Speakers at Australian Domestic Gas Outlook 2014 Conference in Sydney
Confirmed speakers include:
Paul Adams
Managing Director
Jemena
Paul Adams is the Managing Director of Jemena which owns and manages gas, electricity and water assets. Paul has over 30 years experience in the energy sector, having worked in Australia, the United States and United Kingdom. Paul is the incoming Chairman of the Energy Networks Association (from November 2013), a director of various companies including ActewAGL and SP PowerGrid in Singapore. He has degrees in engineering, finance and has completed executive training in Australia and at Harvard.
Dr Olumide Adisa
Gas Systems Modeller
Energy Exemplar
Olumide graduated with a Bsc. in Applied mathematics and Electronics at North West University South Africa, in 2007 and completed his Honours in Applied Mathematics at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in 2008. Olumide commenced his PhD in Australia the following year and graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2012. The core of his PhD thesis focused on mathematical modelling of gas storage in nanosystems. Prior to joining Energy Exemplar, Olumide worked as a researcher in the School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide for one year.
Kelvin Askew
Chief Executive Officer
ERM Gas
Over 30 years in the energy industry Kelvin has a comprehensive range of commercial and operational gas experience having held senior management positions at companies such as Pacific Gas & Electricity, Duke Energy, Energex & Enertrade. In addition to overseeing ERM Gas’ exploration and appraisal activities, he developed and manages the commercial and operational teams responsible for all aspects of gas purchase, storage and transportation. Kelvin has directly managed farm-ins, major conventional natural gas and coal seam gas supply and transportation contracts in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and WA. In addition to development and implementation of marketing plans and business cases, he has also been responsible for transmission pipeline projects, capacity management, risk management, and regulatory affairs.
Jon-Maree Baker
Executive Officer
Namoi Water
Namoi Water is the peak industry group for irrigated agriculture in the Peel, Upper Namoi and Lower Namoi Valleys in the North West of NSW where much of the development of gas is occurring in the State of NSW. It is a non-profit, non-political organisation supporting members to achieve a sustainable irrigation industry that meets the environmental, economic and social needs of our local communities.
Jon Baker has been involved in representative agricultural industry groups since 1996, originally working in the cotton industry with the independent cotton consultants association for over a decade. Joining Namoi Water in 2010 she uses her knowledge of the Namoi valley and irrigation industries to continue the effort to protect water rights and ensure sustainable water use.The Namoi Valley has recently completed a regional scale water model which predicts possible impacts from a range of development scenarios, with potential for 27 coal mines and 8 gas fields in the Namoi understanding water both short and long term impacts is a high priority for Namoi Water.
Jon-Maree was a previous winner of the Rural Woman of the Year NSW and was awarded a Centenary Medal for service her service to Rural industries. Her main qualifications are in Business Management. Jon-Maree is fifth generation farmer and has four children, she is based in Narrabri NSW.
Phillip Barresi
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Users Association of Australia
Mr Phillip Barresi commenced as Chief Executive Officer of Energy Users Association (EUAA) in April 2013.
Mr Barresi served as a federal member of parliament for 12 years during the Howard Government period. As the Chair of the powerful Public Accounts and Audit Committee he oversaw a number of inquiries into Government expenditure programs – taxation, defence, trade. He also chaired the last prominent inquiry into the automotive componentry industry sector and independent contracting workplace issues.
In recent years Mr Barresi, as a former director of a government relations organisation, established solid and productive links between energy clients – generation, renewables and networks, including some on EUAA’s membership.
Mr Barresi has extensive experience in policy development, political advocacy, communications and corporate governance. He has previously held roles as Chair of an Australian oil company, member of various not for profit Boards and policy advocacy work with various industry and professional associations.
In 2012, Phillip was seconded to the National Generators Forum, to provide management services while it appointed a new Executive Officer. This was a period that had the industry deal with; the draft energy white paper, energy efficiency reviews, Transmission Framework Review, Auction system for the carbon credits and the RET review.
Since leaving parliament Mr Barresi has continued to maintain his excellent working relationships with government and opposition spokespeople relevant to the area of energy and environment policy.
Dr. Peter Burn
Director - Public Policy
Australian Industry Group
The role of Director – Public Policy involves the development and dissemination of policy advice on a wide range of issues relevant to Ai Group’s members. This embraces economic, industrial, regulatory, social and environmental policy areas as they affect business.
Prior to joining Ai Group in 2002, I was Director – Policy at the Business Council of Australia and previously held academic positions in Economics Departments at the University of Queensland and the University of Newcastle. I began my professional career at the Commonwealth Treasury.
Other current positions:
• Director: Standards Australia
• Director: Industry Super Network
• Alternate Director: AustralianSuper
• Chair: Standards Australia’s Strategy Committee
• Member: AustralianSuper’s Investment Committee
• Member: Industry Funds Management Advisory Board
• Member: Australian Technology Network’s Research Impact Advisory Board
I live in Sydney with my wife and three sons.
David Byers
Chief Executive
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association
David Byers was appointed as Chief Executive of APPEA in October 2011, the peak national body representing Australia's oil and gas exploration and production industry. David has spent most of his career in the oil and gas industry - initially with Woodside and subsequently in senior management roles in Mobil and ExxonMobil in Australia, Singapore and the United States. In 2007, he was appointed Chief Executive of CEDA (Committee for Economic Development of Australia), a leading national economic research and policy forum. David has degrees in economics and law.
Simon Camroux
Manager Regulation and Market Development
AGL Energy
Since commencing work as an energy market regulatory analyst at Macquarie Generation almost 15 years ago, Simon has worked across the energy supply chain, from generation to retail and across a range of issues, from economic regulation to environmental sustainability.
In 2002, Simon was a member of the Parer Energy Market Review Secretariat where he led the development of the Review’s recommendation to implement an emissions trading scheme domestically.
More recently, Simon wrote the Energy Sections of the Victorian Government Climate Change Green and White Paper’s and was the Victorian Government representative on the Commonwealth Government’s National Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Target Working Groups.
Simon also attended the COP15 Climate Change Conference (Copenhagen) on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Simon is currently responsible for managing relevant National Electricity Market regulatory issues on behalf of AGL and holds a Batchelor of Economics (Hons) and Master of Environmental Law.
Cheryl Cartwright
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Pipeline Industry Association
Cheryl’s career spans three decades in business, government, politics and media. Since 2005 Cheryl has led the Australian Pipeline Industry Association – representing the interests of approximately 500 members involved in all sectors of the industry – constructors, owners, operators, advisers, engineering companies and suppliers of pipeline products and services. Before her current role, Cheryl was Chief of Staff to then-Agriculture Minister the Hon Warren Truss MP, who is now Deputy Leader of the Opposition (obviously this could change before your conference!). She has also been Political and Media Adviser to a Federal Cabinet Minister and to an Opposition Leader. Before working in politics she reported on politics as political reporter for television news, on radio and as a print journalist. As well as working in Canberra’s Parliament House Press Gallery, Cheryl also spent two years as State Political Reporter for the Nine Network in Adelaide. In her position as a director of the Australian Gas Industry Trust, Cheryl is Australia’s representative on the International Gas Union’s Executive Council.
“Australia’s domestic gas market faces new challenges over the next decade. The gas transmission industry is in the unique position of being enthusiastic about both the export of gas and the development of the national domestic gas market. This is an important time for policy makers to focus on Australia’s gas industry.”
Mark Collette
Group Executive Manager Energy Markets
EnergyAustralia
EnergyAustralia is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies with over 2.8 million customers, over 5600 MW of controlled generation and over $8B of assets. As Group Executive Manager, Energy Markets at EnergyAustralia, Mark is responsible for EnergyAustralia’s wholesale market operations involving the annual sale or purchase of over $3B of coal, gas, electricity, renewable energy certificates and associated commodities. Mark and his team have a unique vantage point within the industry as EnergyAustralia is the only player with wholesale operations covering brown coal, black coal, gas, renewables and large and small retailing. Mark focuses daily on the major issues affecting the industry including the introduction of a carbon price, falling demand and changing fuel prices. Mark has been with EnergyAustralia for 9 years in roles focused on corporate strategy, policy and wholesale market operations. Mark holds degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration and Economics.
John Cotter
Chairman
Queensland Gas Fields Commission
John Cotter is a beef producer and GasFields Commission Queensland Chairman. He is recognised as an industry leader with more than 30 years’ experience in rural advocacy.
A former AgForce President, Mr Cotter has successfully represented and negotiated the rights of rural property owners through challenging times. He has brought coal seam gas (CSG) company executives, landholders, government and advocacy groups to the same table and chaired open and frank discussions on co-existence issues in his current Commission role and with the former Surat Basin CSG Engagement Group.
Mr Cotter is a life-long rural producer who believes in sustainably managing the land. He is passionate about profiling food and energy in urban communities.
Allan Dawson
Chief Executive Officer
Independent Market Operator (IMO)
Allan was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Market Operator (IMO) in 2008. The IMO is the the operator of Western Australia’s Wholesale Electricity Market. The IMO is principally responsible for operating the electricity market, managing market evolution and securing sufficient reserve capacity to meet expected demand. In May 2011, the IMO was selected to operate a Gas Bulletin Board (GBB) and develop a Gas Statement of Opportunities (GSOO) for WA. Prior to joining the IMO, Allan played a leading role in the implementation and operation of the New Zealand and Singapore electricity markets. As M-co’s General Manager Operations, Allan managed the establishment and operation of the New Zealand Electricity Market. In 2001, Allan was appointed CEO of the Energy Market Company (Singapore’s electricity market operator) managing the establishment and operation of the National Electricity Market of Singapore. In 2009, Allan was appointed to the Board of the Association of Power Exchanges (APEx) for a second term and was appointed Chairman on 11 October 2011.
Peter Geers
Group Manager Business Strategy
Australian Energy Market Operator
Peter is the Group Manager Business Strategy with the Australian Energy Market Operator. He has a broad role, including responsibility for developing AEMO’s five year strategic plan, business development and the further development of gas markets. Peter is currently leading the development of the Wallumbilla Gas Supply Hub. Previously, Peter led the market design and legal teams for development and implementation of the Sydney and Adelaide wholesale gas Short Term Trading Market (STTM). Prior to his role at AEMO, Peter held positions as Manager, Gas Strategy at AGL, Electricity Trading Manager and Structured Deal Manager at TXU Australia. Before joining the energy industry Peter was a commodities trader in the grain and chemical industries with a variety of companies including Sumitomo Australia.
Randa Fahmy Hudome
Former Associate Deputy Secretary
Department of Energy (DoE), USA
An internationally recognized expert in energy policy and global affairs, Randa Fahmy Hudome has more than twenty-five years of legal and public policy experience, including service in the executive branch of the United States Government as the Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy. Randa presently serves as President of Fahmy Hudome International (FHI), a strategic consulting firm, which provides critical advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies, foreign governments, media organizations, and private sector entities with an interest in international business transactions and energy policy. Prior to founding FHI, Ms. Fahmy Hudome was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the U.S. Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy. Working with the White House and the Departments of State and Commerce, she developed and implemented the Administration’s international energy policy. Her keen diplomatic skills became a critical factor when dealing with both producer and consumer nations as she exercised a quiet diplomacy strategy in the petroleum market. Also during her tenure at Department of Energy, Randa was also the point person for increased advocacy on behalf of American energy companies seeking business around the globe. From 1995-2001, Randa served as Counselor to United States Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI). During the six years she spent in the legislative branch, she was credited with shaping many pieces of legislation that affected U.S. interests abroad. She also served as a policy advisor to the Senator during his tenure on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, focusing on immigration and terrorism legislation. Prior to her government service, Randa practiced law with Willkie, Farr and Gallagher, where she specialized in the areas of communications, international trade, and corporate litigation. She maintains bar memberships in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the United States Court of International Trade. Randa’s expertise in international energy and trade policy has been sought by the U.S. Secretary of State, who appointed her to serve on the U.S. State Department Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy, and by the Secretary of Energy who appointed her to serve on the U.S. Secretary of Energy Advisory Board. In 2011,
Kerrie-Anne Lanigan
Gas & Power Marketing Director
Esso Australia
As Gas and Power Marketing Director for ExxonMobil in Australia, Kerrie-Anne leads the team responsible for marketing the natural gas and associated products produced by Esso Australia. Kerrie-Anne joined ExxonMobil in 1995 as an engineer and spent the early party of her career in a variety of technical assignments supporting Esso’s production operations in Gippsland, Victoria. In 2002 she relocated to the U.K. where she held several roles supporting the European Sales business. From 2005 Kerrie-Anne had a range of commercial and managerial assignments in the US. Prior to her return to Australia in 2010, Kerrie-Anne was located in Houston as the Manager of ExxonMobil Power and Gas Services, with responsibility for the procurement of power and natural gas for ExxonMobil operations globally. Kerrie-Anne is a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program at Queensland University of Technology and holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School. She is married with two children and enjoys running and horse riding in her spare time.
Gerald Leach
Chair
National Farmers’ Federation’s Climate Change Working Group and National Farmers’ Federation’s Sustainability Committee
Mr Gerald Leach has been Chair of the National Farmers’ Federation’s the NFF’s Sustainability Committee ((formally known as the Land and Native Vegetation Taskforce) since 2006 and represents the organisation on issues relating to the Environmental Stewardship Program. He also chairs Carbon Taskforce (formally known as the Climate Change Working Group) since 2007.
He is strongly committed to finding market based solutions to natural resource management issues in preference to regulation.
Raised on an irrigation property in the Sunraysia district of Victoria, he has spent his working life as a dryland farmer at Walpeup in the Mallee region. The family operated property integrates cereal cropping and livestock grazing, producing wheat, barley, oats, wool and prime lambs.
The Hon. Mark McArdle MP
Minister for Energy and Water Supply
Queensland Government
Mark McArdle was first elected to Queensland Parliament on 7 February 2004 as the Member for Caloundra. During his time in Parliament, Minister McArdle has held many central positions including Leader of the Liberal Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition after the merger between the Liberal and National Parties. Following the successful election of the Liberal National Party to form Government in Queensland in 2012, the Member for Caloundra was appointed Minister for Energy and Water Supply. The Minister is extremely passionate about cost of living issues impacting Queenslanders and has initiated vital reform processes in the Energy and Water sectors since taking the portfolio. This includes creating a 30-Year Energy Strategy and a 30-Year Water Strategy in order to provide a sustainable blueprint for the future of Queensland. The creation of Inter-Departmental Committees for Energy and Water Supply, including an Independent Review Panel for electricity, displays the Minister’s commitment to ensuring a holistic and informed approach to long-term reform. Minister McArdle is an active local Member and an avid supporter of community groups within his electorate of Caloundra. Prior to entering politics the Minister worked as a solicitor in both the public and private arenas. He is currently patron of the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra, Sunshine Coast Disability Group and Caloundra State High School, amongst others. Minister McArdle and his wife, Judy, have lived on the Sunshine Coast for 24 years and have a grown family.
Jim McDonald
Chairman
IntelliGas Group
Jim is the foundation Chairman of the IntelliGas Group, a start-up business which has developed and is commercialising world patented systems for the hydraulic compression, pressure management and dispensing of high pressure compressed natural gas (CNG).
The technology expands the opportunity for CNG as fuel by enabling high pressure, high energy density CNG to be compressed and held at low temperatures at CNG re-fueling stations then rapidly dispensed at low temperatures and high rates, to be carried in composite cylinders as fuel on trucks and other large mobile equipment, and to be transported in “virtual pipelines”, creating the opportunity for CNG to displace liquid fuels in a range of large fixed and mobile engines.
Prior to IntelliGas, Jim was the foundation CEO and Managing Director of the ASX Listed Australian Pipeline Trust (now APA Group) and, during a career spanning 35 years in the oil and gas industry, also held senior management positions with AGL and Esso Australia.
Jim has served on a number of ASX listed company boards, including as Chairman of WDS Limited and as a Director of Pearlstreet Limited. He was a Director of Hastings Funds Management Limited, the Responsible Entity for a number of Listed Trusts, and served as Chairman of the Energy Pipelines CRC Limited.
Jim is a past member of the Boards of the Australian Gas Association and the Australian Council for Infrastructure Development. He has also served the Australian Pipeline Industry Association at board level over many years in a number of roles, including two terms as President; he has been awarded Life Membership of the Association.
Steven Mouzakis
National Energy & Sustainability Manager
Brickworks Building Products
Sue Morphet
Chairman
Manufacturing Australia
Sue Morphet is a highly regarded businesswoman and was appointed as Manufacturing Australia’s Chairman in March 2013.
Ms. Morphet is passionate about the future of manufacturing having spent the last 30 years working in this sector, more than half of which were with the iconic Australian apparel company Pacific Brands. As the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer from January 2008 until September 2012, Ms. Morphet was responsible for putting in place a strategy that has since helped the company return to profit and ongoing viability.
Prior to Pacific Brands Ms. Morphet held senior positions with a number of other well-known manufacturing companies including Sheridan and Herbert Adams.
Under Ms. Morphet’s leadership Manufacturing Australia intends to continue working with the Australian Federal and State Governments as well as other industries and influencers to ensure fair and appropriate industry policies, and to secure the future of this sector.
The Hon. Dr. Mike Nahan MLA
Minister for Energy
Government of Western Australia
Mike Nahan is the Western Australian Minister for Energy; Finance; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests.
Dr Nahan was elevated to this position within the Cabinet following the Liberal National Government’s electoral win in March 2013.
He was first elected as the Member for Riverton in the 2008 State Election and has held the position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, Energy and Indigenous Affairs.
Dr Nahan chaired the Economics and Industry Standing Committee and has undertaken important inquiries into big issues affecting the State, including domestic gas prices.
The Minister arrived in Australia in 1978 from the United States and arrived in Western Australia in 1982. Prior to becoming a State politician he was Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs.
He brings to the Ministerial role a lifetime of experience, leadership and values as a parent, a State public servant, an economist and a proven champion for the local community.
Mike holds a PhD in Economics from the Australian National University and was awarded a Centenary Medal by the Australian Government in 2000 for his contribution to public policy.
A keen sportsman himself, Mike is proud to be the Patron of the Riverton Football Club Inc. Mike also has a strong involvement in the Riverton RSL.
Mike is married to Dr Nyuk Nahan, who is originally from Malaysia and they have two children, a daughter Keavy who is has completed her masters in the USA and a son Key, who is studying podiatry at the University of Western Australia.
Mike has a passion for ideas, debate and growth, and a keen interest in sailing.
Keith Orchison
Director
Coolibah Pty Ltd
Keith Orchison has been engaged in the energy industry for 32 years, of which he spent 24 as chief executive of national industry associations dealing with upstream petroleum and electricity. For a decade he was also prominent in the Australian Industry Greenhouse Network, an alliance of 14 associations of energy suppliers and users, which he helped to found. From 2003-07 he served on the Howard government's Critical Infrastructure Advisory Council, chairing its energy committee. He was chairman of the CSIRO energy technology advisory committee in the late 1990s and deputy chairman of the Australian Electricity Supply Industry Research Board through the 1990s. In 2011-12 he has been a member of the Federal Government's energy white paper reference group. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004.
Today he is a consultant and a writer about energy. He edits the "Powering Australia" yearbook, writes extensively on energy in "Business Spectator" and in other publications in Australia and overseas and is the publisher of the "This is Power" blog and a monthly newsletter on his Coolibah Pty Ltd website (www.coolibahconsulting.com.au). He consults to companies, associations and other consultants in the energy arena.
Cameron O'Reilly
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Retailers Association of Australia
Cameron O’Reilly is the CEO of the ERAA. With a longstanding background in energy and public policy, he has worked at the centre of government and business relations for most of his career – advising on policy, as an executive for outsourcing firms, as well as consulting on public affairs.
Cameron holds a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney University and a Master of Management and Public Policy from Monash University, where he undertook a major research essay on the genesis of the National Electricity Market (NEM). He is also a Fulbright scholar where he undertook research at the University of Texas on the impact of climate change policy on the US energy sector. Cameron also holds positions in the following Boards and Advisory Groups:
• Director of the Australian Gas Industry Trust (AGIT)
• Chairman of Energy Assured Limited
• Member of the Advisory Committee of the VaasaETT Global Energy Think Tank
• Member of the Federal Government’s Smart Grid, Smart City Strategic Policy and Regulatory Steering Committee
• Member of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency (TUSMA)
David Paterson
Director
Emergent Advisory
David Paterson has worked in the mining industry for 25 years. During this time he has been involved in assignments in more than 30 countries, in functions from exploration to shipping.
An economist by training, in recent years his work has focused on creating corporate value through strategic external relations. From 2004 to 2010 David led community, media and government relations for Rio Tinto’s uranium business in Australia. In 2010, he moved to Mongolia as Rio Tinto’s Country Director and subsequently took on responsibility for Regional Development and Communications at the $6 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine in the South Gobi.
Throughout his career, David has been closely involved in major capital projects, M&A and commercial transactions.
Since leaving Rio Tinto, David has established a consultancy focused on advising mining companies on strategic issues related to external relations and corporate social responsibility.
John Pierce
Chairman
Australian Energy Market Commission
Commissioner Pierce was appointed AEMC Chairman in June 2010. His commitment to industry and regulatory reform has underpinned his contribution to national energy reform through a number of senior roles including his tenure as Secretary of the Federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism which followed 12 years of service as Secretary of the New South Wales (NSW) Treasury. He was a key adviser to Government and Chairman of the NSW Treasury Corporation. Prior to his time at NSW Treasury he was Pacific Power Chief Economist. John holds a BEc, Hon. (UNSW). He was a Visiting Scholar at Boston University during 2004-2005 working with Professor L. Kotlikoff on the economic and fiscal implications of an ageing population and with R. D. Behr from the Kennedy School of Government on public sector performance management.
The Hon. Andrew Powell MP
Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection
Queensland Government
The Honourable Andrew Powell is the Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and member for Glass House. Mr Powell has been a passionate advocate on environmental matters both as the opposition spokesman and now as a minister in the Newman government. He completed degrees in Science and Arts at the University of Queensland majoring in Geographical Sciences, Modern History and Russian. He was recruited from University by the Department of Defence where he received a strong grounding in international relations, human resources and financial management. After a short stint working in Fiji (cut even shorter by the 2000 coup), he has since worked for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Child Safety before being elected as the LNP Member for Glass House in the Sunshine Coast hinterland in 2009. Since becoming Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection in 2012, Mr Powell has overseen the establishment of a new department focused on delivering strong environmental regulation and sustainable economic development. He has successfully pursued a wide range of policy initiatives across his portfolio and demonstrated his ongoing dedication to the protection of Queensland’s natural environment and built heritage for future generations.
Miles Prosser
Executive Director
Australian Aluminium Council
Miles Prosser is the Executive Director of the Australian Aluminium Council, the peak association for the bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting industry sectors. Miles has twenty years experience in industry policy issues. He has previously worked for the pulp & paper and forest industries on a range of issues relating to resource allocation, sustainability and climate change. Miles has experience in the development and implementation of policy from the perspective of Government, resource suppliers, major processing companies and industry associations. The priorities of the Australian Aluminium Council include an effective response to climate change, the renewable energy target and the reputation of the aluminium industry and its products.
The Hon. Anthony Roberts MP
Minister for Resources and Energy
NSW Government
The Hon Anthony Roberts MP is the NSW Minister for Resources and Energy, and Special Minister of State. Elected as the Member for Lane Cove in 2003, Anthony previously served as the Minister for Fair Trading from March 2011 to December 2013. Prior to becoming a Member of the NSW Parliament, he served as Mayor of Lane Cove Municipal Council and was an advisor to former Prime Minister John Howard. A former Captain in the Australian Army Reserves, Anthony proudly served in peace keeping operations in Bougainville as part of Operation Bel Isi.
Councillor John Rosenbaum
Mayor
Gloucester Shire Council
I am currently the Mayor of Gloucester Shire Council and have a strong background in the agricultural industry (cattle and pastures). My home town of Gloucester has, during the last eight years, been subjected to activities by extractive industries including coal seam gas which could dramatically change the agricultural landscape of our region and our way of life. I have witnessed first-hand the negative effect this has had on both individuals and the community at large and on our beautiful valley’s landscape. I have grave concerns for the long term future of our pristine region and its present and potential future residents, the viability for business operators and the experience being offered to visitors. As a result of this invasion by extractive industries, I believe Gloucester’s future and potential growth will be immeasurably compromised.
Richard Sellers
Director General - Department of Mines and Petroleum
Government of Western Australia
Mr Sellers was appointed Director General of the Department of Mines and Petroleum in Western Australia in June 2009.
Mr Sellers holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Biology, a Graduate Diploma in Education and Master of Public Policy and Management.
Mr Sellers has extensive experience in natural resource management and the regulation and approval of the mineral and petroleum industry. His work on reform is widely recognised and in his current position has taken a lead role in improving WA’s safety performance, approval processes and has worked hard encouraging exploration to ensure WA’s ongoing development.
Professor Stefaan Simons
Director - International Energy Policy Institute
UCL School of Energy and Resources
Professor Stefaan Simons, BSc (hons), PhD, CEng FIChemE
Professor Simons, CEng FIChemE, is Professor of Chemical Engineering at University College London (UCL), Director of the Centre for CO2 Technology (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/centre-for-co2-technology/), and Director of the International Energy Policy Institute (IEPI), UCL Australia. His research expertise is founded on particle technology (he is a former Chair of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Particle Technology Subject Group), with a focus on the minerals and pharmaceutical sectors. He has used this expertise to develop low carbon technologies and processes for the energy and chemical industries and was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Global Research Fellowship to develop his ideas on the open innovation of such technologies, spending time at University California, Berkeley (2009) and the University of Melbourne (2010). Professor Simons has more than 190 publications in books, journals and conference proceedings and is a member of the IChemE’s Education & Accreditation Forum.
Since 1994 Professor Simons has been working with universities in Kazakhstan and Russia, developing modern chemical engineering degree curricula, and, as the first Dean of Engineering, was responsible for founding the School of Engineering at Nazarbayev University, the new international university in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city, of which UCL is the strategic partner for the Foundation Programme and Engineering. He spent 3 years working with NU establishing the School of Engineering, from concept through to the intake of its second student cohort. Completing his secondment to NU at the end of August 2012, Professor Simons then joined UCL’s department in Adelaide, Australia, in September as the inaugural director of the IEPI and BHP Billiton Chair of Energy Policy.
Matthew Warren
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Supply Association of Australia
Matthew Warren joined esaa in January 2012, having spent 15 years working as an environment and energy policy specialist. An economist by training, his objective at esaa is to ensure that esaa’s research and advocacy assists the downstream electricity and gas sector to continue to provide a safe, reliable and affordable energy supply for Australia.
Matthew was previously CEO of the Clean Energy Council, where he made a significant contribution to Australian policy debate on the role of renewable energy in meeting the challenges of reducing emissions.
Matthew has also worked for the mining industry in NSW, as an environmental consultant to both government and industry and was a trainee in the Environment Directorate of the European Commission. He has also worked as a journalist, most recently as the environment writer for The Australian newspaper.
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Economics with Honours from the University of Adelaide.
Rob Wheals
Group Executive – Transmission
APA Group
As Group Executive Transmission, Rob is responsible for both the commercial and operational performance of APA Group’s transmission and gas storage assets. Rob joined APA Group in 2008 as General Manager - Commercial and moved into the position of Group Executive - Transmission in 2012. He has been responsible for managing the organic expansion of APA Group’s gas transmission and storage portfolio, totalling in excess of $1 billion of capital projects over this time. Rob’s previous experience is in the telecommunications sector where he covered areas such as operational and financial performance, business development, regulatory, mergers and acquisitions and strategic developments. He is passionate about ensuring a strong customer focus, as well as improving service performance and business operational efficiency. Rob has tertiary qualifications in finance and management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors.
The Hon. Willem Westra van Holthe MLA
Minister for Mines and Energy
Northern Territory Government
Willem Westra van Holthe represents the electorate of Katherine in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, having been elected at the 2008 election. Willem grew up in Brisbane with his Dutch father and Australian mother. He moved to the Territory in 1984, working as a Police Officer at Maranboy then at Mataranka as the Police Officer in Charge. After 8 years at Alice Springs, which included 5 years in Norforce, Willem moved back to Katherine – a region that he loves.He and his wife ran a small business and became involved in the Katherine Region Tourist Association, promoting Katherine as a tourist destination. Working as a Police Officer, owning a business and being on Katherine's peak Tourism body has given Willem exposure to a wide range of issues that affect
Katherine.
He is married to Jennie and together they have three sons.
Minister Westra van Holthe holds the portfolios of:
• Mines and Energy
• Primary Industry and Fisheries
• Land Resource Management
• Essential Services
Dr. Leo Yanes
Principal
ACIL Allen Consulting
Leo holds Ph.D. and M.Sc. qualifications in economics from the London School of Economics and has been a Visiting Research Scholar in the Department of Economics at Harvard. Leo has extensive expertise in quantitative methods, with a strong emphasis on planning, valuation (discounted cash flows, cost-benefit analysis), quantitative risk analysis (Monte Carlo simulation), optimisation, econometrics and general equilibrium.
Leo’s experience in the oil & gas sector encompasses project appraisal using discounted cash flow and long and short-run forecasting. Leo has built cash flow models for various oil & gas projects at Santos, PDVSA (the national oil company of Venezuela) and various off-shore and on-shore projects in Western Australia and the Timor Sea.
Specialties:
Economic modelling for the oil & gas industry
Optimisation
Probabilistic valuation (risk analysis based on Monte Carlo simulation)
General Equilibrium
Applied econometrics
Takashi Yoshida
Director General, Research & Analysis Department
Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC)
A law graduate from Japan's Sophia University, Takashi Yoshida joined Japan National Oil Corporation (JNOC) in 1981. His career has progressed over 30 years within JNOC and its successor Japan Oil, Gas & Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), and he has held senior positions in the Sydney and London offices. He is currently based in Tokyo, where he heads JOGMEC's Research & Analysis Department.
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