National Future Transport Summit

The program at a glance

The Summit is an unprecedented national transport initiative – driven by the collective action of government, industry and academic leaders representing all modes of transport and diverse economic sectors and community interests. Summit delegates will be recognised as the architects of change, bringing forth next frontier in highly connected and automated transport.

Moderator and MC

David Speers

David Speers is the ABC’s national political editor and long-time host of Insiders, PM Agenda, The Last Word, and Speers Tonight. With a career spanning over two decades and awards including multiple Walkleys, he brings insight into transport policy through high-profile political interviews.

Keynote Speaker

Simon Kuestenmacher

Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and director of The Demographics Group, whose data-driven research provides governments and transport planners with forecasts on population trends and mobility needs. He regularly shares his expertise through corporate and public speaking engagements, making sense of demographic shifts as they relate to infrastructure and transport.

Keynote Speaker

Brook Hall

Brook Hall serves as Executive Director of the Centre for Connected & Automated Transport (CCAT) and has 20 years’ experience across government and transport bodies. He leads CCAT’s work on sustainable, automated freight systems and emerging connected transport technologies.

Keynote Speaker

Sally Stannard

Sally Stannard was appointed Director‑General of Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads after more than a decade in senior roles across transport, planning, and public infrastructure. She champions integrated, sustainable transport solutions and community accessibility through active policy leadership.

Keynote Speaker

Richard Willder

Richard Willder is Uber’s Head of Autonomous Policy. Working at the intersection of corporate affairs, geopolitics, strategy and operations, Richard leads public policy and government affairs for Uber’s Autonomous Mobility & Delivery business, as well as Uber’s broader global priorities for regulatory affairs and policy.

Prior to this, Richard led major regulatory reform for ridesharing in key global markets. He was Head of Public Policy in North Asia, based in Hong Kong, and represented Uber’s public policy team in Australia and New Zealand, one of Uber’s most developed and successful markets. Before joining Uber, Richard worked as a policy, political and strategic adviser to the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP and the Coalition Government across a wide array of portfolio responsibilities.

Keynote Speaker

Ian Webb

Ian Webb is board chair of CCAT and former CEO of Roads Australia, the nation’s road industry peak body, where he served from 2003 to 2018. He also chairs ARRB’s Strategy subcommittee and contributes to the Audit and Risk Committee for QLD Transport and Main Roads.

Theme Speaker

Charles Griplas

Charles Griplas has led ConnectEast, operator of Melbourne’s EastLink tollway, as Managing Director and CEO since 2014. He focuses on integrating smart-asset management and preparing EastLink for future transport trends like autonomous vehicles and electric mobility.

Download the full program

The National Future Transport Summit program showcases leading speakers, outlines the agenda, and presents draft recommendations shaped by industry and community input. It also highlights the consortium driving this work, providing a clear guide to the discussions and outcomes of the Summit.

Download program

Moderator and MC

David Speers

Keynote Speaker

Simon Kuestenmacher

Keynote Speaker

Sally Stannard

Keynote Speaker

Rob Sharp

The Board appointed Rob Sharp Interim Chief Executive Officer in July 2024 with the Chairman confirming his appointment to a four-year term on 24 January 2025. He joins Airservices with over 25 years of senior executive experience in the aviation and transport sectors. Rob Sharp holds a Bachelor of Business, and has had an extensive involvement with academia, including as an adjunct professor at Curtin Business School, member of the John Grill Centre Advisory Committee at Sydney University and Governor of the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering at Sydney University. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Chartered Accountant, a Companion of Engineers Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Keynote Speaker

Richard Willder

Richard Willder has served as Uber’s Global Head of Regulatory & Autonomous Policy since May 2017, leading the company’s global strategy and government affairs for autonomous mobility and broader regulatory priorities. He previously spearheaded major ridesharing regulatory reforms in key international markets including North Asia and led Uber’s public policy efforts in Australia and New Zealand.

WELCOME ADDRESS

Cr Andrew Wines

Councillor Andrew Wines is the Councillor for Enoggera Ward, Brisbane City Council, and has proudly served the community as Councillor since 2008.

He currently holds the role of Civic Cabinet Chair for Public Transport, playing a key part in shaping Brisbane's road and transport strategy. Previously, he served as Civic Cabinet Chair for Infrastructure from 2021 to 2025 and Chair of Council from 2019 to 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Business (dual major in Economics and Marketing) from the Queensland University of Technology.

Councillor Wines advocates for a better Brisbane through enhanced transport networks, quality public parks and spaces, and continued support for local sports and community clubs. Councillor Wines has championed projects that focus on easing pressure on our roads, including expanding rapid transit, improved intermodal connectivity, and smarter infrastructure planning to meet Brisbane's growing demand.

Plenary Speaker

Ian Webb

Ian Webb is Chair of CCAT, is a member of the Board of NTRO and chairs the Board’s Strategy and Business Development Committee. He previously served as Chief Executive of Roads Australia, the national peak body for Australia's road industry from 2003 to 2018. During this period he was also seconded to Geneva as Director-General of the International Road Federation. His career includes 17 years as a career diplomat and 30 years at Chief Executive level in both the public and private sectors in NSW and Victoria.

Theme Sponsor

Charles Griplas

Plenary Speaker

Michael Caltabiano

Mr Michael Caltabiano was appointed Chief Executive of ARRB, the Australia Road Research Board, in November 2016 after a very successful three years at the helm of the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA). Mr Caltabiano brings to the role of Chief Executive extensive experience in the flexible pavement and bituminous surfacing industry. ARRB has transitioned to the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) for Australia and New Zealand with offices across Australia and New Zealand and is the trusted knowledge partner for Local, State and Federal Governments delivering their infrastructure standards and next generation delivery outcomes.

Plenary Speaker

Peter Frazer OAM

On 15 February 2012, Peter’s daughter Sarah was killed by a truck driver in a completely avoidable crash on the Hume Freeway in New South Wales. Since then, he has dedicated his life to improving road safety in Australia and overseas. In March 2012, Peter founded SARAH (Safer Australian Roads and Highways), colloquially known as SarahGroup. Since then, he has used his more than 40 years’ experience in social justice, policy, research, law enforcement and intelligence, to not only positively influence government, corporate and community road safety advocacy, but legislative and infrastructure reform. He created and remains the driving force behind Australia’s National Road Safety Week, as well as the nation’s road safety symbol, the “Yellow Ribbon”. Peter is a Board Member of the International Road Victims Partnership, a member of the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety and a former Member of the Advisory Board for FEVR’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. In addition to the above, Peter is a national Ambassador for Road Safety Educations RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) programme.

Plenary Speaker

Brook Hall

Plenary Speaker

Chris Young

Christopher (Chris) joined the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) in February 2022 and is the General Manager, Trade and Economics. In this role he leads the organisation in policy areas including trade, taxation, investment and supply chain competition. He is a member of numerous national and international bodies including the ACCC Agricultural Consultative Committee, Anti-Dumping Commission International Trade Remedies Forum (Industry) and the World Farmers Organisation - Trade Policy Committee. Prior to joining the NFF, Chris worked for Rural Funds Management, a leading Australian agricultural investment firm. Before this he spent time working for Meat & Livestock Australia.

He holds qualifications in Commerce and International Relations from the Australian National University. Chris is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

SPEAKER

Dr Rob Weaver

Dr Rob Weaver is Eve Air Mobility’s Head of Business Development for Australia and New Zealand. Eve, backed by Embraer’s 55-year history of aerospace expertise, is developing a full portfolio of solutions to enable the Urban Air Mobility market. This includes an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with entry into service from 2027. Rob leads business development and entry into service planning in Australia. He has worked on advanced air mobility concepts and business development with EmbraerX and Eve since 2018. Previously he was Executive General Manager Safety, Environment & Assurance at Airservices Australia, where he was a member of the Executive for six years. He holds a PhD in safety critical systems from the University of York.

SPEAKER

Adrian Warner

Adrian has been the WA Road Safety Commissioner since April 2020, with responsibility for leading the implementation of the State’s Driving Change road safety strategy. He has substantial executive management experience in the WA public sector including as CEO for WorkCover WA and has also worked in political and private sector roles. Adrian is the WA representative on the Inter-Jurisdictional Steering Committee for Road Safety and is a member of the WA Road Safety Council. He has strong credentials in public policy and strategy development and an active interest in the ethics of organisational leadership in a contemporary workforce. Over the past five years Adrian has led the introduction of new technologies in safety cameras and overseen new education programs targeted at influencing young people well before they get their license. The Road Safety Commission has a key focus on emerging technologies that provide opportunities to gain new and deeper insights from new data sources, to inform policy development, program design and evaluation. The behavioural insights we have gained from safety cameras about the use of seatbelts and mobile phones have already proved valuable in re-framing policy discussions around road safety in WA. Connected and automated vehicles and smart infrastructure are similarly sources of great value for road safety and Adrian and his team are keen to continue a collaborative approach with partners in this space.

SPEAKER

Robert Giltinan

Robert Giltinan is the Group Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the NRMA. To support and enhance the reputation of one of Australia’s most well-known and trusted brands, he leads a team of passionate experts across policy and advocacy, government liaison, community engagement and stakeholder management. He also represents the NRMA on numerous government, industry and community panels, including at the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (the International Automobile Federation).

Speaker

Owen Hayford

Owen is a specialist strategic legal adviser on infrastructure and construction projects. Owen has advised on many of Australia's most significant transport sector Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) including Sydney Metro Northwest, the Waratah Train, numerous toll roads in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, and the Adelaide to Darwin railway project.
In addition to his role as founding principal of Infralegal, Owen is a Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne, where he teaches a course on PPPs as part of the Master of Laws program. He also chairs the Law Council of Australia’s Infrastructure and Construction Committee, and serves on the Boards of the Dispute Resolution Board Foundation for the ANZ Region and the Australian Chapter of the International Project Finance Association (IPFA).

Speaker

Luke Gumley

Luke is committed to supporting an integrated and thriving uncrewed aircraft and air taxi industry in Australia. At Airservices Australia, he leads the Uncrewed Services Integration transformation portfolio, focused on safely and efficiently integrating uncrewed aircraft and air taxis into Australia’s busy airspace alongside traditional aircraft operations. This highly innovative program underpins an open market, connected technology ecosystem, delivering world-leading digital and automated air traffic management capabilities to safely manage growth of the burgeoning uncrewed aircraft market.

Speaker

Michael Milford

Michael Milford, FTSE, conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of robotics, neuroscience, and computer vision. He currently holds appointments as Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow, Director of the QUT Centre for Robotics, QUT Professor, Microsoft Research Faculty Fellow, and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. He has led or co-led projects totalling more than 56 million dollars in research and industry funding, receiving over 17,000 citations, and his work has culminated in numerous accolades, including six best paper awards (and ten finalists), the ATSE Batterham Medal, a joint outright Queensland Young Tall Poppy award, and was made a Microsoft Research Faculty Fellow, one of only three Australians ever to receive this recognition. From 2022 – 2027 he is leading a large research team combining bio-inspired and computer science-based approaches to provide a ubiquitous alternative to GPS that does not rely on satellites. His team has worked on commercial autonomous vehicle technology with companies like Ford and Caterpillar, and been funded by and/or collaborated with organizations like Amazon, Intel and Google Deepmind. Michael is also an educational entrepreneur: as founder of Math Thrills, he has produced engaging STEM education materials distributed to over 35 countries for more than 20 years. As a keen mentor, Michael works with individuals and groups, both locally at the individual, institute or university level across Australia, but also globally through his Hacking Academia initiative, and is a finalist for the 2025 Outstanding Mentor of Researchers Eureka Prize.

Speaker

Steve Cratchley

Steve Cratchley is a specialist in emerging risks with a strong focus on advanced automotive technologies, with extensive experience in researching and presenting on these topics. Globally connected in various emerging risk domains, Steve is passionate about understanding and mitigating new threats to the insurance industry, sharing his valuable insights with colleagues across all areas at Suncorp and the industry more broadly. He has presented at conferences in Australia, New Zealand and hosted round tables in the US, EU and UK as well as appearing in a few Podcasts.

Steve has been with Suncorp for 20 years, with roles across Pricing, Strategy, Innovation, Underwriting and Portfolio. Steve has represented Suncorp in leadership positions on industry bodies and contributed to numerous research projects. Steve’s input is also used on Suncorp’s Emerging Risks Committee, leveraging his expertise to navigate the evolving landscape and its impacts to the insurance industry.

SPEAKER

Ben Haddock

Ben Haddock is a dedicated advocate for sustainable transport, leading governments and the industry towards a net-zero future. As the manager of Arup’s global transport planning skills network, Ben promotes lifelong learning through applied research into new technologies. Recognised as an industry leader in future mobility, smart cities, energy, and transport decarbonisation, Ben excels in leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborates with authorities, partners, planners, investors, and technical specialists to achieve project benefits and outcomes. With 23 years of global experience as a Chartered Transport Planning Professional, Ben has successfully managed and delivered future-focused transport and energy projects across APAC, the Middle East, UK, and Europe.

SPEAKER

Tony Weber

Tony Weber is the Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Prior to this position, Tony worked in the Industry Department for 15 years. Within the Industry Department he worked in the Innovation, Small Business, Manufacturing and Industry Policy areas. He previously worked in the Commonwealth Treasury in roles focusing on superannuation, taxation and Commonwealth-State relations.

SPEAKER

Tony Weber

SPEAKER

Tony Weber

SPEAKER

Tony Weber

SPEAKER

Tony Weber

SPEAKER

Simone Pettigrew

Simone is a Professorial Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health and the University of New South Wales. Her specialty areas are behavioural psychology, consumer research, public health, and health policy. Since 2017, Simone has conducted numerous large-scale studies on the potential public health benefits of autonomous vehicles. This research has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian Research Council, PATREC, and the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre. To date she has published more than 20 journal articles on the health benefits of autonomous vehicles.

SPEAKER

Dr Ingrid Johnston

Dr Ingrid Johnston is the Chief Executive Officer of The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS). Dr Johnston currently serves as Senior Policy Officer for the Public Health Association of Australia and previously held roles with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Relationships Australia and the Australian Federal Police. She currently serves on the Board of Australia’s Climate and Health Alliance. Dr Johnston has been widely published, and in 2015 completed a PhD on adaptation of disaster response to climate change on remote Pacific islands.

Speaker

Michael Hopkins

Mr Michael Hopkins is the Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner for the National Transport Commission. The National Transport Commission (NTC) was established by the Federal, state and territory governments to develop national reforms to improve the productivity, safety and environmental performance of road, rail and intermodal transport. Mr Hopkins brings many years of strategic policy reform experience, knowledge of the transport sector and existing senior stakeholder relationships to this role.  He has previously served in a number of senior executive roles for the Victorian Government, the NTC and in transport consulting.