Infrastructure procurement has undergone significant change over the past 20 years with the greater use of bespoke contract conditions, a range of different contracting methods and changes in the approach to risk allocation.  The forum will comprise a facilitated review and discussion of appropriate procurement (including insurance) approaches to the rehabilitation/construction of dams.

The forum will include the following sessions:

• Introduction to the Problem
• Lessons Learnt from other High-risk Industries
• Lessons Learnt from Dam Construction Projects
• What is considered ‘best practice’

The Forum will include speakers from Dam Owners, Consultants, Contractors, Advisory Services and other similar industries, who have significant experience in the topic.

We are also proud to announce that the Forum will be facilitated by Dr. Keith Suter. Keith is an author, media personality and professional facilitator.  He is a regular on Seven’s Sunrise Program and is often asked to comment on complex issues on the ABC, Sky News and Macquarie Live News.

Since moving to Australia from London in 1973 at the age of 25, Dr Keith Suter has achieved three doctorates. The first of these was about the international law of guerrilla warfare (University of Sydney), and the second about the social and economic consequences of the arms race (Deakin University) and a third doctorate on scenario planning (Sydney University).

He has been appointed to many prestigious roles throughout his career, including Chairperson of the International Humanitarian Law Committee of Australian Red Cross (NSW), Chairperson of the International Commission of Jurists (NSW), Director of Studies at the International Law Association (Australian Branch) and Managing Director of the Global Directions think tank.

He has also been a member of the prestigious Club of Rome since 1993. The Club is “an informal association of independent leading personalities from politics, business and science, men and women who are long-term thinkers interested in contributing in a systemic interdisciplinary and holistic manner to a better world. The Club of Rome members share a common concern for the future of humanity and the planet.” The club has only 100 members, with Mikhail Gorbachev amongst them.

In 1999, Keith was made a Life Member of the United Nations Association of Australia in recognition of his service. At various times from 1978 to 1999, he served as the national president of the organisation and took on the roles of the WA and NSW state president.

Keith was the President of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (1991-1998) at the University of Sydney, and was a Consultant on Social Policy with the Wesley Mission’s for 17 years. In addition, he served as a consultant for a number of other organisations, with a focus on local and international issues.
He is also an active member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and his activities include conducting monthly webcasts with business leaders. He frequently appears on radio and television discussing politics and international affairs.

Amongst Keith’s many books are “All about Terrorism: Everything you were afraid to ask” and “Global Order and Global Disorder: Globalization and the Nation-State” and “50 Things You Want to Know About World Issues… But Were Too Afraid to Ask.”

He is a highly experienced, professional and awarded presenter of ideas, with topics including ethics, world affairs, globalisation, mining, global warming, leadership, the future, and corporate governance. Engaging in style, Keith’s discussions are always very topical and audience-specific.

Our speakers come from a range of organisations including:
• dam owners,
• consultants,
• contractors, and
• advisory services

In addition, our speakers come from different organisational levels including General Managers, Project Managers, Designers, Procurement Specialists, Lawyers and Senior Commercial Managers.

We are also specifically drawing on experience from other high-risk industries to provide valuable insight to procurement strategies used in other similar industries.

Biographies of our key speakers will be provided on this page in coming weeks.