CIS Members Christmas Soiree

Join fellow CIS members for our annual Christmas Soirée as we close out the CIS's 50th anniversary year.

Canapés and drinks will be served from 6:00 pm, with formalities from 6:30 pm. Celebrate the year with Executive Director Michael Stutchbury, enjoy the opportunity to meet our research team, and be there for the announcement of the 2026 CIS Nanny State Awards.

Each year, the CIS recognises the most absurd attempts by governments at every level to meddle in Australians' daily lives. There has been no shortage of contenders in 2026.

Past winners:

• 2025: Victoria's $13 million machete bins took first place, ahead of the federal government's "Truth Tax" on FOI requests and the ACT's proposed three hours a day of "quality face-time" for dog owners. Read the 2025 awards

• 2023: Comms Declare's proposed ban on ute and SUV advertising won, followed by the ban on recreational vaping and the push to remove coal, oil and gas sponsorship from sport and the arts. Read the 2023 awards

• 2022: Those trying to rename towns, parks and landmarks took first place, ahead of calls for a 30km/h urban speed limit and Queensland's plan to phase out coal-fired power by 2035. Watch the 2022 awards

CIS members can RSVP free of charge. Non-members are welcome to attend for $50, or you can become a member by paying the annual membership fee at cis.org.au/join or by contacting Trish Murray at tmurray@cis.org.au.

During registration, you'll have the option to donate to our end-of-year appeal. With your ongoing support, the CIS can continue championing a free, open and prosperous future into 2027 and beyond.