VETASSESS hosted its annual Allyship Conference this week, bringing together leading voices from across Australia’s skilled migration, workforce and community sectors. This year’s program expanded the conversation to include productivity, workforce shortages, skills recognition, international education, and migration policy.
The conference hosted by Dr Mamta Chauhan, Executive Director of VETASSESS, created a platform for open dialogue, lived experience, and cross-sector collaboration - featuring a powerful lineup of speakers who shared insights on the challenges and opportunities within the migrant journey including:
- Sharan Burrow AC – Board Chair, Bendigo Kangan Institute
- Laura Macpherson – CEO, Bendigo Kangan Institute
- Craig Robertson – CEO, Victorian Skills Authority
- Joseph Youhana – Director of Australian Humanitarian Strategy and Partnerships, Save the Children Australia
- Dr. Rocco Guarnaccia – Director Vocational Education and Training, VETASSESS
- Matthew Newton – Director Professional Skills Recognition, VETASSESS
- Dr. Stephen King – Commissioner, Productivity Commission
- Liam Dillon – Head of Economics, CEDA
- Peter van Vliet – CEO, Migration Institute of Australia
- Maria Dimopoulos AM – CEO, Settlement Council of Australia
- Mel Kay – Regional Director (Victoria/Tasmania), Office for Multicultural Affairs, Department of Home Affairs
- Anthea Hancocks – CEO, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute
- Lucy Gregg – General Manager, Public Affairs and Communications, AUSVEG
- Mark Egelstaff – Senior Occupational Recognition Service Lead, South Australian Skills Commission
- Dane Moores – Chief of Advocacy and Public Affairs, Settlement Services International
- Sue Sizer – Head of Industry Education and Guidance, Energy Safe Victoria
- Chris Alach – Assistant Secretary, International Policy and Defence Branch, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
- Shamira Madhany – Managing Director, Canada and Deputy Executive Director, US and Canada, World Education Services (WES)
- Fiona Letos - Executive Director, Trade, Global Engagement, International Education and Migration, Global Victoria, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
- Betsy Gregg – Operations Director, Australian Computer Society
- Prof. Alan Gamlen – Director, ANU Migration Hub
- Jamie Lingham – CEO, Absolute Immigration
- Cr. Mohamed Semra – Mayor, City of Maribyrnong
Speakers explored the policy settings, funding priorities and collaborative approaches needed to support migrants and employers, while also examining how technology and data can enhance assessment integrity, workforce planning and national competitiveness.
Conversations throughout the day highlighted the importance of allyship: listening deeply, elevating diverse perspectives, and working collectively to drive systemic change.
Through VETASSESS, Bendigo Kangan Institute continues to play a national leadership role in skills assessment, migration pathways and workforce development — engaging closely with government and stakeholders on future reform and investment priorities.
VETASSESS thanks all speakers and attendees for their contributions, insights and leadership. The organisation remains committed to convening this important dialogue and championing collaboration across the migration and skills ecosystem.