The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP serves as the Member for Sydenham and holds several ministerial portfolios: Minister for Industry and Jobs, Minister for Women, and Minister for Treaty and First Peoples.

Natalie plays a crucial role in shaping policies and initiatives that impact Victorians. Her dedication extends beyond her current roles; during the 2014-2018 first term of the Andrews Labor Government, she held positions such as Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence.

Natalie takes pride in her contributions to important government initiatives. She actively supported the commitment to Treaty with the state’s traditional owners, advocated for improved conditions for vulnerable workers, and played a key role in establishing Respect Victoria. Additionally, Natalie has championed women’s voices, ensuring gender equality remains a priority in all government endeavors. Her recent work includes collaborating with families affected by workplace fatalities to introduce Workplace Manslaughter laws.

From her early days as a union official to her current role as a Minister, Natalie remains steadfast in her commitment to workers’ rights and justice for Aboriginal Victorians. Her journey from a small business owner to a dedicated public servant reflects her unwavering dedication to a better future for all Victorians. As a mother, she understands the importance of policies that support families and create opportunities for everyone. Since 2010, she has represented the seat of Sydenham, advocating for her constituents and contributing to meaningful policy discussions.

      

The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Industry and Jobs, Minister for Women and Minister for Treaty and First Peoples

Mr Timothy Piper, Head-Victoria, Australian Industry Group

Tim Piper is the Victorian Head of the Australian Industry Group which represents nearly 60,000 businesses in manufacturing, construction, engineering, transport and logistics, ICT, food, mining, defence, civil airlines and utility companies across the country. He also represents the confectionery industry in Australia and is the Vice-President of the International Confectionery Association. Tim is also Head of the Waste Industry Alliance in Victoria.  Tim is Chair of the Industry Capability Network Victoria and sits on the Portable Long Service Leave Authority, GS1 Board, WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Council and Occupational Health & Safety Committee. He sits on a number of Victorian Government committees as well as the Ministerial Container Deposit Scheme Advisory Group and the EPA CEO Strategic Advisory Group.  Tim has practised as a barrister and solicitor in Australia and the UK and worked as a journalist in television, radio and newspapers. He also has completed an MBA.  Tim was honoured in 2020 with the Member of the Order of Australia for his services to industry and manufacturing, to skills training and to multicultural youth. He has also been an Australia Day Ambassador and was the recipient of the Centenary Medal for services to the business community.

Nick Foa has been the CEO of Industry Capability Network (Victoria) since February 2024.

Prior to ICN Victoria, Nick held many Chief Executive level positions within the public sector (Local and State Government) over the past two decades including Head Transport Services at the Department of Transport, Deputy Secretary Housing, Infrastructure, Sport & Recreation at the Department of Health & Human Services and Chief Executive Officer of Suburban Rail Loop Authority

Nick has a reputation as an approachable and strategic leader who motivates teams and delivers successful public policy outcomes and reform. He is committed to driving growth and innovation, connecting Victorian businesses with project opportunities and fostering industry collaboration and is passionate about ICN Victoria's purpose of helping local win.

      

Nicholas Foa, Chief Executive Officer, Industry Capability (Victoria) Limited

The Honourable Wade Noonan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Relations and Partnerships

As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of External Relations and Partnerships, the Hon. Wade Noonan leads Victoria University’s (VU) strategies for external engagement, advancement, marketing and communications, all aimed at benefiting students, staff, partners, industry, government and the community, whilst also overseeing VU Sport, which includes elite teams and facilities. Before commencing with VU in late 2021, Wade served for over a decade in Victorian politics. He had a range of key roles during his time in the Victorian Parliament, including as Member for Williamstown in the Legislative Assembly, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Shadow Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Bushfire Response, and then Minister for Police and Corrections, and Minister for Industry, Employment and Resources. Throughout his public service, he faced challenges head-on, gaining valuable insights into leadership. Wade successfully transitioned from politics in 2018, when he was appointed the Executive Director of the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), where he successfully transformed the organisation into a leading advocacy group. In 2020, Wade was honoured with a Companion of the University Award from Victoria University for his exceptional contributions to government and the western region of Melbourne. He is also a Fellow of Leadership Victoria’s esteemed Williamson Community Leadership Program and holds Graduate qualifications in Human Resource Management from Swinburne University. Wade has extensive Board experience, and has held Directorships with a range of organisations, including the Victorian Health Building Authority, Homes Victoria, Forensicare, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Jobsbank and the YMCA Bridge Project.

      

Heidi Murphy is an award-winning journalist with Nine Entertainment, with a career spanning more than two decades on radio and television in Melbourne.

   

She spent eight top-rating years in one of the biggest jobs in Australian media; as Executive Producer for powerhouse broadcaster Neil Mitchell. 

  

She is currently State Political Reporter for 9News Melbourne during the week, hosts a current affairs program on Radio 3AW every Sunday, and appears weekly as a commentator on the Today Show. 

      

      

Heidi Murphy, Master of Ceremonies

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