ACT Minister's Breakfast 2026

Written by Peter Fry | Jul 9, 2026, 6:16:20 AM

The 2026 ACT Industry Breakfast theme is "The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence in the Water Industry." Join us for an insightful discussion featuring a panel by key decision makers in Canberra.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, unlocking transformative opportunities across the water sector. From intelligent infrastructure to advanced analytics, it enables smarter operations, real-time decision-making, and more efficient, adaptive use of resources.

The 2026 Ministers Breakfast will highlight AI’s potential to enhance asset management, optimise water use and treatment, and reshape workforce practices. It will also examine broader impacts on the ACT, including the infrastructure required to support AI, such as data centres, and the need for a coordinated policy and regulatory response.

Join us to explore the opportunities, challenges, and practical benefits of AI as it continues to redefine the future of water.

The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence in the Water Industry Panel

Suzanne Orr MLA Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Minister for Equality, Minister for Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity	Suzanne Orr MLA, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Minister for Equality, Minister for Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Born, raised, and educated in Canberra, Suzanne began her career as an urban planner for the Australian Public Service. With a passion for caring for the environment and community she was first elected as a Member for Yerrabi in October 2016. Since being elected, she has worked closely with local groups and community members to ensure that local infrastructure reflects the wants and needs of the community. This also includes the introduction of laws that recognise the importance of unpaid carers in our community and providing universal provision of period products. Suzanne holds a diverse combination of portfolios spanning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; Housing and Homelessness; Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water; Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity; and Equality. As a Minister, Suzanne continues to work with people with lived experience to shape policies and programs that make our community more inclusive, supporting all of those who need it.
Tony Pollock Chief Digital and Information Officer, Icon Water	Tony Pollock, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Icon Water Dr Tony Pollock is responsible for the development and delivery of Icon Water’s technology strategy and information and communications technology operations. As General Manager for Digital Technology Group he leads a diverse team to provide enterprise architecture, data management, program and project management, cyber security, change management and operations across Icon Water’s digital technology environments. Dr Pollock has over 25 years’ experience in strategic planning, program management, business change, and ICT development and operations in both the public and private sectors, with a particular focus on improving business efficiency and customer experience through technology, innovation and digital transformation. Before joining Icon Water he held several senior executive positions in Australian defence and national security. Prior to this, Dr Pollock held several roles developing and commercialising emerging technologies across the telecommunications, health and energy sectors.
Chris Seysener General Manager - AI Strategy and Transformation, Atturra	Chris Seysener, General Manager - AI Strategy and Transformation, Atturra Chris Seysener is General Manager of AI Strategy and Transformation at Atturra, where he leads the AI Accelerator and internal AI strategy. He has more than 25 years' experience in technology leadership across financial services, utilities, logistics and mining. As CIO of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator, he led the transformation of one of Australia's most critical infrastructure networks, using AI, digital twins and advanced analytics to add $700 million in coal chain throughput within a year. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and CIO50 honouree, Chris helps organisations put AI to work responsibly and deliver measurable value.
Lucy Hovanec APAC Business Advisory Leader, GHD	Panel Facilitator: Lucy Hovanec, APAC Business Advisory Leader, GHD Lucy Hovanec is GHD’s APAC Business Advisory Leader, working with clients across a multitude of sectors on some of the world’s most exciting challenges! Lucy leads highly talented Advisors who guide infrastructure clients along their AI journey, helping them to use their asset intelligence, data and insights to inform risk and decision making for a sustainable future. Lucy recently attended Harvard Business School’s Frontier Firms AI course in Boston, leading her to believe that the successful implementation of AI comes down to excellence in leadership much more so than technology.

Event Information

Date	Tuesday, 3 November 2026
Time	7:15am - 9:30am
Venue	QT Canberra
Address	1 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601

Registration Type	Registration Fee
Member	$115.00
Non-Member	$161.00
Concession Member (students, retired members, YWP under 25)	$86.00

Corporate Tables

To secure a full table, all tickets must be purchased individually so that we can collect each individual's relevant contact details. Tables will consist of eight (8) persons. If you wish to purchase a full table, you must purchase eight (8) individual tickets - select the "or add multiple" option displayed under a ticket type and input the quantity required.

Not a member? To find out more about AWA's membership benefits, please contact membership@awa.asn.au.

Sponsorship
If you wish to register your interest to Sponsor at the ACT Minister's Breakfast 2026, click the button below and complete the expression of interest form.

If you require more information, please contact:

Madeleine Vumbaca, Event Coordinator | Ph: 02 9467 8427 | mvumbaca@awa.asn.au

Peter Fry, Member Engagement Manager | Ph: 02 9467 8419 | pfry@awa.asn.au

Troy Waite, Mgr, Sponsorships & Advertising | P: 02 9467 8426 | twaite@awa.asn.au

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