A peer-acknowledged civic data and information expert, Neil specialises in helping others frame the complex in more simple terms.
He is driven to improve the human interaction of data and information inputs; he is energetic about the shape of a globally connected, data-driven economy.
Neil has worked with an extensive list of public and private clients across multiple sectors including natural resources and mining, technology, human services, telecommunications, public safety and emergency management. Neil is retained by several public and private entities in a governance function.
Passionate about productivity at a macro level, Neil is an active advocate of economic growth and the creation of public value. He provides tangible advice to global technology companies and all levels of government, with a focus on practical ways to leverage digital technology for social and economic gain – working towards smart cities and regions.
In July 2014, Neil was appointed to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s (CCIQ) Board of Directors as part of a new breed of directors to support the reform of the 150-year-old organisation into a centre for innovation. Neil played a pivotal role in the refocus, growth and governance of the revitalised CCIQ.
In 2012, Neil was presented with the Pearcey Entrepreneur Award from the technology industry. The annual Pearcey Award has a long track record of recognising leaders of industry who punch above their weight to provide thought leadership and influence in information technology.
Neil is the Chairman of the Queensland Government Department of Education and Training (DET) Technology Risk and Audit Board, responsible for providing audit and risk management advice to the Assistant Director-General of Information and Technologies. Neil draws on his deep experience and a pragmatic approach to guide one of the most complex technology environments in the Australian public sector.
Neil spent his formative years in senior leadership roles within the military and received a commendation for his service. During his military career, Neil supported the social and economic stability of multiple countries, delivering critical services in the face of extreme risk to underpin domestic, foreign and defence policy.
Neil is a challenging and thought-provoking speaker who is passionate about helping communities understand the value of data to improve the future of their communities. He is driven to improve the human interaction of data and information inputs and is energetic about the shape of a globally connected data driven economy.
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Neil’s Presentation Topics
What is a Smart City?
In the last two years alone, there’s been an explosion of solutions being offered to help communities become ‘smart’ cities. Lost in the hype, civic decision makers have often failed to answer the most critical question: why are you doing this and where is the community benefit?
Neil’s presentation helps civic leaders refocus on the fact that a true smart city is about people. It’s about people making better decisions – nothing more, nothing less. A smart city, town or region is one that empowers the community to make a better choice.
Neil talks civic leaders through the journey to becoming a truly data-driven community, allowing them to not only utilise technology efficiently, but to ensure a community receives:
Value for money (public value) for their rates,
Responsive and individual delivery of government services, and
A vibrant economy that creates the conditions for jobs and business growth.
Democracy Intelligence – creating public value through data in Australia
In the age of digital convenience, demand for consumer-centric services grows, yet the democratic process remains an emotional popularity contest. Political apathy is growing due to the perception the citizen and community feel they have little impact on decision making. Using the vast amount of publicly available data means that voter sentiment can no longer be ignored, and presents a significant opportunity for civic leaders.
Neil’s presentation provides civic leaders with a practical guide to utilising data to improve policy decisions based on the needs, wants and aspirations of the communities in which they serve.
Digital Disruption: If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less
In the face of unprecedented technological change, the modern workforce is on the brink of a very significant revolution. As jobs disappear due to digital change, governments will be required to do more to support the changing workforce, re-skilling and transitioning workers to the jobs of the future.
Neil’s presentation will force civic leaders to look to the future, and to start thinking about the public policy required to set their communities up for the jobs of the future. Neil will start the conversation, calling out the major economic changes that will be required to ensure that those impacted by change are not made irrelevant.
