HILT CRC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER TO THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2025
Registrations have closed.
In 2025, HILT CRC’s 4th Annual Conference took place in Perth on 14-16 October. The event kicked off on Tuesday 14 October with a day open to the public, featuring a mix of industry and research speakers from inside and outside the CRC. Wednesday and Thursday – exclusive to HILT Partners – were devoted to project updates and discussions.
Our annual student retreat was held immediately before the conference, on Sunday 12th and Monday 13th, at Seashells Mandurah.
VIEW THE CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERIES
conference highlights
253 DELEGATES ACROSS 3 DAYS
- 85 organisations represented
- 30 delegates from 14 overseas countries
- 35 non-Partner attendees on Public Day
DAY 1 PRESENTATIONS
- Sam Crafter, State Lead, Whyalla Steelworks Industrial Transformation, SA Department for Energy and Mining – South Australia’s green iron and steel opportunity
- Jenny Selway, CEO, HILT CRC – HILT CRC overview
- A/Prof. Fiona Beck, ANU and HILT Program 3 Leader – Overview of HILT Program 3 projects on policy and markets
- Gretta Stephens, Member, Australian Climate Change Authority, and former Chief Executive, Climate Change & Sustainability, BlueScope – Policy and incentives needed to facilitate the transition to a low-emissions heavy industry (national perspective)
- Professor Göran Roos, Cranfield University – Breaking through green premiums: a policy framework for market transformation
- Dr Casper van der Eijk (Norway), Senior Researcher, SINTEF and Director, FME ZeMe – Zero Emissions Metal Production research centre – Decarbonising the Norwegian metallurgical industry
- Martin Smith, Primetals – Green technology options for Australia
- Professor Sangho Yi (Korea), Pohang University of Science and Technology’s Graduate Institute of Ferrous and Eco Materials Technology (POSTECH GIFT), and Director, Research Center for Hydrogen Steelmaking Technology – Flexible pathways to green steel: POSCO’s HyREX and CO₂-reducing bridge technologies for Australian iron ore
- Prof. Geoff Brooks, Swinburne University of Technology – Overview of green iron- and steel-making research and technology development
in HILT CRC - Raphael Costa, Hydro Bauxite & Alumina – How emerging technologies can enable the decarbonisation of alumina refineries
- Ron Knapp, Special Advisor to the Chair of China Hongqiao Group – China Hongqiao Group: From a black past to a green future – sustainability in action
- A/Prof. Woei Saw, University of Adelaide and leader, AlumiNEXT Project – Overview of alumina-related research and technology development at HILT CRC
AWARD WINNERS
- Best Contribution to Research Quality: Dr Rou Wang (University of Newcastle) for outstanding contributions to RP1.001 Materials behaviour in iron ore direct reduction; RP1.012 Prevention of sticking in H₂DRI production; and RP2.016 Thermophysical properties of ores.
- Best Contribution to Industry-Research Collaboration: Professor Joe Coventry and the RP2.009 & RP2.017 Advancing the viability of high-temperature thermal energy storage for industrial applications teams (ANU, CSIRO, QUT & University of Adelaide).
- Best Contribution to De-risking and Accelerating Decarbonisation (joint winners):
- Dr Muhammad Aqib Chishty & Dr Amit Katoch (University of Adelaide) for contributions to RP2.007 Feasibility combustion study to identify challenges and opportunities for hydrogen into iron and cement sectors.
- Siyun Ning (University of Adelaide) for contributions to RP1.013 Alumina refineries’ next-generation transition (AlumiNEXT™) Project.
- Best PhD presentation: Renae O’Hara, University of Adelaide.
OTHER INVITED SPEAKERS
14 OCTOBER (public day)
- Jodie Hanns MLA, Member for Collie-Preston, WA Government (presenting on behalf of Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, WA Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation; Manufacturing; Skills and TAFE; Pilbara).
- Alex Cassie, Acting General Manager, Industrial Transitions Branch, Heavy Industries Transition Division, Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
- Dr Lauren North, Principal Sustainability Partnerships, BHP.
- Katie Cook, Director, WA Department of Energy and Economic Diversification.
- Will Reeves, Investment Manager, Business Development and Transactions Team, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
15-16 OCTOBER (HILT only)
- Hon. David Michael MLA, WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum.
- Roberto Seno Junior, Technology Manager – Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium, Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA).
- Troy Sloan, Acting Deputy Secretary – Industry and Commercialisation Group, Department of Industry, Science and Resources (presenting on behalf of Julia Pickworth, Deputy Secretary, Industry and Commercialisation Group).
VIEW GUEST SPEAKER PROFILES
NOTE: conference registration, including the public day, is free for HILT CRC Partners.
* If you’re a HILT Partner employee and haven’t received the registration password, contact us at admin@hiltcrc.com.au.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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CONFERENCE DELIVERY PARTNER
HILT CRC gratefully acknowledges the support of our Delivery Partner, the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA).
GUEST SPEAKERS
Jodie Hanns MLA, Member for Collie-Preston, presenting on behalf of Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA
The opportunity for green metals and low-carbon materials – WA Government perspective
9:20am, Tuesday 14 October
Born and raised in Yarloop, Jodie Hanns attended Yarloop Primary School and Harvey Senior High School before moving to Perth to attend university.
Jodie worked as a high school teacher and Vocational Education and Training Coordinator throughout Western Australia and Deputy Principal at Collie Senior High School.
While on parental leave, Jodie worked as CEO of the Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry. With her family having owned a small business she put that knowledge to good use to support local businesses in Collie.
Jodie also served as a Collie Shire Councillor for two terms, before being elected to Parliament in March 2021.
Jodie has played a leading role in Collie’s Just Transition process, which has been recognised nationally and internationally as a model for supporting workers and communities as they transition their local economies.
As part of the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee, she formed part of a landmark report investigating sexual harassment in the FIFO mining industry.
In 2022, Jodie was appointed to the role of Parliamentary Secretary to the Hon. Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia. In June 2023, she was appointed to the role of Parliamentary Secretary to the Hon. Stephen Dawson, Minister for Emergency Services; Innovation and the Digital Economy; Science; Medical Research in the Cook Labor Government. Following her re-election in 2025, she was appointed to her current role of Parliamentary Secretary to Hon. Amber-Jane Sanderson, Minister for Energy, Decarbonisation, Manufacturing, Skills and TAFE, Pilbara.
Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA
WA Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation; Manufacturing; Skills and TAFE; Pilbara
Amber-Jade Sanderson was elected to the Western Australian Parliament in 2013. In 2017 she successfully contested the Legislative Assembly seat of Morley.
She currently serves as Western Australia’s Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation – a portfolio that places her at the forefront of one of the most critical global challenges: the transition to net zero. Her other portfolios include Manufacturing, Skills and TAFE and the Pilbara – positioning her to lead the development of new clean energy industries and local supply chain opportunities with a highly skilled workforce that is fit for the future.
A leader in progressive reform, Minister Sanderson was instrumental in delivering Western Australia’s landmark Voluntary Assisted Dying laws. As Chair of the Joint Select Committee on End-of-Life Choices, she led extensive community consultation and a rigorous parliamentary inquiry, working closely with then Health Minister Roger Cook in the successful passage of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill in 2019.
Minister Sanderson has previously held a range of senior portfolio responsibilities, including Health, Mental Health, Environment, Climate Action and Commerce. Prior to becoming a Minister, she served as Cabinet Secretary and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier from 2017 to 2021.
Raised in Bayswater and Morley, Minister Sanderson also spent a large part of her youth in the UK during the Thatcher era. Witnessing the social and economic impacts of policy decisions on working families, shaping her commitment to public service and social justice. On returning to Australia in 2001, she built a career in the union movement, advocating for the rights of working people and low paid women.
Throughout her career, Minister Sanderson has championed social and industrial issues and good secure jobs for West Australians. Today, she brings that same passion and determination to her work driving Western Australia’s energy transformation and helping position the state as a global leader in decarbonisation.
Sam Crafter, State Lead - Whyalla Steelworks Industrial Transformation, SA Department for Energy and Mining
South Australia’s green iron and steel opportunity
9:35am, Tuesday 14 October
Sam Crafter is a senior executive with over two decades of experience across government and industry in the energy and resources sectors. He currently serves as the State Lead, Whyalla Steelworks Industrial Transformation, leading South Australia’s strategic response to the steelworks administration and coordinating whole-of-government efforts to support Whyalla’s transition to green steel and long-term industrial growth.
Previously, as Chief Executive of the Office of Hydrogen Power SA, Sam led the $593 million Hydrogen Jobs Plan, a globally recognised initiative to deliver a world leading hydrogen power plant. He has also held senior leadership roles where he led landmark projects including the Hornsdale Power Reserve (then the world’s largest battery), the $100 million Home Battery Scheme, the $50 million Grid Scale Storage Fund, and the rollout of South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant for public housing tenants. He also co-founded a strategic advisory firm and served in executive roles at Santos Ltd and within State and Federal Government.
In 2024, Sam was awarded the South Australian Public Service Medal for his leadership in advancing the State’s clean energy transition.
Katie Cook, WA Department of Energy and Economic Diversification
Panel discussion – Perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for green metals and low-carbon products
10:05am, Tuesday 14 October
Katie Cook is an experienced director, advisor and engineer in in the renewables, oil and gas and mining industry.
She is a Director at the WA Department of Energy and Economic Diversification in the Energy Transition Strategies Division, with a focus on supporting energy transition activities relating to iron, steel and ammonia and developing the Green Iron and Steel Action Plan.
In the past five years, she has coordinated and managed the implementation of the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy, including the administration of the Renewable Hydrogen Fund, hydrogen hubs development, value chain analysis managing key stakeholders, and developing policy and technical advice.
Prior to joining the government, Katie worked around the world with Arup, a multinational consulting firm, for over 12 years. She was the Australasian Energy Skills Manager, responsible for the skills management, research and learning. This role included developing, implementing and monitoring strategy and budgets, leading government submissions, managing research, and knowledge sharing across the region.
She has worked on numerous projects including Optus Stadium, Gladstone Liquified Natural Gas Jetty, Gravitas Offshore Wind and Malampaya Phase 3 Depletion Compression Platform. She was worked closely with multiple parties to achieve innovative, efficient solutions while minimising risk and achieving deadlines.
Katie holds Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Commerce and a Postgraduate Award in Energy Futures and Transitions.
Will Reeves, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
Panel discussion – The role of policy and incentives to develop Australian and
international markets for green metals and low-carbon products
12:10pm, Tuesday 14 October
Will Reeves is an Investment Manager in the Business Development and Transactions Team at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Will’s focuses include ARENA’s Low Emission Metals portfolio and industrial decarbonisation projects under the Industrial Transformation Stream.
Prior to ARENA, Will worked in infrastructure investment as well as PwC’s financial modelling team. He is also a member of the HiTeMP Forum International Steering Committee.
Gretta Stephens, Australian Climate Change Authority
Policy and incentives to develop markets for green products (national perspective)
11:10am, Tuesday 14 October
Gretta Stephens is a highly experienced executive in the heavy industry sector, having worked for over 30 years in aluminium and steel in Australia and New Zealand with Rio Tinto, Alcoa and BlueScope.
As Chief Executive of New Zealand’s Aluminium Smelter and later Chief Executive of BlueScope’s New Zealand & Pacific Islands business unit, she led businesses navigating their climate and sustainability impacts, the role of large industrial users in the energy system, and the significance of the policy environment.
In 2021, Gretta became BlueScope’s first Chief Executive, Climate Change & Sustainability, the first such role in a major Australian industrial company. This role and the new corporate function enabled the development of a decarbonisation roadmap for BlueScope’s global operations.
Gretta has long had a passion for heavy industry, recognising its strategic importance and value creation for communities and nations. In recent roles she has been dedicated to advancing the enablers necessary for sustaining these industries through the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Beyond her executive leadership, Gretta has actively contributed to government, industry and community initiatives, serving on the NZ Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council, NZ Business and Parliamentary Trust Board, Advisory Committee to the Electricity Authority Board, and Chamber of Commerce Board. She has also been an engaged voice in public discussions on industrial decarbonisation.
Having recently transitioned from full-time corporate life, Gretta continues to drive climate action as a Member of the Australian Climate Change Authority.
Gretta is an alumna of Monash University, holding a BSc in Chemistry & Materials Science and a BE in Materials Engineering (Hons).
Professor Göran Roos, Cranfield University
Breaking through green premiums: a policy framework for market transformation
11:25am, Tuesday 14 October
Göran Roos is a member of the board of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing; Visiting Professor in Business Performance and Intangible Asset Management, Centre for Business Performance, Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University and Australian Industrial Transformation Institute, Flinders University. He is a member of the board for Lifestyle Bakery and Chair of the Board for the NeuroTech Institute.
Göran is a CSIRO fellow and a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA). He has been a member of the Economic Development Board of South Australia, the Prime Minister’s Manufacturing Leaders Group, the advisory board for Investment Attraction South Australia, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Reference Group, and METS Ignited Australia Limited’s Innovation Advisory Council (MIAC).
Dr Casper van der Eijk, SINTEF and FME ZeMe
Decarbonising the Norwegian metallurgical industry
11:40am, Tuesday 14 October
Casper van der Eijk is senior researcher in the Process Metallurgy and Raw Materials group at SINTEF, a research institute in Norway with over 2,000 employees. He has a MSc degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Delft University of Technology (1994), a PhD in Metallurgy from The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (1999), and is the director of Norway’s FME ZeMe – Zero Emissions Metal Production research centre.
Alex Cassie, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Australia–China policy dialogue on steel decarbonisation
11:55am, Tuesday 14 October
Alex Cassie is Acting General Manager of the Industrial Transitions Branch, within the Heavy Industries Transition Division of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR). Previously she was Director, Operational Policy and Practice, at the Anti-Dumping Commission. Before joining DISR she was the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (WA) lead on the Collie Just Transition following eight years at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Dr Lauren North, Principal Sustainability Partnerships, BHP
Steel decarbonisation pathways: The evolving role of blast furnaces and the power of industry collaboration
1:35pm, Tuesday 14 October
Dr Lauren North holds the title Principal Sustainability Partnerships at BHP, working to support the execution of BHP’s climate strategy and Scope 3 action plan. Her portfolio includes the blast furnace decarbonisation program, Europe- and India-based partnerships, and blast furnace focused R&D.
Lauren brings experience from primary and midstream steelmaking operations, coal quality and optimisation, and sales and operations planning. She has worked in operations, engineering and R&D roles across this sector.
Passionate about the future of heavy industry and its role in a low-carbon economy, Lauren holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Newcastle, an MBA from the University of Wollongong, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of New South Wales.
Martin Smith, Business Development Director, Primetals
Green technology options for Australia
1:50pm, Tuesday 14 October
Martin Smith graduated from Imperial College London with a degree in Process Metallurgy in 1987. His engagement with the steel industry started with British Steel Teesside both before and during study. This was followed by employment with the then Davy McKee Iron and Steel Group with a focus on ironmaking- and steelmaking-related technologies.
Following overseas secondments to many of the world’s most famous iron and steel makers for commissioning and troubleshooting type roles, Martin was promoted to become Manager of Process Engineering and then Head of Blast Furnace Technology while the company transformed through various guises to ultimately become Primetals, which is now a leader in the iron and steel technology supplier market.
Martin has now taken a permanent transfer to Primetals’ Taiwan office, where he is responsible for business development over iron and steel technologies in the Asia region.
Martin is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), a member of its Iron and Steel Division subcommittee, and a nominated reviewer of papers for the Ironmaking & Steelmaking journal. He received the IOM3 Thomas Medal for 2025 in recognition of scientific or technological contribution to the production or secondary processing of any ferrous alloy.
Professor Sangho Yi, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Flexible pathways to green steel: POSCO’s HyREX and CO₂-reducing bridge technologies for Australian iron ore
2:05pm, Tuesday 14 October
Sangho Yi’s research focuses on innovative ironmaking pathways, with an emphasis on green steel technology to address climate change. He led the development of FINEX® in POSCO, which was successfully commercialised following a pilot development process that began with basic research. He currently serves as the chair of the Korean Government’s research project planning committee for industrial materials and is engaged in the development of a hydrogen-reduced steel process (HyREX®), innovative CO2 reduction technologies for the blast furnace route, and the development of Carbon Capture and Utilisation technology using FINEX® off-gas.
Since January 2024, he has served as a professor at Pohang University of Science and Technology’s Graduate Institute of Ferrous and Eco Materials Technology (POSTECH GIFT), and as director of the Research Center for Hydrogen Steelmaking Technology (HySRI). In addition, Prof. Yi is participating in a national demonstration project that aims to reduce CO2 emissions by injecting heated hydrogen into a blast furnace.
Raphael Costa, Senior Vice President, Technology, Hydro Bauxite & Alumina – Brazil
How emerging technologies can enable the decarbonisation of alumina refineries
3:35pm, Tuesday 14 October
Raphael Costa is responsible for technology development, R&D, digital transformation and the bauxite and alumina (B&A) lean manufacturing-based business system (BABS). The B&A Technology group also provides support to the operations, including bauxite mining and beneficiation operations at Paragominas, the bauxite pipeline, and alumina refining operations at Alunorte. He is the chairperson of the board of directors of the Paragominas bauxite mine and of the Alunorte Technical Committee.
Raphael has 40 years of experience in the aluminum industry, working in various technical and managerial positions with Alcoa and Hydro in Brazil, the US, Spain and Australia. He also has four years of experience in the steel mini-mill industry in the US, working for the steelmaking company Gerdau. He has a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil and a Master’s in Business Administration degree from the University of Houston-Victoria in the US.
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Dr Sreeraj Balachandran, Manager Decarbonisation, Rio Tinto Aluminium
Update on Rio Tinto’s Yarwun hydrogen calciner project
3:50pm, Tuesday 14 October
Sreeraj Balachandran is an experienced leader in industrial decarbonisation, currently serving as Manager Decarbonisation at Rio Tinto Aluminium. Based in Brisbane, he leads climate strategy and implementation efforts across Rio Tinto Aluminium’s Pacific operations, with a focus on accelerating emission reductions and driving progress towards net zero.
With over 19 years of experience in aluminium smelting and process innovation, Sreeraj brings deep technical and operational expertise to his role. Prior to his current position, he held other senior roles at Rio Tinto including Principal Decarbonisation and Principal Reduction Processes, where he coordinated multi-site initiatives to improve smelter performance, coached graduate engineers and led technology adoption across Pacific Aluminium assets.
Earlier in his career, Sreeraj held operational and technical roles at various Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific operations, where he led teams, managed high-value capital projects, and drove improvements in safety, energy efficiency and high-purity metal production.
Sreeraj holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the University of Madras.
Ron Knapp, Special Advisor to the Chair of China Hongqiao Group
China Hongqiao Group: From a black past to a green future – sustainability in action
4:05pm, Tuesday 14 October
Ron Knapp joined China Hongqiao Group in January 2020, following 11 years as Secretary General of the International Aluminium Institute (London). Previous roles include Executive Director of the Australian Aluminium Council (2002 to 2008), Chief Executive of the World Coal Institute London (1997 to 2001), and senior positions with the Minerals Council of Australia (1987 to 1996). Prior to these appointments, Ron was an economist with the Australian Government (1976 to 1987). Ron is an Australian with a small beef cattle farm in Australia.
China Hongqiao Group is one of the largest fully integrated aluminum companies in the world with extensive activities along the whole production chain, based on major direct investments and long-term strategic partnerships. Production is dominated by operations in China, combined with key resource developments in Indonesia and Guinea.
China Hongqiao attaches great importance to environmental protection, energy conservation and sustainable development, with clean green production and higher-value products as core business goals. China Hongqiao seeks to continuously improve the full industrial chain by building unique aluminum industry clusters. Central to the industrial cluster philosophy is the development of surrounding enterprises and the cities in which the plants are located.
Andrew Hamilton, Technical Director, Fortescue
Fortescue’s green iron activity and ambitions
9:15am, Wednesday 15 October
Andrew Hamilton leads Fortescues’ Metals Technology Development team and is responsible for managing and delivering:
- Green iron solutions applicable for Fortescue ores
- Innovative solutions to upgrade low-grade Fe ores
- Technical and management oversight of critical minerals projects.
Andrew joined Fortescue in 2008 to complete delivery of Fortescue’s first operational site, Cloudbreak, and was responsible for the innovative and patented Iron Bridge Magnetite facility, flowsheet and design – the first magnetite concentrate delivered, on specification, to the port stockyards in 2023.
Andrew started his career in vertically integrated steelmaking, including mine operations, steel production and the operation of rolling mills, to deliver final steel products. He has spent significant time in senior management and directorship roles, providing expertise in engineering, construction, commissioning and business delivery services to mining, building infrastructure, fleet management and electronics industries.
Holding a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of South Australia, Andrew is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM).
Roberto Seno Junior, Technology Manager – Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium, Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA)
Decarbonisation projects at CBA alumina refinery
11:15am, Wednesday 15 October
Roberto Seno Junior is a seasoned chemical engineer with more than 24 years of experience in the Bayer Process and research and development within the aluminium industry. He currently serves as Technology Manager – Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium at Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA), where he has held a range of leadership roles.
Roberto has led the conception and development of major projects with a combined capital expenditure exceeding US$200 million. He is actively engaged in the global aluminium community, serving on several committees and boards, including Hydro Alunorte, Mining Hub, the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), the Alumina Quality Workshop (AQW), and International Committee for the Study of Bauxite, Alumina, and Aluminium (ICSOBA).
An accomplished speaker and contributor to international conferences, Roberto has authored over 50 technical papers and 3 patents. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and a master’s in Planning and Use of Renewable Resources from the Federal University of São Carlos, where he is currently undertaking a PhD in the same field. He also holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of São Paulo.
Jessica Shaw, The Superpower Institute and Tactica Advisory
Panel discussion – Making green metals in Australia a reality
3:00pm, Wednesday 15 October
Jessica Shaw is the WA Program Director for The Superpower Institute and a Director of Tactica Advisory, advising on energy transition, infrastructure and industrial decarbonisation.
At The Superpower Institute, Jessica leads efforts to position Australia as a global exporter of green energy and industrial products, with a focus on regulatory frameworks, market incentives and enabling infrastructure. Through Tactica, she supports companies navigating complex commercial, policy and project delivery challenges.
Jessica served in the WA Parliament from 2017 to 2025, including as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. She was responsible for projects spanning energy transition, hydrogen, infrastructure, domestic gas, trade and economic diversification.
Before entering parliament, Jessica was a senior executive in the energy sector for over a decade, and previously worked in foreign affairs and trade in both the Australian Senate and British High Commission.
She holds degrees in law and politics, a Master of Law from Cambridge and executive training from Harvard. She is an Honorary Life Member of the Australian Institute of Energy.
Troy Sloan, Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), presenting on behalf of Julia Pickworth
Future Made in Australia – The green metals opportunity
2:15pm, Thursday 16 October
Troy Sloan is the Head of the Whyalla Steelworks Taskforce (taskforce) within the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR). The taskforce is responsible for providing advice during the administration of the Whyalla Steelworks to secure a sustainable future for the Steelworks.
During his time at the DISR in 2024, Troy was the Head of the Division that had responsibility for the department’s management of sovereign capability and supply chain matters.
Prior to joining the department, Troy was the acting Deputy Secretary of Social Security at the Department of Social Services (DSS) and was responsible for income support policies and programs. This included supporting families, carers, the aged, people with disabilities, students and apprentices, and people of working age. During his time at DSS, Troy also oversaw the department’s centralised data strategy and evaluation functions, and housing and homelessness policies and programs.
In addition to the above, Troy has held senior executive roles at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the (then) Department of Infrastructure and Transport. In these roles Troy was responsible for data and analytics, the Closing the Gap refresh, delivery of large infrastructure projects, and taxation and employment policy.
Troy has a Bachelor of Economics (honours) from the University of Adelaide.
Julia Pickworth, Deputy Secretary, Industry and Commercialisation Group, DISR
Julia Pickworth is Deputy Secretary of the Industry and Commercialisation Group, Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Prior to this role, she was First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. She brings experience from across several Australian Government departments, including Prime Minister and Cabinet, Regional Australia, Human Services, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Her roles have spanned research, programs, policy, governance, Cabinet, and ministerial and parliamentary support.
Julia is a leader known for bringing policy, program and stakeholder expertise together to lead complex work in a collaborative way. She has demonstrated this across Australian Government infrastructure investments, in regional policy and programs, and working with relevant states and territories.
Julia holds a Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences) from the University of Sydney and a Masters in Environmental Science (Human Geography) from the Australian National University.