Keynote speaker

Melissa Harris PSM

Chief Executive Officer, Geoscience Australia

Melissa Harris PSM is the Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Australia, our national geoscience agency delivering trusted information and services that support a strong economy, resilient society and sustainable environment. Its activities are extensive and include the 35-year $3.4 billion Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative that will find the critical minerals and strategic materials vital to our future and the transition to net zero. It also includes the $200 million partnership with the United States on Earth observation through the Landsat Next program as well as the provision of satellite positioning, through the Positioning Australia initiative.

Melissa is an experienced chief executive who has worked in government for over 30 years leading change and innovation programs in land administration and planning.

Melissa received the Public Service Medal in the 2023 Kings Birthday Honours for outstanding public service to state and local government, and transformation in the areas of geospatial, planning and land administration in Victoria.