Across three days in Canberra, State of the Nation will examine how we achieve sustainable, long-term prosperity for all Australians. Join us on 24-26 June 2026 and be part of the conversation shaping Australia’s future.
The 2026 State of the Nation conference is guided by the theme “Towards a prosperous future” — a bold call to action aligned with CEDA’s Progress 2050 vision. This year’s program will ignite the vital conversations needed to steer Australia toward sustainable, long-term prosperity for all.State of the Nation at a glance:
Conference dinner: Wednesday 24 June | 6.00pm to 9.00pm | National Museum of Australia
Conference: Thursday 25 June | 7.30am to 6.00pm | Parliament House (including keynote breakfast, plenary and breakout sessions)
Lead and Elevate Trustee program: Friday 26 June | 8.00am to 2.45pm | Various locations (including networking breakfast and department roundtables)
Profile your thought leaders and elevate your brand through sponsorship of Australia's leading public policy forum. Contact Sharon Braun to discuss.
This event aligns with: Goal 1 - Productivity, investment + innovation
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRESS 2050
Speakers include:
Prime Minister of Australia
Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy
Chair
Australian Energy Market Commission
Former Ambassador to the US and Chair, United States Studies Centre
The University of Sydney
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
AGL
Federal Independent Member for Wentworth
Chief Executive Officer
CPA Australia
Australian Council of Social Service
Member, Strategic Examination of R&D
Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Commissioner, Essential Services Commission of SA and Deputy Chair of AU Ventures Group
Adelaide University
Independent Director
Future Skills Organisation
TAFE Directors Australia
Commissioner
Australian Securities & Investments Commission
Actuaries Institute
Deputy Chair
Productivity Commission
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
Chief of Policy
Australian Banking Association
BuildSkills Australia
Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia
National Director
UnitingCare Australia
Vice-Chancellor and President
UNSW Sydney
Chief Political Editor
Nine Network
Vice Chancellor and President
RMIT University
Deputy Commissioner
Jobs and Skills Australia
Councillor, ACT
Australian Institute of International Affairs
Chief Executive
CEDA
Secretary
Immigration policy
Deputy Secretary, Immigration Programs
Federal Department of Home Affairs
Acting Head, Climate Change Policy, Adaptation and Risk Division
Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Acting Head, Climate Change Policy Branch
Registration has now closed. Please call CEDA on 1800 161 236 if you wish to enquire about this event.
