Simon Dodd | Headspace

Simon Dodd is National Clinical Advisor with headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. He has more than 30 years of experience in adult and youth clinical mental health settings, research and publication, policy, teaching and management roles. 

Dr Tom Arkell | Monash University

Thomas Arkell, PhD is an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow at Monash University where he conducts research into the behavioural pharmacology of novel therapeutics. Having worked in cannabinoid science for over 10 years, Thomas is one of Australia’s leading experts on the topic of cannabis and driving. He currently leads a program of work investigating medicinal cannabis efficacy and safety that has influenced policy and prescribing guidelines in Australia and overseas.

Sue Tyler | Neurodiverse Driver Training

Driving Educator, Specialist Instructor & Researcher.  Sue is a highly respected driving educator with more than forty years of teaching experience supporting learners, older drivers, and rehabilitation clients throughout the Southern Highlands. As a past educator at TAFE and co‑owner of Highlands Drive Safe, Sue has dedicated her career to helping people gain independence, mobility, and confidence on the road.  Sue holds extensive professional qualifications, including Bachelor Teaching, Grad Dip Science, Grad Dip. Leadership, Master in Autism, Certificate IV in Driving Instruction, accreditation as an Older Driver Assessor, rehabilitation training credentials through the University of Sydney. Across her career, Sue has developed a strong specialty in neurodivergent driver training, working closely with autistic, ADHD, and  neurodivergent learners to create calm, structured, evidence‑based pathways to safe driving. Her expertise also extends to rehabilitation driver training, supporting clients recovering from injury, illness, or medical conditions. Sue is an active contributor to road‑safety research and education. She has published papers with the Australian College of Road Safety, presented at multiple International conferences, and regularly delivers community education sessions.. Recently completing her Master of Autism, Sue is now undertaking a PhD in Neurodivergent Driver Training, further advancing the field with new research and practical frameworks. She is also authoring a forthcoming training book designed to support neurodivergent drivers worldwide. Dedicated, knowledgeable, and deeply community‑minded, Sue brings warmth, professionalism, and decades of expertise to the industry, helping drivers and instructors of all ages and abilities achieve independance and lifelong road safety.

Duncan McRae | Transport for NSW

Duncan is a Policy Lead in the Road Safety, Licensing and Vehicle Policy section of Transport for NSW. He is a licensed car and motorcycle instructor and former board member of the ADTA. In 2002, Duncan commenced with the former RTA as Manager Policy and Programs where he implemented a range of major licensing reforms including, the NSW Driving Test, the Older Driver licensing scheme, and the national heavy vehicle driver competency framework. In 2015, he became an independent consultant, developing training curriculum, and evaluating licensing programs for Government agencies across Australia and internationally. Duncan returned to Transport for NSW in 2021 and is now with Road Safety Policy delivering a range of licensing and training reforms. His spare time activities include motorcycling, climbing, canyoning, backcountry skiing, and multi-day hiking. Today, Duncan is presenting on what professional means as a driving instructor.

State Regulators | TMR & TfNSW

Representatives from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will join us to share important updates on regulatory developments. Their sessions will cover topics such as road safety initiatives, compliance and enforcement, testing processes, and emerging transport policies shaping the future of driver training.

We continue to maintain strong working relationships with both TMR and TfNSW and appreciate their ongoing support and collaboration with our sector.

Russell White | Australian Road Safety Foundation

Russell White brings over 30 years of experience as a road safety advocate and the Managing Director of Driver Safety Australia. He’s also the founder and CEO of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, regularly appearing on national programs such as Sunrise, The Today Show, and The Project to provide commentary on road safety. 
He’s a noted keynote speaker on human factors, biomechanics, and cognitive load behind the wheel. He was the keynote speaker at our 2025 conference and recently completed two online professional development session with ADTA.