SPEAKERS '25
20-21 September
The Star, Brisbane
Check back regularly for the latest updates and speaker additions.
Please note: Agenda and speakers are subject to change.
Former British Prime Minister
Rt Hon Liz Truss is a prominent British politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from September to October 2022. Before her time as Prime Minister, she held several key positions, including Foreign Secretary, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the UK's foreign policy during a critical period.
Representing South West Norfolk between 2010 and 2024, Truss has been a steadfast advocate for free markets, individual liberty, and strong national defense. Her career also includes serving as Secretary of State for International Trade, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and Minister for Women and Equalities. Known for her commitment to conservative values and economic reform, Liz Truss continues to be a leading voice in British and global politics.
School Choice Advocate
Corey DeAngelis is one of the USA's leading authorities on school choice and homeschooling. He has authored or co-authored 32 peer-reviewed studies and more than 100 op-eds in outlets like The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He's done hundreds of speaking engagements and appears regularly on Fox News. A native of Sacramento, CA he grew up in San Antonio, TX, where he went to a magnet high school, which sparked his interest in school choice.
Former Australian PM
The Hon. Tony Abbott AC served as Australia’s 28th Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015. His government repealed the carbon and mining taxes, secured free trade deals with China, Japan and Korea, and implemented strong border protection policies. A Rhodes Scholar, former journalist and long-time MP for Warringah, Abbott is known for his advocacy of Western democratic values, national security and economic liberalisation. He currently serves on the board of FOX Corporation, is a Director of the Ramsay Centre, and remains an influential voice in international affairs and conservative thought.
Journalist & Broadcaster
Dan Wootton is a New Zealand–born journalist and broadcaster whose career has spanned tabloids, television and talk radio. After studying media and political science at Victoria University of Wellington, he moved to the UK and began as TV editor at News of the World before rising to executive editor at The Sun. He later became a columnist for MailOnline and in 2021 started hosting a prominent nightly show on GB News. Known for his sharp takes on politics, culture and celebrity, Dan has also appeared on programs like Lorraine and Daybreak, combining punchy commentary with broad media reach.
Chairman CPAC USA & Political Commentator
Matt Schlapp is Chairman of the American Conservative Union and the driving force behind CPAC USA – the largest conservative conference in the world. A former senior advisor to President George W. Bush, Matt served as White House Political Director and has worked across Capitol Hill, campaigns, and conservative media. Since 2014, he’s led CPAC’s global expansion and helped shape the conservative agenda through events, advocacy, and grassroots engagement.
Founder Moms for America
Kimberley Fletcher is the founder and president of Moms for America, the world’s largest conservative organisation dedicated to protecting parental rights and strengthening the family. Since 2004, she’s equipped mothers to push back against the Left and step up for roles on school boards and local councils.
Kimberley believes this work is urgently needed in Australia, where many parents feel they’ve lost control over what their children are being taught. She’s heard countless stories from concerned Australian families and is determined to help them stand against radical gender ideology, critical race theory and political correctness.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Ted O’Brien is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Australia’s Shadow Treasurer. He has represented the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax since 2016 and brings over two decades of experience in business and Asia-Pacific trade. Prior to his current role, he served as Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy. He led negotiations on behalf of the Federal Government which secured the 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games, and chaired several key parliamentary committees on environment, trade and foreign affairs. With academic credentials from the University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, National Taiwan Normal University and the London School of Economics, Ted is known for his economic leadership, policy depth and strong Queensland roots.
Chairman CPAC Network
Nyunggai Warren Mundine is an Australian Aboriginal leader, businessman, and political activist known for his work in advancing Indigenous rights and economic development. Mundine has held various advisory roles, including Chairman of the Prime Minister's Indigenous Advisory Council. His advocacy focuses on empowering Indigenous communities through economic independence and educational opportunities.
Senator for NT
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price is a Senator for the Northern Territory and one of Australia’s most recognised conservative voices. A proud Warlpiri–Celtic woman from Alice Springs, she entered the Senate in 2022 after serving as deputy mayor of Alice Springs. Jacinta rose to national prominence as a leading figure in the successful ‘No’ campaign against the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. Known for her straight-talking style and commitment to practical solutions over symbolism, she continues to advocate for law and order, economic participation, and unity over division.
Senator for Queensland
Senator Matthew Canavan is an Australian politician and member of the National Party who has served as a Senator for Queensland since 2014. Known for his strong advocacy for the coal industry and regional development, Canavan has held significant roles including Minister for Resources and Northern Australia. With a background in economics, he has been a vocal supporter of traditional energy sources and infrastructure projects, positioning himself as a key figure in Australia's resource sector and rural advocacy.
Senator for QLD
Pauline Hanson is the founder and leader of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation and has served as a Senator for Queensland since 2016. A small business owner and primary producer before entering politics, she first came to national prominence after winning the federal seat of Oxley in 1996 as an independent, before launching One Nation in 1997. Known for her “Australia first” stance, she has been a prominent voice on issues including immigration reform, agricultural rights, national sovereignty, and climate policy, making her one of Australia’s most recognisable and influential political figures.
Senator for Victoria
Bridget McKenzie is a seasoned Nationals Senator for Victoria and the first woman to lead the party in the Senate. Elected in 2011, she served in key ministerial roles, including as Australia’s first female Agriculture Minister, and held portfolios across Sport, Rural Health, Regional Services, Emergency Management and Agriculture. Currently, she is the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, advocating fiercely for thriving regional communities, stronger local economies, and practical solutions for rural Australia.
Senator for South Australia
Senator Alex Antic is a dedicated representative for South Australia in the Australian Senate, elected in 2019 as a member of the Liberal Party. With a background in law, he holds a degree from the University of Adelaide and practiced as a solicitor before transitioning to politics. His career began in local government as a member of the Adelaide City Council. Known for his conservative views, Senator Antic focuses on issues such as immigration, freedom of speech, climate policy, and digital rights. He is committed to addressing government overreach and ensuring stringent immigration controls.
Member of the Legislative Council in Western Australia
Nick Goiran has been a fearless conservative voice in Western Australia’s parliament since 2009. He is Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Child Protection. While mainstream media have labelled him “easily the most capable legislator in the party”, left-leaning politicians and journalists still resent his record-breaking 22-hour speech that ultimately destroyed a Government Bill that would have created unlawful discrimination against women. Determined as ever, Nick says there are five things he will never stop talking about: upholding the rule of law and natural justice, defending our fundamental freedoms, speaking up for the vulnerable, supporting families to flourish and protecting personal privacy.
Research Fellow RMIT
Dr Nataliya Ilyushina is a Melbourne-based economist, university lecturer and media commentator known for cutting through economic orthodoxy with evidence-based analysis. A fierce advocate for free markets and limited government, she appears regularly on Sky News, The Spectator Australia and The Daily Telegraph. Her research spans labour economics, digital transformation and gender policy, with a particular focus on how families allocate time and resources. At CPAC, Nataliya will explore the economics of the family unit , and why genuine freedom must include the choice to prioritise family over workforce participation.
CPAC Pod Host
Tali Shine is a multi faceted media personality. She is the author of The Glam Girls Guide Shopping Series, Good to Glow, Feeding the Future, and Tali’s Kosher Kitche n. She has served as the ambassador and author for NSW Tourism and contributed as a columnist and author for prominent publications like CityWeekly, 9to5, CondeNast, ACP, and Pacific Publications. Tali created her own cosmetics line Tali by Tali Shine and has consulted to international spas and wellness centers. Tali has also worked on campaign strategy with local and international politicians and passionate about geopolitics. Currently she hosts Tali Shine on ADH TV, where she discusses world news and affairs.
British Comedian
Leo Kearse is a British comedian known for his bold and unapologetic humor. A regular on the comedy circuit, Leo has won awards such as Scottish Comedian of the Year and is renowned for his sharp wit and insightful social commentary. His performances tackle a wide range of topics with a unique conservative perspective, making him a standout voice in the comedy world.
Co-Host: Outsiders
Rowan Dean is the co-host of Outsiders, consistently one of the top-rated shows on Sky News Australia. He serves as the editor of The Spectator Australia. Rowan is also a columnist for The Financial Review and the author of multiple best-selling books. His insightful commentary and dynamic presence make him a prominent figure in Australian media.
Co-Host: Outsiders
Rita Panahi is the vibrant host of The Rita Panahi Show and co-host of Outsiders on Sky News Australia. Known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense approach, she writes opinion columns for the Herald Sun and Weekly Times. Rita's bold opinions and engaging style make her a standout conservative TV host and presenter.
Co-Host: Outsiders
James Morrow is the host of The U.S. Report and co-host of Outsiders on Sky News Australia. He is known for his insightful political commentary and sharp analysis, as National Affairs Editor of The Daily Telegraph.
Executive Chairman Ten13 Venture Capital
Steve Baxter is a prominent Australian entrepreneur and former "Shark" on the TV show Shark Tank. Known for his sharp business acumen and innovative approach, Steve has made significant contributions to the tech industry and start-up ecosystem. With a background in venture capital and a track record of successful investments, he is a leading voice in entrepreneurship and business strategy. Steve's insights and experience continue to inspire and guide the next generation of business leaders.
CEO Giggle for Girls
Sall Grover is the CEO and founder of Giggle for Girls, a social networking platform dedicated to creating safe, female-only spaces online. As a passionate advocate for women’s rights, Sall has been at the forefront of the movement to protect and preserve spaces exclusively for women and girls. Her work with Giggle has garnered attention for its commitment to maintaining the integrity of women’s rights in the digital age. Sall’s leadership and advocacy continue to inspire and empower women to stand up for their rights and safety.
Australian Geologist and Professor of Mining Geology
Professor Ian Plimer is a distinguished Australian geologist and emeritus professor of earth sciences at the University of Melbourne. With a career spanning decades, he has authored numerous books and over 120 scientific papers, contributing significantly to geology and climate science. A leading critic of the mainstream climate change narrative, Professor Plimer advocates for a scientific approach rooted in empirical evidence. His outspoken views and expertise continue to shape discussions on climate and energy policy in Australia and around the world.
Political Commentator
Connor Tomlinson is a senior contributor to Courage Media, and host of Tomlinson Talks on YouTube and Substack. He co-hosts Deprogrammed, a Gen Z panel discussion show at the New Culture Forum. You can watch his interviews on Triggernometry, Timcast IRL, and Heretics. Connor has broken national stories about illegal immigration in Britain, the grooming gangs scandal, and government censorship. He is a Zoomer, a Catholic, and he fights to defend England's identity and traditions. He posts on X at @Con_Tomlinson.
Founder and Director of CPAC Australia
Andrew Cooper is the founder and director of CPAC Australia, a leading platform for conservative values and political discourse in the region. With a strong background in political advocacy and event management, Andrew has played a pivotal role in shaping conservative dialogue and mobilising grassroots support across Australia. His leadership in CPAC Australia underscores his commitment to promoting conservative principles and engaging with key political and policy issues.
Deputy Executive Director IPA
Daniel Wild is the Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs, overseeing its research programs. He regularly appears in media outlets like The Australian , The Daily Telegraph , The Sydney Morning Herald , and The Spectator Australia , as well as on television and radio, including Sky News and 2GB. Previously, Daniel worked at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, focusing on macroeconomic policy, and at the Department of Finance, working on regulatory reform.
Winner, The Voice
Mick Harrington is a proud East Gippsland local and The Voice grand finalist who won hearts across Australia with his authentic country spirit and powerful vocals. Known for his down-to-earth character and deep ties to regional communities, Mick has become a favourite at events that celebrate what’s best about Australia. He’ll be lending his remarkable voice to perform the national anthem at our gala dinner, bringing a touch of heartfelt pride to the evening.
Democracy Advocate & Former Hong Kong Legislator
Ted Hui Chi‑fung is a former Hong Kong legislator and democracy advocate now based in Australia. Representing the Central & Western District and later Hong Kong Island in its Legislative Council, he earned a law degree from the City University of Hong Kong in 2006. Ted became known for championing human rights, environmental protection and democratic reforms, including pushing for an ivory trade ban in 2018. After leaving Hong Kong in 2020 amid escalating political pressure, he continues to speak out internationally on civil liberties and democratic values.
Former Federal Minister, CPAC Advisory Board Member
Hon. Gary Hardgrave is a former Minister in the Howard Government with over 40 years in broadcast media and 12 years as the Member for Moreton. He held roles including Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister. From 2014 to 2017, Gary served as the Administrator of Norfolk Island, leading significant governance reforms. He is a seasoned strategist with extensive experience in public policy and non-profit organizations.
Economist & Journalist
Adam Creighton is an award‑winning Australian economist and journalist serving as Chief Economist and Senior Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs. Formerly Economics Editor and now Washington correspondent for The Australian, he’s written for The Economist and The Wall Street Journal and appeared on ABC’s Q+A. Before journalism, he worked at the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and earned a First Class Honours in Economics from UNSW and an MPhil from Oxford. Adam is a sharp voice on tax, regulation, fiscal policy and economic freedom.
Victorian MLC
Moira Deeming is a Member of the Legislative Council in Victoria, representing the Western Metropolitan Region. A strong advocate for conservative values, she champions parental rights, freedom of speech, and the protection of life. With a background in education, Moira is a vocal critic of progressive ideologies and a steadfast supporter of traditional values in Australian politics.
Queensland MP
Hon Amanda Stoker is an MP in the Queensland Government, and also served as a Liberal Senator for Queensland from 2018 to 2022. Known for her strong conservative views, she has been an advocate for free speech, religious freedom, and economic reform. During her time in the Senate, Stoker held several key positions, including Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General. With a background in law, she has contributed to various legal and policy discussions in Australia, maintaining a focus on individual rights and national security.
Victorian MLC
David Limbrick is a Libertarian Member of the Victorian Legislative Council representing South‑Eastern Metropolitan since 2018 (reappointed in 2022). The only MP elected on a purely libertarian platform in Victoria, he promises never to vote for higher taxes or less freedom. A passionate advocate for individual liberty, small government and civil rights, he stood up for Victorians during the lockdowns and continues to challenge overreach in tax, energy, digital rights and drug reform.
National Secretary TPAA
Edward Schuller is the National Secretary of the TPAA, a rebel education union. Spearheading systemic reform, Schuller is the preeminent voice for school choice in Australia. As an outspoken critic of transgender ideology and the sexualisation of children, Schuller believes that the decline of our civilisation can only be reversed when our education system is fundamentally reformed.
IPA Research Fellow
Mia Schlicht is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, specialising in criminal justice reform and energy policy. Her analysis has featured in outlets like The Herald Sun, The Age and The Daily Telegraph, and has influenced parliamentary inquiries and judicial sentencing. Mia’s work is regularly spotlighted on Sky News Australia, covering topics from immigration and national defence to renewable energy policy. She holds dual degrees—a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Science from Monash University—and was recognised with Zonta International’s Young Women in Public Affairs award.