Presenters

Rory Alexander, Managing Director, Aldermane
Rory is the founder and managing partner of Aldermane, a full‑service Commonwealth government projects design and delivery business supporting Defence, National Security and Social Services. A specialist in Defence and Government procurement, he has over a decade of experience guiding Commonwealth clients through major capability, service and technology acquisitions. Working across Canberra and Sydney, Rory is known for providing pragmatic, commercially minded advice from initial market approach through to negotiation, contract award and delivery. Rory founded Aldermane to offer a more flexible, collaborative and outcomes‑based service model, built around a trusted team of friendly advisors. With deep experience in both public and private sectors, he balances legal risk with commercial, policy and political realities. His expertise spans project design, contracting models, procurement strategies, tender documentation, evaluation, negotiation of liability and risk frameworks, and ongoing contract management. He holds degrees in Business (Finance) and Law and previously worked as a senior lawyer at Ashurst. He is admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia, and is a practising member of the Law Society of the ACT and also holds an interstate practising certificate in NSW.


Michael Burton, Principal, Aldermane
Michael is a commercial lawyer whose expertise is underpinned both by his training as an economist, and his extensive experience with government oversight functions. A government procurement specialist, Michael has more than 15 years of experience working in legal, commercial and governance roles across the private, government and parliamentary sectors. A key part of Michael’s approach is his genuine interest in the work and purpose of his clients. Passionate about learning, working in teams, and delivering results, Michael takes on challenges with enthusiasm and energy. Combining technical skill with a people-first approach, he tackles new opportunities by considering not only what needs to be done, but indeed who depends on it – and therefore why it should be done to the highest possible standard. Michael holds degrees in economics, arts, and law. He was admitted into practise in Western Australia, and holds an unrestricted practising certificate from the Law Society of the Australian Capital Territory.