Our
Speakers
The people bringing the 2026 Future Frontlines Conference to life. Practitioners, researchers, advocates and decision-makers — in the same room, for two days.
Commencement Address
Host
Shannon Hennessy
Chief Executive Officer
VESPIIA
Shannon Hennessy is the founder and CEO of VESPIIA — the national professional body for the veterans, emergency services and police sectors. She established VESPIIA to build the professional infrastructure the sector had long needed.
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Session 1 · Session 8 · Awards Evening
Awards MC
Greg Whitehouse
Chair
VESPIIA
A veteran of the Australian Defence Force with over 20 years' service, Greg brings extensive experience across defence industry and senior leadership roles alongside deep practical understanding of the sector's challenges.
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Conference MC
MC
Shamsa Nasr
Master of Ceremonies
Future Frontlines 2026
Shamsa Lea is an award-winning leader and an Air Force veteran of Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East Region.
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Session 1 — State of play Defence & veterans
Hon. Matt Keogh MP
Minister
Defence Personnel, Veterans Affairs
The Hon. Matt Keogh MP is Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel and the Federal Member for Burt.
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Session 1 — State of play Defence & veterans
Hon. Chris Picton MP
South Australia - Minister
Defence and Space Industry, Veterans Affairs
Chris is the South Australian Minister for State Development, and a member of State Parliament from the southern suburbs of Adelaide.
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Session 2 — What is Strategic Policy?
Asha Clementi
Founder & CEO
Girls Run the World / Women in Strategic Policy
An award-winning gender equality activist and policy leader who has created pathways for over 350 young women into diplomacy and strategic policy through Girls Run the World and the Women in Strategic Policy program.
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Session 2 — What is Strategic Policy?
Leah Whittle
Advocate
Stand With Leah
Bio coming soon.
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Session 5 - State of play - Public safety
Aria Bolkus MP
Member for Colton
Representing the Hon. Minister Rhiannon Pearce
Aria has lived in Henley her whole life. After working casual jobs at local coffee shop Joes Kiosk and Henley Square Foodland.
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Session 7 - Policy change in practice
Mr Chris Tilley
Senior Advisor, Veterans Services
Department of Corrective Services - SA
Mr Tilley served in the Royal Australian Army from 2004 until 2012 as a Private in the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and Australia's Federation Guard where he was awarded the Soldier's Medallion for exemplary service for significant contributions to his unit.
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to be announced
We're confirming a full program of ministers, commissioners, researchers and practitioners across both conference days. Check back for updates — or submit an abstract if you have something you want to share.
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