Canberra Manager’s Forum on AI, Accessibility and Impact

Join AIIA members and guests for an engaging end-of-year forum, valuable insights and networking with government and industry peers. Can AI create a more accessible and inclusive future – and how can government make it happen? As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the way government delivers services, a critical question emerges: are we ensuring these technologies work for everyone? Marking the International Day of People with Disability, join the AIIA Canberra Manager’s Forum for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of AI, accessibility, and inclusion. Bringing together senior technology and policy leaders from across the Australian Government, this year-end panel will explore how AI can help break down barriers, improve accessibility, and create more inclusive experiences for Australians. Featuring insights from Rebecca Lee (CIO, DISR), Mark Sawade (CIO, ATO), Monita Lal (First Assistant Secretary, AI Delivery and Enablement, Department of Finance) and Sam Chard PSM (Head of Division, DISR), the conversation will examine the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities that come with embedding accessibility into Australia's evolving digital landscape. From lived experience and the importance of accessible technology to the responsible adoption of AI and the future of government service delivery, discover what it will take to ensure innovation delivers meaningful impact for all. Do not miss this opportunity to hear directly from senior government leaders, gain fresh perspectives, and be part of the conversation, shaping a more accessible and inclusive digital future. Join us for an engaging end-of-year forum, valuable insights and networking with government and industry peers. Tables of ten or individual tickets are available now. Speaker Rebecca Lee CIO DISR Rebecca Lee serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in digital transformation and strategic program delivery. Her career spans both government and private sectors, where she has successfully led multiple large-scale change initiatives focused on enhancing digital capabilities and operational efficiency. Prior to joining the Australian Public Service, Rebecca worked as a Medical Scientist, specialising in Histology and Genetics, and contributing across various scientific disciplines. She holds academic qualifications in Biochemistry and Mathematics, which underpin her analytical approach to problem-solving and innovation. Rebecca’s unique blend of scientific expertise and digital leadership continues to drive impactful transformation across the department. Panellist Mark Sawade CIO ATO Mark is a passionate, committed, and respected technology leader in government with close to 25 years of experience leading policy, strategy, data, digital, and technology delivery functions across government. Mark currently serves as the Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer at the Australian Taxation Office. In this role, Mark provides leadership and strategic direction for the broad technology ecosystem, ensuring support for the agency’s tax, super and registry systems in a rapidly changing digital landscape. He works in close partnership with senior business leaders to ensure that we are taking advantage of the most innovative trends in technology to best support taxpayers, tax agents, ATO staff, and the community. Prior to his current role, Mark was the First Assistant Secretary and Chief Information Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, preceded by previous senior executive leadership roles at the Department of Education, Australian Bureau of Statistics, ComSuper, and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Panellist Monita Lal First Assistant Secretary, AI Delivery and Enablement Division Department of Finance Monita Lal is a senior Australian Public Service executive with extensive experience leading digital transformation, service delivery reform and customer-focused innovation across government. She is the First Assistant Secretary of the AI Delivery and Enablement Division at the Department of Finance, where she leads whole-of-government efforts to support the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and build AI capability across the Australian Public Service. Prior to joining Finance, Monita held a range of senior executive roles at Services Australia, most recently as General Manager, Care and Support, with responsibility for major service delivery programs supporting older Australians, people with disability and carers. She also led significant digital service delivery and customer experience initiatives, including work on myGov, helping shape how government services are designed, delivered and experienced by millions of Australians. Panellist Sam Chard PSM Head of Division DISR Sam Chard, PSM, has over 13 years’ experience in a range of senior executive roles overseeing policy development, program implementation, operations and corporate services. Sam is currently Head of Division, Oil & Gas Division. Within DISR, Sam previously managed the Business Grants Hub, a whole of Government grants design and delivery service; established the department’s integrity capability; was awarded a Public Service Medal for her work to build Australia’s radioactive waste management capability; and led a task force to secure Australia’s supply of COVID-19 PCR tests. Prior to her work with DISR, Sam held a range of senior executive roles in national security policy and operations. Sam is a Disability Champion for the department. Thank you to our Sponsors Terms and Conditions By purchasing tickets to this event you agreed to the capture, storage, and use of your data as detailed in the AIIA Privacy Policy, a link to which is provided here - AIIA Privacy Policy. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to be contacted by AIIA's Membership team. Attendees consent to their filming and sound recording as members of the audience. 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