This highly practical, focused session equips you with proven strategies to navigate Commonwealth ICT procurement requirements and also best practice for procurement that requires robust evaluation due to high‑risk, high‑value contexts and avoid costly contracting and delivery pitfalls. Learn directly from leading practitioners through real‑world case studies, hard‑won lessons from past procurement failures, and actionable guidance you can apply immediately to improve outcomes, governance and confidence across the procurement lifecycle.  

Presenters

Rory Alexander, Managing Director, Aldermane
Rory is Aldermane's founder and managing partner. He is a specialist procurement and major projects lawyer, with a focus on Defence and Government procurement and the acquisition and sustainment of complex military capabilities. He works in Canberra and Sydney and provides advice to Commonwealth departments on all aspects of the procurement process. Rory works for both public sector and private clients. During his career, Rory has received the following awards and recognition for his work with Government clients: Finalist - 30under30, Government (2019), Rising Star - Australasian Lawyer Magazine (2020), Finalist - Defence Consultant of the Year, Defence Industry Awards (2023), Finalist - Government Partner of the Year, Partner of the Year Awards (2023 and 2024), Winner - Innovator of the Year, Australian Law Awards (2023) and Winner - Projects, Energy and Resources Partner of the Year, Partner of the Year Awards (2024). Rory holds a Bachelor of Business (Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws. 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.

Scott Alden, Partner, Mills Oakley
Scott’s role of lead advisor to significant projects often incorporates legal and procurement expertise on the same transaction, as well as strategic probity advice. In recognition of his position as a leading government lawyer, Scott was one of the first Law Society Accredited Specialists in Government and Administrative Law, both Commonwealth and State (with a focus on government commercial and procurement transactions), and has been appointed by the Law Society of NSW as the Head Assessor for that Specialist Accreditation. Scott also writes and lectures two procurement courses for the Masters Programs at both College of Law and the University of Melbourne. Scott also has a special interest in contract law, particularly for major projects, and is a member of the Australian Advisory Board for World Commerce and Contracting Association (previously the International Association of Contract and Commercial Management) He is experienced in drafting and implementing key project documents including market sounding/engagement documents, industry briefings, RFTs, tender evaluation plans, tender evaluation reports, commercial contracts and agreements and legal advices and resolutions to support decisions.


Vanessa Flowers, Principal, McInnes Wilson Lawyers
Vanessa Flowers is experienced in providing advice and guidance on probity and procurement matters, governance matters, corporate and commercial law and public law in the freedom of information and privacy space. She has acted for the Commonwealth and private clients for over 16 years and provides commercial and probity advice on high-value and sensitive procurement processes for various Commonwealth agencies and departments as well as Directorates of the Australian Capital Territory. Vanessa has also undertaken secondments in various departments and agencies.

Louise Parry, Partner, Lander & Rogers
Louise is a recognised expert in government procurement and commercial law, with particular expertise in care services and technology projects. Louise has over a decade experience in providing strategic procurement and commercial advice to both public and private organisations, with a focus on the Commonwealth government. Louise’s approach is pragmatic, timely and solution-focused, with an emphasis on risk management. She is known for delivering actionable advice that enables confident decision-making.

Samuel Baker, Associate, Aldermane
Sam is a personable and highly motivated lawyer with over two years’ experience in the legal field having worked at leading family law firms in Sydney prior to joining Aldermane. During this time, Sam developed strong skills in preparing legal advice, drafting contracts, and effectively managing clients’ needs and expectations. Sam brings a diverse range of experiences including running his own business and working in remote areas overseas. These experiences have enabled him to approach complex problems with unique perspectives and practical solution focused thinking, while demonstrating a strong ability to work independently and efficiently. Sam graduated from Macquarie University in early 2025 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Environment. Since graduating, he has completed his Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and was admitted as a lawyer in April 2026.