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Collaboration Session

Friday, October 31, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Grand Ballroom 2

Details

What is the current political landscape and how to better engage with the government to advocate, lobby and secure contracts and tenders.


Speaker

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Kieren Ash
Director at Counsel House
Counsel House

Engaging to Win – Best Practice Policy and Political Advocacy

11:05 AM - 11:25 AM

Biography

Kieren is an experienced political and policy staffer and has well-established relationships across the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments. He has worked on the last four Federal Labor Election campaigns, including in the seats held by Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Trade. Kieren has worked closely with federal regulators to deliver lasting reform to Australia’s transport and logistics regulatory system and has a deep working knowledge of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, the National Transport Commission, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, and the National Rail Safety Regulator. Kieren loves to ‘turn words into action’ and draws on his extensive experience to hone clients’ representations to government and deliver outcomes.
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David Callahan
Executive Director, Bus Transformation Branch
Transport for NSW

Government contracts and tenders panellist

11:25 AM - 12:00 PM

Biography

David Callahan is a seasoned executive with 20 years of leadership across Australia’s transport, infrastructure, FMCG, and public service sectors. Currently Executive Director Bus Transformation at Transport for NSW, he leads the NSW Government Bus Taskforce, tackling strategic and operational challenges in public transport. His expertise spans stakeholder engagement, commercial management, and strategic execution. David previously held senior roles at Sydney Trains and RailCorp, where he led reform initiatives including the “Fixing the Trains” programme. He also served as CEO of Sydney Ferries and Deputy Director General at the NSW Department of Finance & Services, following a decade with Coca-Cola Amatil. David holds an MBA from Western Sydney University, a BA from La Trobe University, and is a GAICD graduate. He completed a Fellowship at ANZSOG, earned PROSCI certification, and studied at Harvard Business School. His board experience includes the NSW State Contract Control Board and Sydney Ferries Corporation.
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Maria Capati
Partner
Piper Alderman

Government contracts and tenders panellist

11:25 AM - 12:00 PM

Biography

Maria is a leading commercial lawyer who regularly advises operators, manufacturers and suppliers in relation to major Government contracts, procurement processes, supply agreements and OHS issues. She has extensive experience in advising clients in every State and Territory in Australia and is considered a legal expert on Government contracts. Recently, Maria has been advising her clients on the introduction of zero emission vehicles as well as the construction and/or upgrade of zero emission depots. Her work includes advising on variations to existing Government contracts and direct deeds, as well as drafting supply agreements and infrastructure agreements. She also has significant experience in negotiating and advising on the sale of businesses way of asset and/or share sale throughout Australia. She is particularly sought out for her industry knowledge which is an advantage for her clients while doing due diligence and obtaining consent for the transaction from Government and other third parties.
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David Fennell
Client Director
Pitcher Partners

Government contracts and tenders panellist

11:25 AM - 12:00 PM

Biography

David Fennell is a Client Director at Pitcher Partners, with 20 years of experience in professional services across financial modelling and commercial advisory. He leads the firm’s financial modelling team, delivering insights that support decision-making for complex projects including contract negotiations, tenders, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and debt sourcing. David has developed a strong reputation in the transport sector, particularly within the bus industry. He works closely with operators during contract renewals and competitive tenders, providing modelling support, commercial advice, and negotiation guidance. His expertise spans multiple jurisdictions, including Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and covers both metropolitan and regional service contracts. Known for his ability to translate financial data into actionable strategy, David also advises clients on commercial risk and payment structures. His work helps operators navigate regulatory frameworks and engage effectively with government stakeholders.
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Andy Korr
Director, ZEB Transition and Trials
Department of Transport and Planning

Government contracts and tenders panellist

11:25 AM - 12:00 PM

Biography

Andy Korr is responsible for helping achieve Victoria’s Transition to ZEBs, he led the ZEB (low floor) trials and delivered Victoria’s ZEB Transition Plan (released last year) and is now responsible for Victoria’s Regional ZEB trials- for small/ medium operators in regional areas. With over two decades of experience shaping integrated transport and land use policy across Victorian Government, Andy brings a deep understanding of public sector governance, infrastructure planning, and collaborative reform essential to his role in transitioning to ZEBs.
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David Eason
Head of ITS
Trapeze Group

Innovation through collaboration

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Biography

David Eason is Head of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) at Trapeze which provides enterprise technology solutions built specifically for public transport. Trapeze has a suite of ITS solutions for bus, tram, light rail, and ferry networks. This technology enables authorities to plan, schedule, operate, and analyse their multimodal networks and transforms the ways services are delivered by operators, enhancing the passenger experience.

Session Chair

Sam Lucas
Managing Director
Warrnambool Bus & Motor Co

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