Bob Creek, Chief Judge
Bob has been in the Territory for over 50 years. Following a couple of years in mining camps he arrived looking for adventure, pushing a line marking machine from Alice Springs to Darwin in the early seventies.
Bob has had several lead roles in the NTG which includes the development of geospatial systems, introduction of WOG email, development of the NTG 24x 7 ICT Service Desk, introduction of the identity and access management system (EPASS).
Bob’s roles included operational responsibility of WOG ICT services and the management of the Data Centre for several years ushering in transformational technology such as virtual computing and networked data communications.
Bob continues to be involved in leading NTG enterprise projects including the replacement of the justice systems, policing, child protection and youth justice and the 360 degree view of a child.
Krissy Breed
Krissy Breed's government career spans over 15 years across communications, governance, industry development, innovation, and reform across the science, business and education sectors. Krissy now leads reform in Northern Territory Government Education system.
A jack of all trades, Krissy has successfully led neurodiverse teams to achieve their full potential, and has experience in full stack web design, business configuration innovation and is a qualified drone pilot.
John Atkin
With over 20 years of distinguished experience in law enforcement and emergency management, John is a results-driven executive committed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public safety operations. Currently serving as an acting Assistant Commissioner in the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF), John oversees critical support services, driving strategic initiatives that improve organisational performance and enhance public safety outcomes.
In his role as Commander for Digital Transformation, John has spearheaded multiple digital and data-driven initiatives, significantly boosting the operational capabilities of the NTPF. He also oversees the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre, ensuring effective coordination and communication during critical incidents.
John is known for his ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders. He has established and managed strategic partnerships with NT, Commonwealth, and interstate agencies, NGOs, businesses, and community groups to address complex challenges. His strong political acumen and cultural awareness have been instrumental in building trust and fostering consensus, contributing to safer and more resilient communities.
John holds a masters in business administration, and advanced qualifications in leadership, investigations, program management, and public safety, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Ruth Palmer
Ruth Palmer is the Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, where she tirelessly represents the interests of members in the property sector. Holding a Master of Business degree and sitting on numerous boards, Ruth brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to her role. Within the Northern Territory's business community, she is recognised as one of the most prominent and influential industry leaders.
Skilled in leading effective and significant campaigns, Ruth has made a name for herself as an expert in membership-based organisations and as a strategic leader. She is renowned for her advocacy for public reporting, transparency, and accountability, actively holding the NT Government to account.
As a long-term Territorian and a leader in the property sector, Ruth possesses a deep understanding of the strategic vision and growth prospects that will shape the Northern Territory's appeal as an investment destination. She is responsible for engaging with all levels of government on issues related to investment, strategic growth, population, liveability, migration, housing, regulatory reform, and policy. Ruth's leadership and dedication play a crucial role in the development and prosperity of the Northern Territory's property sector.
Laura Martinez-Oliveras
With over 15 years of experience in the public and private sectors, Laura is passionate about technology, innovation and helping businesses grow. Laura is an ex-lawyer specialised in Intellectual Property law. She has been fortunate to engage with founders and operators of successful startups in Silicon Valley as part of her Executive MBA program.
She has also supported Australian startups with their idea validation, customer validation, business planning, Pitch Deck development, and getting investment ready, using the Lean Startup approach. She is currently the Regional Manager for the Top End of the Business and Workforce unit of the new Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, providing guidance and support to small businesses in the Top End. She is part of the Artificial Intelligence working group for the Northern Territory Government and believes technology can help address the most critical issues in the NT.
Ronan Mackey
Ronan Mackey is the Workforce Development Manager at Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory. Ronan provides NT business with labour mobility options through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. Working closely and within the Northern Territory MigrationNT team, Ronan has a detailed understanding of the challenges employers face in a complex workforce environment, which assists him to identify new opportunities and partner with businesses to develop workforce solutions. Ronan has been providing employment solutions to employers in the Northern Territory for the last 7 years. He is the current President of the NT Irish Association and a member of the Northern Territory Minister's Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs (MACMA).
Peta Hine
Peta has worked in the NT Vocational Education and Training (VET) environment with Trainees and Apprentices since 2008. Peta started working as the Traineeship Program Manager at NEC Australia in 2018, running the School Based Apprenticeship and Fulltime Traineeship Program as well as an Indigenous Work Placement Program, that aims to allow students to start in a paid work experience role that can merge to a fulltime role within NEC. Part of Peta’s role also extends to attending Expo’s and community events, promoting ICT as a career path in the Northern Territory. Peta is also a member of the Career Educators Association of the NT as an Industry Member, as well as actively involved with the Community Investment Committee.
Peta has undertaken Judging in various categories for the NT Training Awards since 2018, as well as seeing success in being part of the NEC Australia who were awarded the Medium Employer of the Year in 2018,2019,2021 and Large Employer in 2023. As a long time Territorian, Peta was very proud and humbled to be the Inaugural winner of the DCDD Progression of Women in ICT at the NT Digital Excellence Awards in 2021.
Steven Roberts
After two decades in the ICT industry in the Northern Territory, Steven Roberts, CEO of One IT Services, stands as a pillar of regional tech expertise. Steven leads a team of engineers, cybersecurity specialists and platform developers.
From humble beginnings in business, Steven has lead One IT Services to have operations in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne and has overcome the challenge of lack of skilled ICT resources in the NT by recruiting and investing in young people at the very beginning of their career.
Steven's advocacy for international students and building the NT's ICT resources exemplifies his dedication to the region.
As a board member of The Business Enterprise Centre NT and Board Secretary of ICTNT, Steven champions community and industry growth, and was recently awarded runner-up for the NT Chambre of Commerce’ Excellence in Business – Small Business category.