Event Details
Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am AEST
Networking breakfast 8:30-9:00 | Panel Discussion starts at 9:00am
Date: 23 March 2025
Venue: Theatrette, Canberra Museum and Gallery
Corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City
Registration Fee: $25 Member | $35 Non-Member
CPD Points: 1
About the Event
Join the RMIA ACT Chapter for our inaugural event of the year: a panel discussion on Risk in Government. This panel will delve into the intricacies of risk management in both the private and public sectors, focusing on topics such as risk and opportunity, the regulatory environment, accountability and transparency, risk leadership and culture, lines of assurance, and career progression in the public sector. In celebration of International Women's Day in March, we will hear from esteemed female leaders in this profession about their experiences, career highlights, and challenges navigating leadership in the areas of risk, audit, and assurance.
About the Speakers
Susan Ryan
Managing Director, Internal Audit, Risk Advisory and Assurance Services | S Ryan Contractors Pty Ltd
Independent Audit and Risk Committee Member
Susan has spent the last 25+ years of her career consulting with a range of public and private sector organisations to establish leading practice governance, risk and controls. Her experience is broad ranging from internal audit, performance reviews, risk management, assurance services, project management, evaluations and control redesign. Susan is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Diploma in Fraud Control and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Susan is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors. Having held senior leadership positions within the private and public sectors, as well as being an independent member of several Audit and Risk Committees, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel, not only from a private and public sector view of risk management, but also as a female leader in this profession.
Carolyn O’Neill
Chief Operating Officer - Environment, Planning and Sustainable Directorate | ACT Government
Carolyn is a dedicated leader, a passionate advocate for gender equity, and a proud mother. With a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce from the Australian National University, she began her career as a litigation solicitor before joining the ACT Public Service in 2009. Now as the Chief Operating Officer of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, she brings a strategic and people-focused approach to business improvement including organisational governance, audit and risk, legal services and organisational integrity.
Beyond her executive role, she is committed to supporting women in the public sector. As the EPSDD Executive Sponsor on the ACT Women’s Plan and the Executive Champion for the Gender Equity Network, she actively mentors and coaches women, helping to create pathways for future leaders. Balancing the demands of work and family, Carolyn understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities women navigate in their careers, making her a relatable and inspiring voice on the panel.
Alissa has over 15 years of experience in risk management and assurance for federal government, specialising in internal audit, governance, risk compliance, program and project assurance and procurement. Alissa has served on the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Australia Board and held leadership roles within the IIA Canberra Chapter. She was previously recognised on the Global Emerging Leaders List by the international Internal Audit Magazine and is a published thought leader on corporate governance. Alissa is also a Certified Information Systems Auditor, Professional Member of the IIA and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Alissa's experience and knowledge across the three lines of defense will no doubt add to a thought provoking discussion on the management of risk in the public sector.
Alice Tay OAM
Alice is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer and former partner at Meyer Vandenberg (retired). Alice has a strong background in audit and risk at a board level and has chaired a number of committees. She is a graduate of the AICD and a Fellow of the Governance Institute. Alice is now focused on utilising her knowledge and experience to help build healthy, vibrant, innovative and strong businesses and communities through her non-executive board, committee and advisory appointments. Alice's strong legal background as well as her experience representing audit and risk boards will provide a unique lense and perspective to the panel discussion, honing in on areas such as the regulatory environment, transparency and accountability in the public sector.