1984-1987 SUP COY 2/17 RNSWR. In 1991 Lynda received the RACMP Corp trophy.

Prior to joining the Regular Army Lynda worked at the Workers Health Centre Lidcombe for three years as a clinic co-ordinator. Since leaving the Army Lynda worked for Senator John Faulkner, Peter Baldwin MP and Sandra Nori, MP.

She has a long involvement in sport having played rugby as part of its inaugural women’s competition in 1994 till the age of 38 including representing Country Rugby in the first women’s match ever played on the Sydney Football Stadium. She is a former Chair of NSW Women’s Rugby Union. She had a 37 year soccer career including in the former State League for Liverpool FC and local teams Lidcombe Waratahs and Granville Kewpies. She holds a bronze medallion in Surf Lifesaving and is captain of the NSW Parliamentary netball team. In 2019 Lynda represented the Australian Parliaments in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Cricket Cup in London.

Lynda has two daughter Katerina and Anastasia who are really cheeky.

Topic: Reducing Risk And Ensuring Social Cohesion Post Terrorist Attacks On Diverse Communities

BRIG Jonathon (Jono) Beesley graduated from the Officer Cadet School NZ, on exchange from the Australian Royal Military College Duntroon, in December 1993 into the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. Brigadier Beesley took up his current appointment as Commander of the Joint Counter Improvised Threat Task Force in September 2017.

Brigadier Beesley’s career has been characterised by command and staff appointments in Special Operations Command, Army Headquarters and the Australian Defence Force Joint Headquarters. Of note is that Brigadier Beesley has commanded at all levels including Troop, Squadron, Unit, Task Group and Joint Task Force whilst on operations overseas and within Australia.

Brigadier Beesley holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters of Arts (Strategy and Management), and has a Graduate Diploma in Defence studies as well as being a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Topic: Australian Defence Force Approach To Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems

Codee is the New South Wales Digital Lead at Norman Disney and Young, responsible for a team of security, communications, and audio visual professionals. Codee has a passion for new and emerging security technologies, in particular Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Codee has previously led a global working group on RPA technologies and their evolving threat to safety and security, as well as their potential as a security force-multiplier. The working group included representatives from the UK, US, Singapore, and Australia.

Codee’s technical expertise is reinforced with extensive experience in security risk management and security planning. Codee is focussed on delivering progressive and 21st century security advice to local and state government, blue-chip multi-nationals and state significant infrastructure; drawing from leading edge academic and industry research and a strong foundation knowledge in security risk management, sociology, and technology.

Interactive Roundtable Discussion: Radar And Jamming System

A highly motivated, performance driven and versatile leader who has worked across the gamut of the security, safety and risk industry over the past twenty-seven years. Scott is a court and tribunal recognised security, safety and risk expert- evidenced by his provision of over 100 expert reports in civil cases. He has consulted and lectured throughout the Middle East and USA, as well as working with government, industry regulators and industry across all Australian States and Territories spanning the spectrum of security, risk and all industry verticals. With certifications that include a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership, Advanced Diploma in Integrated Risk Management, Diploma of Security Risk Management, Diploma of Work Health and Safety and a Diploma in Vocational Education and Training he has a skillset that allows him to develop and provide training, consultancy and leadership based not only on his knowledge through education, but through 27 years industry experience.

He is an experienced instructor and a highly commercial change agent with superior ability to inspire innovation and enhance both overall performance and compliance/governance across multiple disciplines.

Interactive Roundtable Discussion: Emergency Response Management Planning For Terror Attack

Norman is an experienced executive level global security subject matter expert who has a strong history of working in complex, demanding and sensitive environments in both Australasia and overseas (Darfur, South Sudan, Southern Lebanon, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Somalia, Kenya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Peru and DRC). Professional judgement, clear communication, resilience and accountability for strengthening security policies, protocols and frameworks and adherence to confidentiality and organizational codes of conduct have underpinned the delivery of security best practice. A robust military and protective services foundation coupled with tertiary qualifications (Master of Arts from the University of Sydney) and skills in security risk management, government security, emergency and business continuity planning and occupational health and safety management provide a good balance of overall security competency and leadership. Norm has had extensive exposure to corporate, resources, government and the UN security.

Topic: Drone Terrorism Intelligence: How Terrorists Are Weaponizing Drones To Carry Out Next Stage Of Terror Attacks

With a background in Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering, Angus Bean brings a wealth of knowledge in product development through to production management. Mr. Bean merges the various fields of mechanical hardware, electronics, software, digital interface and technology.

Mr. Bean joined DroneShield early in 2016, since then has been a driving force in DroneShield’s technology team, working to build the team and the technology to deliver on key projects and milestones. Previous to DroneShield, Mr. Bean was the Development Lead for Australia’s largest and most prominent industrial design and engineering consultancy.

Over his career, Mr Bean has adopted both a collaborative and leadership role on a number of projects which have attracted multiple Australian and International Awards in Innovation, Consumer Electronics, Defence and Cyber Security. Mr. Bean holds a BDesign in Industrial Design (First Class Hon) from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Interactive Roundtable Discussion: Drone Detection System

Tom is an Australian lawyer specialising in drone law. In addition to the mandatory detailed knowledge of aviation regulations, Tom understands the surrounding legal issues including contracts, intellectual property, privacy, data, counter-drone technologies, and dispute resolution. Tom has represented commercial drone operators in CASA investigations, advised on Flight Authorisations, drafted Drone Services Agreements, and worked with insurance brokers on drone specific policies. Tom regularly speaks at conferences and podcasts. He is also an avid writer of clear and concise articles concerning legal aspects of both drone-specific issues, as well as the broader commercial aspects of operating a drone or counter-drone business. Tom has also practised in general commercial law and large-scale complex litigation, where he has represented clients in the Local, District, Supreme and Federal Courts.

Tom’s experience puts him in a strong position to advise his clients on the many regulatory aspects surrounding drone use as well as counter-drone methods.

Topic: Protection Through Disabling And Detection: The Legal Implications Of Counter-Drone Technology

Jacinta Carroll joined the National Security College as the Director, National Security Policy, in August 2017. She is a member of NSC’s Futures Council and works across the NSC’s professional development, policy and academic programs.

Previously, Jacinta was the inaugural Head of ASPI’s Counter Terrorism Policy Centre, a position she held since August 2015. Jacinta joined ASPI from the Australian Government where she had held a variety of Senior Executive appointments, and worked in the Department of Defence and the Attorney-General’s Department. Her career experience includes working on national security, counter-terrorism, strategic policy, border security, military operations, campaign planning and scenario development, information management, and international policy with a particular focus on the Middle East and Afghanistan; she has served in Iraq.

She is a member of the AVERT (Addressing Violent Extremism and Radicalisation to Terrorism) Research Network and the National Security and Terrorism Program Advisory Council, Deakin University.

Topic: Latest Intelligence In Global Terrorist Attacks: New Development In Tactics, Weapons, Tools And Shifting Ideologies

Terry leads the business for Cognitec (the face recognition company) in Asia Pacific since 2017.  He is an internationally recognized authority in the identity industry, and led the global government effort post 9/11 to design and publish international standards for electronic passports and biometrics recognition.  His opinion, insight and counsel is regularly sought by government and commercial organizations the world over, and he has spoken at around 100 conferences on identity and security matters. Terry also served for 10 years on the Board of Directors for the Biometrics Institute.

Terry lived in the USA from 2008-2016 and led Industry Applications and Biometrics Solutions worldwide for global systems integrator Unisys.  He led the pursuit teams that won several major projects including Mexico National ID (the world’s first multi-modal iris/finger/face biometrics national ID project); UK Passports face; and Passport, Border, Immigration and Drivers License solutions for the Australian Government.

In 2013, Terry received the ID World “ID LEADERSHIP AWARD” assigned to outstanding members of the ID Community who have distinguished themselves during the previous 12 months for commitment, leadership, creativity and innovation.

Terry has a bachelor’s degree from the Australian National University, specializing in honors-level Computer Science and Pure Math.

Topic: Facing Ways To Enhance Public Safety & Security

Interactive Roundtable Discussion: Using Biometrics As A Smart City Security Layer

Michael is the current Area Manager on Global Safety & Security ANZP for Marriott International and leading Marriott’s global safety and security culture and performance across the whole Australia Pacific portfolio. Prior to his new role, he was also the Director of Security and Risk Management of Marriott Hotel who oversees the operations at a cluster of properties including Sydney Harbour Marriott, Pier One Autograph Collection and Melbourne Marriott Hotel. Michael has a vast experience in the security operations within Defence, the resource sector, Australia media and international aid projects throughout the world for the past 25 years of his career.

Topic: Marriott International’s Approach And Strategies On Drone Risk Management

Detective Inspector Michael Thiesfield jointed the Queensland Police Service in 1991. In 1993, Detective Inspector Thiesfield was appointed to plain clothes investigative positions and in 2007 was promoted as Officer in Charge of Logan District CIB. In this role, Detective Inspector Thiesfield led a myrid of high-profile homicide investigations that received substantial national media coverage.

Detective Inspector Thiesfield has led a variety of work units within the security environment which include Weapons Licencing and Protective Services. On 1 October 2018, Detective Inspector Thiesfield commenced as the Operations Manager of Security Operations Unit, Security and Counter-Terrorism Command. In this role, he leads the discharging of operational intelligence and supporting investigations within the Security and Counter-Terrorism Command charter with a focus on persons who may pose a security threat to individuals, groups or property, terrorist activities and politically motivated violence. This is accomplished by engaging members of internal and external partner agencies to review and comprehensively assess all threats and intelligence of security significance across Queensland.

Detective Inspector Thiesfield holds tertiary qualifications including an Advanced Certificate in Policing (Justice Administration), Associate Diploma of Business (Justice Administration), Bachelor of Arts (Justice Studies) and Master of Leadership and Management (Policing).

Topic: Case Study On Operations Quebec Tailspin: Major Threat From Rogue Drones Led By Extreme Right Wing Offender

Detective Sergeant Ross Dobbie jointed the Queensland Police Service in 2003. In 2007, Detective Sergeant Dobbie was appointed to plain clothes investigative position at Wynnum Criminal Investigation Branch. Between 2015 and 2016, Detective Sergeant Dobbie was seconded to the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission to investigate a sophisticated transnational fraud syndicate selling dysfunctional software. Between 2016 and 2018, Detective Sergeant Dobbie transitioned to the State Drug Squad where he successfully led a number of high-profile operations resulting in lengthy convictions. Detective Sergeant Dobbie commenced at the QPS Counter Terrorism Investigation Group in 2018. In this role, he led Operation Tailspin resulting in the arrest of an Extreme Right Wing offender who was actively targeting Queensland law enforcement agencies.

Topic: Case Study On Operations Quebec Tailspin: Major Threat From Rogue Drones Led By Extreme Right Wing Offender

Maksym has joined Bechtel in mid-2019 as the Safety and Security in Design Engineer for the Westen Sydney Airport project, where he is responsible for facilitating a safe and secure design across the terminal precinct.

Maksym holds a ASIS International PSP certification is a security risk and design manager with over 14 years’ experience across critical infrastructure protection. Working across varied infrastructure, Maksym’s key experience lines in security consulting and advisory for critical infrastructure, security design management for power utilities, rail and aviation.

As a physical security solutions specialist, Maksym has consulted widely on hostile vehicle management solutions and delivered public protection projects for NSW Parliament House, Stadia, Rail, Utilities, Aviation and Defence. With experience in both security project and programme management, Maksym has managed the security upgrades at a number of prominent sites and institutions around NSW and Australia. He has written on security topics for a variety of industry publications and has contributed to original reseach on integrating security and architectural requirements for public spaces.

Interactive Roundtable Discussion: Safety Design In Managing Public Venue And Major Events Security

Public Security Panel: Developing A Stronger Public-Private Partnership And Information Sharing Approach To Counter Terrorism In Crowded And Public Spaces

Skeeve Stevens is the leading speaker in Australia and the APAC region regarding Cutting-Edge Technology and Future Crime. He is foremost a Futurist, entrepreneur, professional keynote speaker, technology architect, C-Level Advisor and visionary in number of areas including: Future Crime, Futurism, Network Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Virtual & Augmented Reality, IoT, NFC/RFID, Personal Robotics, Smart Cities, Consumer Behaviour and Psychology, Brainwear, and Now and Future Crime using and relating to technology.

Skeeve is the author of the Threat MatrixTM which is a restricted publication of whitepapers discussing the risks of current and emerging technologies and methodologies. Skeeve has been an advisor to the global LEA and Intelligence Community on Advanced Technology Crime and Critical Infrastructure Protection.

Skeeve is the co-founder of the Future Crime Agency (FCA) with his partner Shanti Korporaal. The FCA specialises in the weaponisation of advanced and emerging technology and creating awareness for Law Enforcement, Military, First Responders and enterprises who work within those areas. The FCA also designs attack and threat scenarios for use by their clients in planning responsive actions. The FCA delivers workshops and training in all of the above disciplines.

Topic: The New Wave of Non-Aerial Drones Threat

Luke is currently the Security, Risk and Emergency Management Manager for the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust (The Trust) where he manages two of Sydney’s most iconic sporting venues which are the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium that is located in Moore Park. Prior to this role, Luke has more than twelve years of experience working in the tourism, hospitality, venues and events industry where he focuses on safety, security operations, emergency management, sustainability and compliance field. In addition Luke’s experience includes responsibility for risk management frameworks with complex stakeholder relationships including extensive use of contractors and subcontractors in high profile public venues and venues.

Topic: How Technology And Open Source Intelligence Is Fighting Terrorism And Crime And Striking The Balance Between Public Confidence, Public Safety And Privacy

Chris Cubbage is a widely published security professional, including co-author of Corporate Security in the Asia Pacific Region, CRC Press and online documentary, 11yrs After 9/11. As an industry commentator Chris is Executive Editor of the Asia Pacific Security Magazine, Australian Security Magazine and other technology channels. He is a contracted security advisor to government agencies, a former homicide detective and a federal commission investigator. Twitter @AmlecHouse @apsmagazine

Topic: Innovations In AI And Big Data Analytics In Predicting And Responding To Security Threats 

Stephen is a Barrister at Banco Chambers specialising in criminal law, inquests, regulatory proceedings and administrative law.  In 1998, he joined the Australian Federal Police where he worked for over 20 years and held the rank of Detective Superintendent. In the AFP, he formed and led the AFP’s Terrorism Financing Investigations Unit.

He has extensive experience in counter terrorism, organised crime and money laundering investigations and has done secondments to the UK’s Metropolitan Service in their Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) as a member of their Senior Management Team and in the UK’s National Crime Squad’s Money Laundering Investigations Team. He was the Senior Investigating Officer for the AFP in the Malaysian Airlines disaster (MH17) in the Ukraine. Stephen is also a Chartered Accountant with leadership training.

Topic: An Overview Of Latest Trends In Illicit Terrorism Financing: Lessons From The Islamic State In Iraq And Syria And Other Emerging Threats

Dr. Malcolm Davis joined ASPI as a Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy and Capability in January 2016. He is undertaking policy analysis and research on issues such as Australian Defence Policy and Force Structure; Chinese military modernisation; The future of air and space power; and broadly, future military technology and future war. He is currently working on three major projects at ASPI – an examination of Australia’s options for independent space capabilities; an exploration of unmanned systems and the future of Australian airpower; and finally a major project examining the potential for Australia to transition from conventional to nuclear-powered and propelled submarines. He writes regularly for the ASPI blog, The Strategist (see enclosed links), and has undertaken work-related trips to the United States and Taiwan in 2016. He contributes to ASPI activities, and most recently was the Editor of ASPI’s ‘Agenda for Change 2016’ Strategy paper which was the incoming government brief prepared by ASPI staff prior to the 2016 Federal Election. This publication was released on 7th June 2016.

He has worked with the Department of Defence from November 2007 to March 2012. This was initially as Staff Officer Strategy (APS-6) with Navy HQ, Directorate of Navy Strategy and Futures from November 2007 – June 2009, and then as Assistant Director (EL-1) with Strategic Policy Guidance, Strategic Policy Division from June 2009 to August 2011. He also undertook duties as an Assistant Director in Strategic External Relations and Education from August 2011 to March 2012. During his time with Navy HQ, he was the lead author on the Future Maritime Operating Concept (FMOC) study, Plan Blue and the Navy Strategy, as well as providing strategic guidance to Navy staff and liaising with the Defence Space Coordination Office for the development of Navy Space Policy and Capabilities. He undertook support of Navy’s contribution to the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) at Australian Defence College, and participated in the Navy Experimentation Headmark exercises.

Topic: Global Threat On Rogue Drones And How Advanced Anti-Drone Technologies Are Stopping It

Stephen is a security professional and practitioner with over 30 years of experience that began in the British Army before transiting to the private sector. Stephen has a wide range of experience identifying risk and implementing controls across a range of industries and international settings. These include projects as senior security management for infrastructure projects, NGO’s, high net worth individuals and in the oil and gas sector in the:

• EU, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordan, Oman

Stephen is currently the Executive Manager for Protective Security at Westpac where he has been for the past two years. Stephen has Master’s degrees in Security & Risk Management, Health Safety & Risk Management and an MBA. He is currently reading for a Professional Doctorate in Security Risk Management at the University of Portsmouth.

Topic: How Pakistan Is Manufacturing The Next Wave Of Terrorist Attacks: Insights And Intelligence To Pakistan’s State Sponsored Terrorism And Its Impact To Australia

Public Security Panel: Developing A Stronger Public-Private Partnership And Information Sharing Approach To Counter Terrorism In Crowded And Public Spaces

Peta Lowe is a Principal Consultant with Phronesis Consulting and Training. She is the former Director, Countering Violent Extremism for Juvenile Justice in the NSW Department of Justice. Peta has over 13 years experience working with young people who display violent and anti-social offending behaviours in both custodial and community contexts. She has worked with individuals, families and communities to address offending behaviours and criminogenic risks. Peta led the Juvenile Justice NSW responses to countering violent extremism and counter terrorism including the assessment, intervention and management of young people charged with terrorism related offences in both community and custody and agency responses to manage the risk of radicalisation to violent extremism within custodial settings.

Peta is trained and experienced in the use of a number of violent extremist risk assessment tools and has conducted and coordinated assessments of juvenile terrorism related offenders and young people vulnerable to being radicalised to violent extremism. She is also an accredited trainer to train users in the VERA-2R risk assessment tool within Australia. Peta participated as an international expert in the Juvenile Justice Expert Workshop being hosted by The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) in March 2019 in Malta. Peta is currently focused on developing and delivering training, assessment and interventions to; improve social cohesion, divert vulnerable young people from violent extremism, disengage and rehabilitate juvenile terrorism related offenders and reduce the risk violent extremism poses to individuals and community safety.

Topic: Latest Recruitment And Radicalization Trends Against Youth Vulnerabilities

Grant McKay is the Director and Principal of the McKay Consulting Group Pty Ltd: a small, bespoke consulting firm that provides off shore security consulting services and enterprise security, strategic management, business planning and executive coaching services in Australia. As his clients he has state owned enterprises and large private sector mining, retail and energy companies. Grant has a background in aviation, government, RAAF and law enforcement.

Topic: How Terrorists Are Exploiting Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Public Security Panel: Developing A Stronger Public-Private Partnership And Information Sharing Approach To Counter Terrorism In Crowded And Public Spaces

Dr. Patrick F. Walsh is a former intelligence analyst and now an Associate Professor (Intelligence and Security Studies) at the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, Charles Sturt University, Australia. Prof Walsh is also an Honorary Visiting Fellow at the Department of History, Politics and International Relations, University of Leicester. He is a senior researcher, who has published over 30 publications on intelligence reform issues. His first book, Intelligence and Intelligence Analysis (Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 2011), examined a range of intelligence reform issues post 9/11 across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. He is currently a chief investigator on two major grants examining security intelligence collection post Snowden and another examining emerging cyber threats. His most recent book Intelligence, Biosecurity and Bioterrorism (Palgrave Macmillan UK) was released in September 2018 (https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9781137516992).

Topic: Lessons Learnt From Recent Christchurch Mosque Attack: Insights And Counter-Measures That Could Have Been Taken

Noel Whelan has been working, training and educating internationally in the field of anti and counter-terrorism for the past 25 years. He is a retired former member of a counterterrorism training wing, known only as DG1.

He has been delivering education and training to International Police, Armed Forces, Private Security Personnel including international organisations from both public and private sectors. His work has taken him through Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, United States, Ecuador, Egypt, Poland, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Italy and many more places in connection with his duties.

He gives his clients a leading edge in preventing and countering the phenomenon that is International Terrorism to make the world a safer place.

Topic: Current Risk Landscape: Latest Threats And Developments In Rising Lone Wolf Terrorism And Suicide Attacks

Shane has over 20 years of extensive experience and skills in security and risk management. His current role is Manager, Strategic Security with the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC). In this capacity, he has developed an overarching security and risk strategy and introduced a number of continuous improvement initiatives to ensure the ongoing safety and security of New South Wales’ first minister, members of cabinet, key stakeholders and assets, including state categorised critical infrastructure. Significant measures have been undertaken to manage reputation risk, enhance safety and establish strong partnerships with law enforcement authorities. Among the achievement that Shane has are the ASIAL Australia Security Industry Awards for Excellence, Winner of the National In-House Security Team for Australian Turf Club in 2014, Highly Commended – Mounted Security Implementation for Australian Turf Club in 2012 and National In-House Security Team winner for the Australian Jockey Club Limited in 2010.

Interactive Roundtable Discussion: Hostile Vehicle Defence In Crowded Places