AI Risk, Leadership, and Ethics: Lessons from the Frontline 6.00 pm — 7.00 pm AEST, 30 June 2026 Suite 3 125 Bull Street , Newcastle West New South Wales, 2300 Online and in-person (Newcastle) Overview Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concern - it is actively reshaping how engineering systems are designed, deployed, and governed across every discipline. Yet, while technical capability has accelerated rapidly, our approaches to risk, leadership, and ethical responsibility have struggled to keep pace. In this talk, Dr. Mark Wallis (University of Newcastle & Nukaizen) draws on real-world case studies from industry and applied research to explore where AI systems succeed, and where they fail. From compliance-driven implementations that create a false sense of security, to the unintended consequences of deploying AI into complex socio-technical environments, the session will unpack the gap between “working systems” and “responsible systems.” Through a series of practical examples spanning software engineering, data ecosystems (including Australia’s Consumer Data Right), and AI-enabled decision systems, this presentation will challenge engineers to rethink their role, not just as builders of technology, but as leaders accountable for its outcomes.Learning outcomesIn this presentation, you will :gain an understanding of how AI risks emerge in real-world engineering contexts, and how to translate these insights into practical risk identification, governance checkpoints, and escalation pathways in your organisationlearn how to move beyond compliance-driven approaches, clarify what you want to achieve ethically, and embed accountability into system design and deployment of AI-enabled systemsgain an understanding of your role as an engineering leader in AI-enabled systems, and how to influence culture, decision-making, and responsible outcomes across multidisciplinary teams.ProgramIn-person5.30 pm AEST: Registration and networking6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commences7.00 pm AEST: Presentation concludesOnline6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commences7.00 pm AEST: Presentation concludesAbout the speaker Dr Mark Wallis Lecturer in Software Engineering, University of Newcastle Biography Dr. Mark Wallis is a Lecturer in Software Engineering at the University of Newcastle and a member of the Centre for Applied and Responsible AI (CARA), where his research focuses on applied AI, data ecosystems, and the gap between compliance-driven and effective system design. Alongside his academic work, he is Director at Nukaizen, an IT consultancy specialising in software architecture, I.T. security and solution engineering, and CTO of Skript, an Australian Open Banking (CDR) Accredited Data Recipient. Mark brings a unique industry–academic perspective, working at the intersection of engineering practice, policy, and emerging AI technologies. DisclaimerAs Australia’s national body for engineering, we encourage robust discussion and debate about engineering issues facing Australia and the world. Engineers Australia involvement, sponsorship, organisation or promotion of an event should not be taken as endorsement or support by Engineers Australia of any views or opinions expressed or information provided, or an indication that Engineers Australia opposes or disagrees with any contrary views or opinions. Share this page Last updated 08 April 2026 Register Pricing OnlineMember: FreeTechnical Society Member: $30.00Student Member: FreeNon-Member: $30.00In-personMember: FreeTechnical Society Member: $30.00Student Member: FreeNon Member: $30.00 Registration close30 June 202607.00 pm AEST Event contact 1300 653 113 [email protected]