ASIS Australian National Conference, Melbourne 17 October 2019

The ASIS International multi award-winning Victoria Australia Chapter hosted this year’s annual Australia National Conference. The Chapter brought together professionals from a range of disciplines and backgrounds that included prominent leaders in security, education and research.

Presenters delivered quality sessions that aligned with the conference theme “Security in a Rapidly Changing World.”

 The keynote presentation was jointly delivered by Mr Skeeve Stevens and Ms Shanti Korporaal.  Skeeve and Shanti work with governments and multi-national corporations across jurisdictions as advisors and futurists.  Their session provided an insight into contemporary thinking in the context of security-related risks and included discussion on emerging technologies and tactics.  A particular focus was made to technology that can be acquired online and at little cost to cause major disruption through terrorist events or other criminal activities.  The keynote presentation was well-received and motivational.

 Dr Patrick Walsh followed with a presentation on Intelligence, Biosecurity and Bioterrorism.  Dr Walsh highlighted some of the key points from his recent book to provide an understanding of emerging bio-threats and risks.  He proposed how our intelligence communities can better meet the challenges of emerging bio-threats and how to better manage these potential risks.

 Stephen Brass defined the capability differences between people and intelligent technologies and why both mediums are required to provide effective security and safety management.  Dr Gavriel Schneider then gave an insightful presentation on the theoretical and counter-intuitive approaches of Enterprise Security Risk Management.  Specifically, he explored an integrated approach to security risk culture, risk management and leadership.

 The first afternoon session was presented by Assistant Commissioner Ross Guenther of Victoria Police Counter Terrorism Command.  He explained, from a policing perspective the difficulties contemporary agencies including police face with ongoing threats and some collaborative work across both the public and private sectors.  This session was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr Tony Zalewski where the panel members interacted with delegates on contemporary security issues.  A key area that needs to be addressed for future development of the industry is operational competence and national consistency across the industry.  It was resolved these issues will be considered for the next conference.

 A special thanks to Mr John Deeks our Master of Ceremonies.  John’s media and television experience ensured delegates were informed and entertained.  The day ran to schedule with delegates acknowledging the worth of the conference. 

 The Chapter wishes to thank our conference sponsors Gunnebo, Inner Range, Davcor and Dominance Guardian Services.