Circular Economy Engineering White Paper Launch (In Person | Canberra)

Launching Australia’s first engineering-led roadmap for a circular economy.

Join us for the official launch of the Chief Circular Engineer (CCE) White Paper 2025 — the nation’s first engineering-led roadmap to accelerate circular economy implementation across Australia.

Authored by Professor Ali Abbas, Circular Australia’s Chief Circular Engineer, this inaugural white paper lays out the metrics, targets, and systems needed to embed circularity into our most material-intensive sectors — starting with waste and construction.

This 3 hour event will:

• Present key findings from the White Paper, including materials productivity and Australia’s 2040 circular engineering vision

• Showcase cross-sector collaboration between engineering, policy, and industry

• Announce joint advocacy priorities from Circular Australia × Engineers Australia aligned with the Productivity Commission’s inquiry and examination of Australia’s Circular Economy opportunities

• Build national momentum for a Circular Economy Act and measurable circular performance indicators

Angela Harrison will open the proceedings as MC, providing the initial welcome, with Lisa McLean to follow with the opening remarks.

Program highlights:

• Welcomes Introductions: Engineers Australia & Circular Australia CEO Lisa McLean

• Opening keynote: Professor Ali Abbas unveils the White Paper and introduces the five pillars and national targets.

• Panel discussion: Policy, industry, and engineering leaders share practical pathways for implementation, standards, and circular innovation sandboxes

• Audience Q&A: Engage directly with experts shaping Australia’s circular transition.

This event marks a milestone in the nation’s journey toward circular transformation — uniting engineers, innovators, and policymakers to build a smarter, more sustainable Australia.

AGENDA

10:00 | Arrivals  

10:30 | Welcomes & Introductions, Acknowledgement of Country | Angela Harrison, General Manager, Engineers Australia Canberra  

10:40 | Circular Engineering White Paper | Lisa McLean, Managing Director & CEO, Circular Australia 

10:45 | Keynote, Unveiling White Paper, outlining the five pillars & national targets | Prof. Ali Abbas, Chief Circular Engineer, Circular Australia 

11:00 | Panel discussion , Policy, industry, and engineering leaders on near-term implementation, standards, and sandboxes | Moderated by Lisa McLean, Panel: Prof. Ali Abbas, Chief Circular Engineer, Circular Australia and Simon Koger, Climate Change Manager, Engineers Australia  

11:40 | Audience Q&A, Interactive discussion with policymakers & industry 

12:00 - 13:00 | Light Lunch and Networking  

Date: 21st November

Time: 10-1pm, with light lunch provided

Venue: Engineering House,  level 1/11  National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600,  Australia

Cost: Complimentary