Melissa Best

Assistant Secretary Intelligence and Insights Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation

Melissa Best currently serves as the Assistant Secretary Intelligence & Insights Branch at the Australian GeospatialIntelligence Organisation (AGO). In this role, Melissa leads a branch focussed on delivering diverse production and services on intelligence issues for Defence and Government.

Melissa joined AGO in 2021 after a 16-year career working for the Department of Home Affairs in a range of operational and intelligence roles focussed on Border Compliance and Customs. Melissa was awarded the Australian Border Force Operational Medal for her efforts on the COVID-19 border closures. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (Management) from Flinders University and Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management.

Day 2 | 24th February 2026

10:15 AM Data Fusion Leadership Panel Discussion – Rethinking How to Fuse Complex Geospatial Data that Delivers Tactical Advantages to Mission Leaders Operating in Multi-Domain Missions

Break Down Silos: How to integrate foundational datasets to build a richer, multi-dimensional intelligence picture.
Enrich Core Layers: How to fuse terrain, infrastructure, and environment data to support dynamic mission planning.
Accelerate Data Utility: How to streamline foundation data workflows for faster exploitation by analysts and operators.
Support Mission Context: How to combine base data with ISR feeds to enhance targeting, navigation, and situational awareness.

Day 3 | 25th February 2026

12:30 PM AUKUS Fireside Chat with Q&A and Live Polling – How Can Friends and Partners Leverage Trustworthy GEOINT to Strengthen Regional Security and Strategic Stability in the Indo-Pacific?

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Melissa.

Download The Latest Agenda