RadComms 2026: Speakers

Sri Amirthalingam

Chief Technology Officer, Optus

Sri Amirthalingam joined Optus in January 2026. He brings over 3 decades of extensive telecommunications and technology leadership.

Prior to Optus, Sri spent 35 years at Telstra, where he was instrumental in shaping wireless strategy and delivering national-scale infrastructure programs – from the era of 1G through to Telstra’s industry-first 5G deployment.

Sri combines deep technical fluency with strategic foresight and commercial acumen. He has led end-to-end network planning, spectrum strategy and large multidisciplinary teams, driving innovations that have redefined telco performance across Australia.

He holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (University of South Alabama, Magna Cum Laude), master’s degrees in engineering and legal studies (UNSW), and an MBA (AGSM). He is also a Visiting Professor at UTS and a Board Member of SMARTAID Australia.

Carol Bennett

Chief Executive Officer of ACCAN, BASc, MPP, MAICD

Carol Bennett brings over 20 years of experience leading national peak bodies to her role overseeing all of ACCAN's work and operations. She is a highly respected leader with a strong track record of delivering positive change for consumers and communities across her previous CEO roles. Carol has held senior executive and board positions with national peak bodies in the health sector, most recently serving as CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform from 2021 until joining ACCAN in mid-2024.

Throughout her career, Carol has driven organisational growth and delivered real reform across health, aged care, gambling, and now communications policy, through strategic partnerships with government, business and community groups. She has also built an international network through board memberships focused on consumer outcomes.

Carol brings outstanding expertise in strategic decision-making, communications, advocacy, stakeholder management, financial performance, and corporate governance, alongside an enviable national network across media, business and government.

Paul Burford

Director Defence Spectrum, Australian Department of Defence

Paul Burford has over 26 years’ experience in spectrum management in both domestic and international forums including the International Telecommunication Union activities. In his current role Paul is the Director of the Defence Spectrum Office which manages the spectrum for all of Defence for both terrestrial and satellite systems. He has held a variety of roles in spectrum management within Defence but has had a particular focus for a large part of his career in securing spectrum access for Defence satellite systems. In a previous role he worked in Airservices Australia as a spectrum engineer and as an engineer maintaining navigation aids.

Paul has a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Engineering Science (Electrical Engineering) from the University of New South Wales (ADFA).

Carolina Chiaradio

Acting Head of Audience Marketing, SBS

Carolina Chiaradio leads audience growth and engagement across the SBS network's diverse portfolio of content and services. With more than 20 years of experience across media and entertainment, Carolina has held leadership roles in Australia and Latin America, including at SBS and The Walt Disney Company, with expertise in audience strategy, multicultural engagement and integrated marketing.

Since joining SBS in 2021, Carolina has helped grow audiences across SBS On Demand, News, Sport, Audio and First Nations content. Most recently, she led the marketing strategy for SBS's exclusive coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, bringing together audience insight, creativity and data-led marketing to connect millions of Australians with the tournament and drive ongoing engagement with SBS.

Luke Coleman

Chief Executive Officer, ATA

Luke Coleman has 20 years of experience in the Australian telecommunications sector, with roles across government, operators, vendors and the media.

Since September 2024, Luke has been CEO of industry peak body the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (formerly Communications Alliance), successfully executing a merger with the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) in 2026.

Before joining the ATA, Luke was Head of Government and Corporate Affairs at Vocus from 2019–24; Chief of Staff, Senior Adviser and Media Adviser to Communications Ministers Mitch Fifield and Paul Fletcher between 2014–18; Public Policy and Communications Manager for a global telecoms equipment vendor from 2010–14; and Editor-in-Chief of industry publication Communications Day from 2007–10.

Chris Coughlan

Head of Spectrum and Network Infrastructure, ATA

Chris Coughlan is Head of Spectrum and Network Infrastructure at the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA, formerly AMTA), where he leads work on spectrum policy and network infrastructure issues shaping Australia's telecommunications sector.

Drawing on more than 40 years of industry experience, Chris has held senior leadership roles across operations, engineering, R&D, sales and marketing, regulation, and general management. His career has included senior and executive positions at Telstra, NBN and Lucent/Alcatel-Lucent, where he led major network deployment and operations programs, including the delivery and management of Telecom New Zealand's mobile network.

Chris began his telecommunications career as an apprentice technician with Telecom Australia in 1979, giving him a unique end-to-end perspective on the industry's evolution.

Robert Crofts

Executive Manager, Spectrum Allocations, Licensing and Policy Branch, ACMA

Robert Crofts is the Executive Manager of the Spectrum Allocations, Licensing and Policy Branch at the ACMA. His team plays a lead role in setting the ACMA’s spectrum policy agenda, including dealing with the expiring spectrum licences that support mobile and other services, preparing for and running major spectrum allocations and providing policy advice on broadcasting and other spectrum issues.

Robert previously worked at the Attorney-General’s Department for over a decade on criminal justice, national security and native title policy, and has also spent time at the National Indigenous Australians Agency and in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Matthew Hancock

General Manager, Streaming and Digital Products, SBS

Matthew Hancock leads the product and development strategy of SBS On Demand, as well as SBS’s wider news and audio digital platforms. With more than 25 years of experience spanning public broadcasting, screen agencies and the independent production sector, he specialises in digital transformation and long-term forecasting and investment planning, helping shape digital experiences that strengthen audience engagement and deliver lasting public value.

Matthew led the digital broadcast strategy for SBS’s exclusive coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which saw more than 50% of the audience engage with the tournament through SBS On Demand.

Chris Hofer

Head of International Spectrum Management and Strategy, Amazon

Chris Hofer joined Amazon Leo in 2020 as Head, International Spectrum Management and Strategy, with responsibility for spectrum policy and satellite coordination.

An engineer by training, Chris leads Amazon Leo’s work at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) and operator-to-operator satellite radio frequency coordination. He also leads Amazon Leo’s collaboration with astronomers and currently serves as the co-chair of the Industry and Technology Hub at the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of the Dark & Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference.

Before Amazon, Chris served as director of regulatory affairs for Viasat, representing Viasat’s satellite interests in the ITU’s Working Party 4A preparations for the WRC. He also served as the elected international chairman of ITU-R Study Group 4 for 2 terms, from 2012–19.

Previously, Chris was the lead representative for WRC activities for the Chief Information Office of the Office of Secretary of Defense. Earlier he worked at the US Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), acting as the chairman of the Space Systems Subcommittee under the US interagency spectrum group, Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC).

He holds a master’s degree in telecommunications from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University.

Chris Hose

Manager, International Radiocommunications Strategy and Liaison team, ACMA

Chris Hose is the Manager of the International Radiocommunications Strategy and Liaison team at the ACMA. He leads the ACMA's engagement on radiocommunications and spectrum management matters with organisations including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), industry stakeholders and peer regulators.

He has contributed to Australia's ITU and APT spectrum management activities since 2000. During this time, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Head of the Australian Delegation to the Second Conference Preparatory Meeting for WRC-23, Deputy Head of the Australian Delegation to WRC-23, and Chair of the Editorial Committee of the APT Preparatory Group (APG) for WRC-23.

Chris has worked predominantly at the ACMA and its predecessor since 2000, including a decade leading the Spectrum Planning and Engineering Branch. Combining technical expertise with extensive regulatory and international policy experience, Chris has contributed to the development of Australia's spectrum management framework for more than 25 years.

Andrew Irwin

Assistant Secretary, DITRDCSA

Andrew Irwin is the Assistant Secretary for the Telecommunications Industry Branch at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA).

Andrew has been in the role since August 2025. Prior to that, he led work on online safety and broader digital platform regulation as well as policy covering broadcasting and news media, and international telecommunications. His background reflects a strong focus on policy development and strategic planning within the Australian Government.

Mike Johns

Senior Manager, Satellite and Equipment, ATA

Mike Johns is the Senior Manager, Satellite & Equipment at the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA), the peak national industry body representing Australia's telecommunications and satellite sectors.

Andrew leads ATA's work on satellite services, customer equipment, emergency communications and industry standards, and manages a range of technical and regulatory working groups involving mobile network operators, satellite service providers, equipment manufacturers and government stakeholders.

Mike has extensive experience in telecommunications policy, spectrum management, standards development and regulatory affairs. He is closely involved in industry engagement on emerging non-terrestrial networks (NTN), direct-to-device satellite services, emergency communications, and World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) matters. Through ATA's Satellite Services Working Group, he works with industry and government to address the opportunities and challenges arising from rapid developments in low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technologies.

Lisa La Rance

First Assistant Secretary, DITRDCSA

Lisa La Rance is a First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport, and the Arts (DITRDCSA).

Lisa heads up the Communications Service and Systems Division, within the Communications, Media and Sport Group.

Prior to joining the department in early 2021, Lisa held senior roles in policy development and program delivery at the departments of Finance, Health, and Social Services.

Carolyn Lidgerwood

Authority Member, ACMA

Carolyn Lidgerwood was appointed to the ACMA as a full-time Authority Member in September 2023. Carolyn is the Authority Lead for Content, Gambling, and Compliance and Enforcement.

Carolyn joined the ACMA after working as a lawyer and regulatory compliance expert with leading global and Australian organisations for more than 30 years.

Immediately prior to being appointed to the ACMA, Carolyn was global Head of Privacy at Rio Tinto for 12 years. Prior to Rio Tinto, Carolyn was General Counsel and Company Secretary at Southern Cross Media (then Australia’s largest regional broadcasting company), where she provided legal and regulatory advice to 66 commercial radio stations and 21 television stations.

Carolyn was also Special Counsel at Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers in Sydney for more than a decade, where she acted for clients across every part of the Australian broadcasting industry (national, commercial, community and subscription broadcasters).

Carolyn grew up on a farm at Tungamah in north-east Victoria, Australia and holds honours degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Melbourne.

Ian Martin

Senior Telecommunications Analyst, New Street Research

Ian Martin has been an analyst of the Australian telecoms market for nearly 40 years and has covered the mobile market since inception in the late 1980s. He produces regular reports on the mobile market and the operations and financial performance of the mobile network operators, Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone.

Recently, he produced several reports for the ACMA's work on Expiring Spectrum Licences, including MNOs' willingness to pay for, and ability to fund, ESL renewal.

He is currently reviewing the MNO's operations and financial performance for the period to June 2026 and reviewing the MNO investment outlook for ongoing 5G rollout, 6G and AI.

Enrico Palermo

Head, Australian Space Agency (ASA)

Enrico has led the Australian Space Agency since January 2021. Since his commencement, Enrico has proudly led a diverse team of space agents that have achieved a number of major milestones.

Under his leadership, the agency has reached an agreement with NASA for an Australian designed, built and operated rover to be included in a future mission to the moon, secured the first launch permits and launch facility licenses under the Australian Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018, and seen the first commercial spaceflights from Australia.

Before joining the agency, Enrico spent 14 years in various roles at Virgin Galactic, including establishing and leading a vertically integrated aerospace manufacturing and testing operation for Mach 3, crewed commercial spaceships. From there Enrico was part of the team that launched the New York Stock Exchange listed public company and was appointed Chief Operating Officer.

A Perth native, Enrico graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Physics and Applied Mathematics. He also studied at the International Space University in Strasbourg.

Chris Price

Director of Advanced Technology, Asia-Pacific Group Function Technology, Ericsson

Chris leads technology innovation and strategic engagement for Ericsson across the Asia Pacific region, focusing on communications, AI infrastructure and enterprise solutions. He brings more than 25 years of global ICT experience from across Europe, the United States and Japan, in executive roles centred on communications and cloud technologies.

A former director on both the Linux Foundation and OpenStack boards, Chris has been at the forefront of major industry transitions – from early software-defined architectures, cloud-native operations including AI technologies. He combines deep practical experience in open source, standards and industrial product development to drive impactful, market-ready technology initiatives.

Frank Savaglio

Principal Head of Wireless Technology Standards, Telstra

Frank Savaglio is Head of Wireless Technology Standards at Telstra and leads the company's engagement in global wireless standards and spectrum activities.

With more than 20 years of involvement in 3GPP, he has contributed to the development of multiple generations of mobile technology, from 3G through to 5G and emerging 6G systems.

As an active participant in ITU-R Working Party 5D and preparations for WRC, he works at the intersection of mobile technology standards, spectrum policy and the evolution of future IMT systems.

Lee Stevens

Head of Business Technology, Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Lee Stevens is the Head of Business Technology at Brisbane 2032, leading the organisation's enterprise technology function as preparations continue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He is responsible for enterprise technology, telecommunications, cybersecurity, AI, technology governance and major technology procurements.

Lee is also leading the Games telecommunications procurement and market engagement program, working with industry, government and Olympic stakeholders to establish the communications infrastructure that will underpin Games operations.

With more than 20 years of technology leadership experience, Lee has delivered major technology transformation across government, financial services and large-scale events. He recently completed a Games time secondment as Venue Technology Manager for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, providing first-hand operational experience of delivering technology in a live Olympic environment.

Lee is passionate about bringing together technology, partnerships and innovation to deliver secure, resilient and connected experiences at scale.

Adam Suckling

Deputy Chair, ACMA

Adam Suckling was appointed as Deputy Chair of the ACMA for a five-year term in March 2025, having served as an Authority member since July 2023.

Until 2022, Adam was the Chief Executive Officer of Copyright Agency, a not-for-profit company that licences intellectual property on behalf of Australian writers, journalists, publishers, media companies and visual artists.

Prior to this, Adam has had over 20 years’ experience in a range of senior leadership, commercial, policy, regulatory and corporate affairs roles for companies such as Optus, Singtel, Foxtel and News Corporation.

In these companies, he ran significant business areas, provided strategic and commercial advice to board members, conducted a range of successful policy advocacy campaigns and oversaw major copyright litigation and regulatory cases.

Adam is also a part-time Associate Member of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Adam has policy experience across a wide range of areas, including media and telecommunications policy, spectrum allocation, micro-economic reform, telecommunications network pricing, copyright and intellectual property policy, and Australian content and cultural policy.

Christopher Worley

Executive Manager, Spectrum Planning and Engineering, ACMA

Chris is the Executive Manager of the ACMA’s Spectrum Planning and Engineering Branch, which undertakes technical, regulatory and policy development to set the frameworks for access to radiofrequency spectrum in Australia.

He has nearly 30 years of experience in radiofrequency systems operation, development, training, regulation and management, including in previous operational roles in government and as a radiofrequency engineer in industry.

His 18 years of spectrum management at the ACMA have been focused on shaping and delivering spectrum policy through the development and maintenance of technical and regulatory frameworks, in consultation with domestic and international industry and government partners.

Chris is also an active participant in international spectrum regulation and harmonisation forums and is currently the Vice-Chair of the Asia-Pacific Preparatory Group for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference.

Chris Woolford

Director of International Spectrum Policy, Ofcom

Chris Woolford is Ofcom’s Director of International Spectrum Policy, where his responsibilities cover the UK’s international spectrum interests, especially in relation to the ITU and CEPT.

Chris has closely engaged for the UK on key international regulatory initiatives in the field of electronic communications and has participated for many years in various European spectrum groups. Chris also leads UK engagement with the ITU and led the UK delegation to WRCs in 2023, 2019, 2015 and 2012.

From 2019–24, Chris was Chair of the CEPT Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) and a co-President of CEPT. Chris is also a Board Director and Treasurer of the International Institute of Communications (IIC).

Chris has more than 25 years of experience of working on spectrum and communications regulation, both at Ofcom and its predecessor, Oftel. He has a degree in mathematics and statistics from Manchester University.

Samantha Yorke

Authority Member, ACMA

Samantha Yorke is a full-time member of the ACMA, where she is the Authority Lead on mis/disinformation, scams and other consumer and telco-related matters. In 2026, Samantha was appointed as the ACMA’s inaugural Chief AI Officer, charged with leading its approach to AI.

Prior to being appointed to the ACMA, Samantha worked in Google’s Government Affairs and Public Policy team, established the regulatory function at the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Australia, worked as General Counsel AUNZ and Legal Director for Yahoo! Asia Pacific, and spent 10 years working for Microsoft in London, supporting the MSN business through a period of exponential growth and contributing to the launch of the Xbox gaming console across Europe.

	Sri Amirthalingam Chief Technology Officer, Optus Sri Amirthalingam joined Optus in January 2026. He brings over 3 decades of extensive telecommunications and technology leadership. Prior to Optus, Sri spent 35 years at Telstra, where he was instrumental in shaping wireless strategy and delivering national-scale infrastructure programs – from the era of 1G through to Telstra’s industry-first 5G deployment. Sri combines deep technical fluency with strategic foresight and commercial acumen. He has led end-to-end network planning, spectrum strategy and large multidisciplinary teams, driving innovations that have redefined telco performance across Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (University of South Alabama, Magna Cum Laude), master’s degrees in engineering and legal studies (UNSW), and an MBA (AGSM). He is also a Visiting Professor at UTS and a Board Member of SMARTAID Australia.
	Carol Bennett Chief Executive Officer of ACCAN, BASc, MPP, MAICD Carol Bennett brings over 20 years of experience leading national peak bodies to her role overseeing all of ACCAN's work and operations. She is a highly respected leader with a strong track record of delivering positive change for consumers and communities across her previous CEO roles. Carol has held senior executive and board positions with national peak bodies in the health sector, most recently serving as CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform from 2021 until joining ACCAN in mid-2024. Throughout her career, Carol has driven organisational growth and delivered real reform across health, aged care, gambling, and now communications policy, through strategic partnerships with government, business and community groups. She has also built an international network through board memberships focused on consumer outcomes. Carol brings outstanding expertise in strategic decision-making, communications, advocacy, stakeholder management, financial performance, and corporate governance, alongside an enviable national network across media, business and government.
	Paul Burford Director Defence Spectrum, Australian Department of Defence Paul Burford has over 26 years’ experience in spectrum management in both domestic and international forums including the International Telecommunication Union activities. In his current role Paul is the Director of the Defence Spectrum Office which manages the spectrum for all of Defence for both terrestrial and satellite systems. He has held a variety of roles in spectrum management within Defence but has had a particular focus for a large part of his career in securing spectrum access for Defence satellite systems. In a previous role he worked in Airservices Australia as a spectrum engineer and as an engineer maintaining navigation aids. Paul has a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Engineering Science (Electrical Engineering) from the University of New South Wales (ADFA).
	Carolina Chiaradio Acting Head of Audience Marketing, SBS Carolina Chiaradio leads audience growth and engagement across the SBS network's diverse portfolio of content and services. With more than 20 years of experience across media and entertainment, Carolina has held leadership roles in Australia and Latin America, including at SBS and The Walt Disney Company, with expertise in audience strategy, multicultural engagement and integrated marketing. Since joining SBS in 2021, Carolina has helped grow audiences across SBS On Demand, News, Sport, Audio and First Nations content. Most recently, she led the marketing strategy for SBS's exclusive coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, bringing together audience insight, creativity and data-led marketing to connect millions of Australians with the tournament and drive ongoing engagement with SBS.
	Luke Coleman Chief Executive Officer, ATA Luke Coleman has 20 years of experience in the Australian telecommunications sector, with roles across government, operators, vendors and the media. Since September 2024, Luke has been CEO of industry peak body the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (formerly Communications Alliance), successfully executing a merger with the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) in 2026. Before joining the ATA, Luke was Head of Government and Corporate Affairs at Vocus from 2019–24; Chief of Staff, Senior Adviser and Media Adviser to Communications Ministers Mitch Fifield and Paul Fletcher between 2014–18; Public Policy and Communications Manager for a global telecoms equipment vendor from 2010–14; and Editor-in-Chief of industry publication Communications Day from 2007–10.
	Chris Coughlan Head of Spectrum and Network Infrastructure, ATA Chris Coughlan is Head of Spectrum and Network Infrastructure at the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA, formerly AMTA), where he leads work on spectrum policy and network infrastructure issues shaping Australia's telecommunications sector. Drawing on more than 40 years of industry experience, Chris has held senior leadership roles across operations, engineering, R&D, sales and marketing, regulation, and general management. His career has included senior and executive positions at Telstra, NBN and Lucent/Alcatel-Lucent, where he led major network deployment and operations programs, including the delivery and management of Telecom New Zealand's mobile network. Chris began his telecommunications career as an apprentice technician with Telecom Australia in 1979, giving him a unique end-to-end perspective on the industry's evolution.
	Robert Crofts Executive Manager, Spectrum Allocations, Licensing and Policy Branch, ACMA Robert Crofts is the Executive Manager of the Spectrum Allocations, Licensing and Policy Branch at the ACMA. His team plays a lead role in setting the ACMA’s spectrum policy agenda, including dealing with the expiring spectrum licences that support mobile and other services, preparing for and running major spectrum allocations and providing policy advice on broadcasting and other spectrum issues. Robert previously worked at the Attorney-General’s Department for over a decade on criminal justice, national security and native title policy, and has also spent time at the National Indigenous Australians Agency and in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
	Matthew Hancock General Manager, Streaming and Digital Products, SBS Matthew Hancock leads the product and development strategy of SBS On Demand, as well as SBS’s wider news and audio digital platforms. With more than 25 years of experience spanning public broadcasting, screen agencies and the independent production sector, he specialises in digital transformation and long-term forecasting and investment planning, helping shape digital experiences that strengthen audience engagement and deliver lasting public value. Matthew led the digital broadcast strategy for SBS’s exclusive coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which saw more than 50% of the audience engage with the tournament through SBS On Demand.
	Chris Hofer Head of International Spectrum Management and Strategy, Amazon Chris Hofer joined Amazon Leo in 2020 as Head, International Spectrum Management and Strategy, with responsibility for spectrum policy and satellite coordination. An engineer by training, Chris leads Amazon Leo’s work at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) and operator-to-operator satellite radio frequency coordination. He also leads Amazon Leo’s collaboration with astronomers and currently serves as the co-chair of the Industry and Technology Hub at the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of the Dark & Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference. Before Amazon, Chris served as director of regulatory affairs for Viasat, representing Viasat’s satellite interests in the ITU’s Working Party 4A preparations for the WRC. He also served as the elected international chairman of ITU-R Study Group 4 for 2 terms, from 2012–19. Previously, Chris was the lead representative for WRC activities for the Chief Information Office of the Office of Secretary of Defense. Earlier he worked at the US Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), acting as the chairman of the Space Systems Subcommittee under the US interagency spectrum group, Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). He holds a master’s degree in telecommunications from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University.
	Chris Hose Manager, International Radiocommunications Strategy and Liaison team, ACMA Chris Hose is the Manager of the International Radiocommunications Strategy and Liaison team at the ACMA. He leads the ACMA's engagement on radiocommunications and spectrum management matters with organisations including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), industry stakeholders and peer regulators. He has contributed to Australia's ITU and APT spectrum management activities since 2000. During this time, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Head of the Australian Delegation to the Second Conference Preparatory Meeting for WRC-23, Deputy Head of the Australian Delegation to WRC-23, and Chair of the Editorial Committee of the APT Preparatory Group (APG) for WRC-23. Chris has worked predominantly at the ACMA and its predecessor since 2000, including a decade leading the Spectrum Planning and Engineering Branch. Combining technical expertise with extensive regulatory and international policy experience, Chris has contributed to the development of Australia's spectrum management framework for more than 25 years.
	Andrew Irwin Assistant Secretary, DITRDCSA Andrew Irwin is the Assistant Secretary for the Telecommunications Industry Branch at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA). Andrew has been in the role since August 2025. Prior to that, he led work on online safety and broader digital platform regulation as well as policy covering broadcasting and news media, and international telecommunications. His background reflects a strong focus on policy development and strategic planning within the Australian Government.
	Mike Johns Senior Manager, Satellite and Equipment, ATA Mike Johns is the Senior Manager, Satellite & Equipment at the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA), the peak national industry body representing Australia's telecommunications and satellite sectors. Andrew leads ATA's work on satellite services, customer equipment, emergency communications and industry standards, and manages a range of technical and regulatory working groups involving mobile network operators, satellite service providers, equipment manufacturers and government stakeholders. Mike has extensive experience in telecommunications policy, spectrum management, standards development and regulatory affairs. He is closely involved in industry engagement on emerging non-terrestrial networks (NTN), direct-to-device satellite services, emergency communications, and World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) matters. Through ATA's Satellite Services Working Group, he works with industry and government to address the opportunities and challenges arising from rapid developments in low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technologies.
	Lisa La Rance First Assistant Secretary, DITRDCSA Lisa La Rance is a First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport, and the Arts (DITRDCSA). Lisa heads up the Communications Service and Systems Division, within the Communications, Media and Sport Group. Prior to joining the department in early 2021, Lisa held senior roles in policy development and program delivery at the departments of Finance, Health, and Social Services.
	Carolyn Lidgerwood Authority Member, ACMA Carolyn Lidgerwood was appointed to the ACMA as a full-time Authority Member in September 2023. Carolyn is the Authority Lead for Content, Gambling, and Compliance and Enforcement. Carolyn joined the ACMA after working as a lawyer and regulatory compliance expert with leading global and Australian organisations for more than 30 years. Immediately prior to being appointed to the ACMA, Carolyn was global Head of Privacy at Rio Tinto for 12 years. Prior to Rio Tinto, Carolyn was General Counsel and Company Secretary at Southern Cross Media (then Australia’s largest regional broadcasting company), where she provided legal and regulatory advice to 66 commercial radio stations and 21 television stations. Carolyn was also Special Counsel at Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers in Sydney for more than a decade, where she acted for clients across every part of the Australian broadcasting industry (national, commercial, community and subscription broadcasters). Carolyn grew up on a farm at Tungamah in north-east Victoria, Australia and holds honours degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Melbourne.
	Ian Martin Senior Telecommunications Analyst, New Street Research Ian Martin has been an analyst of the Australian telecoms market for nearly 40 years and has covered the mobile market since inception in the late 1980s. He produces regular reports on the mobile market and the operations and financial performance of the mobile network operators, Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone. Recently, he produced several reports for the ACMA's work on Expiring Spectrum Licences, including MNOs' willingness to pay for, and ability to fund, ESL renewal. He is currently reviewing the MNO's operations and financial performance for the period to June 2026 and reviewing the MNO investment outlook for ongoing 5G rollout, 6G and AI.
	Enrico Palermo Head, Australian Space Agency (ASA) Enrico has led the Australian Space Agency since January 2021. Since his commencement, Enrico has proudly led a diverse team of space agents that have achieved a number of major milestones. Under his leadership, the agency has reached an agreement with NASA for an Australian designed, built and operated rover to be included in a future mission to the moon, secured the first launch permits and launch facility licenses under the Australian Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018, and seen the first commercial spaceflights from Australia. Before joining the agency, Enrico spent 14 years in various roles at Virgin Galactic, including establishing and leading a vertically integrated aerospace manufacturing and testing operation for Mach 3, crewed commercial spaceships. From there Enrico was part of the team that launched the New York Stock Exchange listed public company and was appointed Chief Operating Officer. A Perth native, Enrico graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Physics and Applied Mathematics. He also studied at the International Space University in Strasbourg.
	Chris Price Director of Advanced Technology, Asia-Pacific Group Function Technology, Ericsson Chris leads technology innovation and strategic engagement for Ericsson across the Asia Pacific region, focusing on communications, AI infrastructure and enterprise solutions. He brings more than 25 years of global ICT experience from across Europe, the United States and Japan, in executive roles centred on communications and cloud technologies. A former director on both the Linux Foundation and OpenStack boards, Chris has been at the forefront of major industry transitions – from early software-defined architectures, cloud-native operations including AI technologies. He combines deep practical experience in open source, standards and industrial product development to drive impactful, market-ready technology initiatives.
	Frank Savaglio Principal Head of Wireless Technology Standards, Telstra Frank Savaglio is Head of Wireless Technology Standards at Telstra and leads the company's engagement in global wireless standards and spectrum activities. With more than 20 years of involvement in 3GPP, he has contributed to the development of multiple generations of mobile technology, from 3G through to 5G and emerging 6G systems. As an active participant in ITU-R Working Party 5D and preparations for WRC, he works at the intersection of mobile technology standards, spectrum policy and the evolution of future IMT systems.
	Lee Stevens Head of Business Technology, Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Lee Stevens is the Head of Business Technology at Brisbane 2032, leading the organisation's enterprise technology function as preparations continue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He is responsible for enterprise technology, telecommunications, cybersecurity, AI, technology governance and major technology procurements. Lee is also leading the Games telecommunications procurement and market engagement program, working with industry, government and Olympic stakeholders to establish the communications infrastructure that will underpin Games operations. With more than 20 years of technology leadership experience, Lee has delivered major technology transformation across government, financial services and large-scale events. He recently completed a Games time secondment as Venue Technology Manager for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, providing first-hand operational experience of delivering technology in a live Olympic environment. Lee is passionate about bringing together technology, partnerships and innovation to deliver secure, resilient and connected experiences at scale.
	Adam Suckling Deputy Chair, ACMA Adam Suckling was appointed as Deputy Chair of the ACMA for a five-year term in March 2025, having served as an Authority member since July 2023. Until 2022, Adam was the Chief Executive Officer of Copyright Agency, a not-for-profit company that licences intellectual property on behalf of Australian writers, journalists, publishers, media companies and visual artists. Prior to this, Adam has had over 20 years’ experience in a range of senior leadership, commercial, policy, regulatory and corporate affairs roles for companies such as Optus, Singtel, Foxtel and News Corporation. In these companies, he ran significant business areas, provided strategic and commercial advice to board members, conducted a range of successful policy advocacy campaigns and oversaw major copyright litigation and regulatory cases. Adam is also a part-time Associate Member of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Adam has policy experience across a wide range of areas, including media and telecommunications policy, spectrum allocation, micro-economic reform, telecommunications network pricing, copyright and intellectual property policy, and Australian content and cultural policy.
	Christopher Worley Executive Manager, Spectrum Planning and Engineering, ACMA Chris is the Executive Manager of the ACMA’s Spectrum Planning and Engineering Branch, which undertakes technical, regulatory and policy development to set the frameworks for access to radiofrequency spectrum in Australia. He has nearly 30 years of experience in radiofrequency systems operation, development, training, regulation and management, including in previous operational roles in government and as a radiofrequency engineer in industry. His 18 years of spectrum management at the ACMA have been focused on shaping and delivering spectrum policy through the development and maintenance of technical and regulatory frameworks, in consultation with domestic and international industry and government partners. Chris is also an active participant in international spectrum regulation and harmonisation forums and is currently the Vice-Chair of the Asia-Pacific Preparatory Group for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference.
	Chris Woolford Director of International Spectrum Policy, Ofcom Chris Woolford is Ofcom’s Director of International Spectrum Policy, where his responsibilities cover the UK’s international spectrum interests, especially in relation to the ITU and CEPT. Chris has closely engaged for the UK on key international regulatory initiatives in the field of electronic communications and has participated for many years in various European spectrum groups. Chris also leads UK engagement with the ITU and led the UK delegation to WRCs in 2023, 2019, 2015 and 2012. From 2019–24, Chris was Chair of the CEPT Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) and a co-President of CEPT. Chris is also a Board Director and Treasurer of the International Institute of Communications (IIC). Chris has more than 25 years of experience of working on spectrum and communications regulation, both at Ofcom and its predecessor, Oftel. He has a degree in mathematics and statistics from Manchester University.
	Samantha Yorke Authority Member, ACMA Samantha Yorke is a full-time member of the ACMA, where she is the Authority Lead on mis/disinformation, scams and other consumer and telco-related matters. In 2026, Samantha was appointed as the ACMA’s inaugural Chief AI Officer, charged with leading its approach to AI. Prior to being appointed to the ACMA, Samantha worked in Google’s Government Affairs and Public Policy team, established the regulatory function at the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Australia, worked as General Counsel AUNZ and Legal Director for Yahoo! Asia Pacific, and spent 10 years working for Microsoft in London, supporting the MSN business through a period of exponential growth and contributing to the launch of the Xbox gaming console across Europe.