The Policymaker Summit 2026

Policy in a volatile era: rethinking the playbook

The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Policy in a volatile era: rethinking the playbook’. This flagship summit brings together senior policymakers, researchers and community leaders to examine the strategies driving measurable impact across government and society.

Sessions will explore how policymakers deliver lasting reform while retaining agility and space for innovation.

The event will also feature a Policy Impact Exhibition where university institutes and research centres will showcase their latest projects and impact on policy developments and innovation.

Speakers

More speakers to be announced.

Program

Opening remarks

Keynote address from The Hon Prue Car MP

Keynote address from The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP

Reflections: Big ideas for agile governance and policymaking in a volatile era

Panel 1: 'Are the kids alright? Addressing our vulnerable youth'

Drivers of youth vulnerability are becoming increasingly complex- spanning social isolation, online radicalisation, a mental health epidemic and economic disengagement. In an era defined by rapid social change, wholesale technology transformation and economic uncertainty, are we meeting the challenges of the nation’s youth?

This panel will bring together leaders from government, academia and the community sector to examine the ways Australia must improve mental health outcomes for young people. The discussion will explore the practical and social challenges facing young people, the role of prevention and early support, and how policymakers must remain agile to the needs of our young people.

Policy impact exhibition

Meet the trailblazers in public policy research and innovation in NSW

The Policy Impact Exhibition offers an exclusive insight into how leading public policy institutes design and deliver high-impact projects with far-reaching benefits for people across the country.

Keynote address from The Hon Andrew Giles MP

Panel 2: 'From Standards to Systems: Implementing Australia's New AI Framework'

Exploring the Prime Minister’s newly announced Artificial Intelligence standards, referenced in AI in Australia’s Interest, this cross- industry panel will explore how Australia operationalises the new AI framework and the opportunities and challenges of effective implementation amid an evolving, complex landscape.

Closing remarks

The organiser

The Australian Public Policy Institute believes that good public policy starts with evidence. Based in Sydney and Canberra, APPI was established by government and a coalition of universities to ensure that public policy is informed by world-leading experts for the benefit of all Australians.

‘Required reading’ for policymakers |The event celebrates the four-year anniversary of The Policymaker – a digital publication of the Australian Public Policy Institute offering a platform for policymakers and the public to engage with innovative, solutions-focused ideas. In four years, The Policymaker has published more than 250 articles by 250+ leading Australian policy experts. Learn more