Panellists

Moderator
Dr Joy de Leo
Research and Data Analytics Manager, NCVER

Joy has worked in education for over 40 years in both public and private sectors, involved in policy, curriculum development, research, management, advocacy, and teaching in the school and tertiary education sector.

She manages a team of NCVER researchers and data analysts to deliver the National VET research and advanced analytics programs, which integrate quantitative with qualitative research with advanced analytics and data linkages with other agencies, to inform policy development for Senior Skills Officials.

Mr Craig Robertson
Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Skills Authority

Craig Robertson is the CEO of the Victorian Skills Authority. The authority is tasked by the Victorian Government to plan for post school education and training to support a growing economy and good jobs for Victorians.

Previously, Craig was the CEO of TAFE Directors Australia, representing the TAFE model nationally and internationally. Craig has worked for over 30 years with the Commonwealth Government in areas of school funding, employment policy and most aspects of tertiary education and in 2015 and 2016 worked in the Victorian Government.

Craig holds an Executive Masters in Public Administration and Bachelor of Education (Primary).

Ms Megan Lilly
Executive Director, Centre for Education & Training, Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)

Megan has an enduring commitment to research, policy and advocacy in education and training, especially in relation to work. In leading the work of the Centre, Megan represents member companies on a diverse number of international, national, and state based committees, councils and boards.

Megan is a strong advocate for reform and has been involved in key national skills reforms over many years. Megan is firm in the belief of the capacity of education and training to transform lives.

Ms Mish Eastman
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education) and Vice President, RMIT University

Mish Eastman is responsible for developing and leading a renewed vision and strategic direction for Vocational Education as Deputy ViceChancellor Vocational Education at RMIT. Since joining RMIT, this has included establishing the new College of Vocational Education and the development of a 5-year strategic roadmap for vocational and applied learning.

She is passionate about gender diversity in all aspects of education and ;creating space for women in non-traditional roles, continuously providing ;diverse opportunities and support as part of her leadership style. An ;advocate for creating a safe and respectful community, Mish is also ;co-chair of RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Group on Gender-based Violence Prevention.

An experienced education and health leader, Mish has strong expertise ;in identifying and creating new models of education and training ;in collaboration with industry, enhancing tertiary pathways, and ;understanding how to create educational and employment success for
learners. Beginning her career as a Registered Nurse before moving ;into educational leadership roles, has given Mish a deep knowledge and ;passion for Vocational Education.

She has previously held positions with TAFE Tasmania, Tasmanian ;Polytechnic and Swinburne University of Technology, providing strategic ;and operational leadership of teaching and learning programs in pathways ;and Vocational Education

Simon Walker
Managing Director, NCVER

Simon began his career in the public sector as a financial analyst for ;Central TAFE in Western Australia after starting his career in the private ;sector. Simon joined the WA Department of Training in 1997 and has since ;worked in a variety of senior executive roles with a focus on VET sector planning, policy and resourcing.

Simon represented Western Australia on the national Senior Skills Officials Network (SSON) and the national Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration (MACSM) and was an ex-officio representative on the Western Australian State Training Board. Simon was also the state and territory government representative on the inaugural Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC).

Simon joined the NCVER board as a director in 2015 and took up the position of Managing Director of the NCVER in October 2018.