2026 Economists Networking Dinner and Giblin Lecture

You are invited to an economics industry networking dinner following the 2026 Annual Giblin Lecture, presented as part of the Island of Ideas program.

Proudly hosted by the University of Tasmania in collaboration with the Economic Society of Australia (Tasmania Branch), the evening will bring together keynote speaker The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, alongside industry leaders, University of Tasmania colleagues, and emerging economists.

Join us for a relaxed and engaging night of conversation, connections and insights over dinner and drinks in honour of the Giblin Lecture.

Andrew Leigh explores the economics of existential risk and what it will take to respond before it’s too late. 

The 2026 Giblin Lecture will be delivered by The Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Federal Member for Fenner (ACT).

One of Tasmania’s flagship public‑economics events and a cornerstone of the Island of Ideas program, the Giblin Lecture brings leading thinkers, economists, researchers and the wider community together to deepen public understanding of economic issues of public importance.

In this year’s lecture, Dr Leigh explores the economics of existential risk, asking why societies are often slow to respond to catastrophic threats and what economic thinking can contribute to better prevention and preparedness.

Prior to entering Parliament in 2010, Dr Leigh was a Professor of Economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard University and First Class Honours in Arts/Law from the University of Sydney. His work spans inequality, behavioural economics, productivity, innovation, social capital and competition policy.

Dr Leigh is a past recipient of the Economic Society of Australia’s Young Economist Award and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. His books include What's the Worst That Could Happen?, Battlers and Billionaires, Randomistas, Innovation + Equality, Reconnected, Fair Game and The Shortest History of Economics.

He is also a keen Ironman triathlete and marathon runner, and hosts The Good Life podcast about living a happier, healthier and more ethical life.