Good policy is about choices – and you can tell a lot about a government's priorities by who they choose to tax and where they spend the money.

We are at a crucial point in our history. A stronger and fairer tax system is essential to strengthen public institutions and guard against rising political instability and disillusionment.

This year, the Australia Institute's Revenue Summit brings together Australian policymakers, academics and independent experts to examine what isn't working in our current system – and what can be done to fix it.

The Summit will focus on the urgent need for Australia to raise more revenue to reduce inequality, reshape the economy and ensure Australians receive a fair share from our natural resources.

We are the world's 12th-largest economy and one of its largest fossil fuel exporters, yet our students pay more in HECS/HELP than the gas industry pays in the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax. Meanwhile, we know a 25% tax on gas exports could raise $17 billion a year.

The 2026 Revenue Summit is an opportunity to reassess our priorities and help make Australia a fairer place.

Speakers include:

Senator Barbara Pocock | Greens Spokesperson for Finance, Employment and Public Sector; Senator for South Australia

Dr Kristen Sobeck | Lecturer in Economics, University of Canberra & Research Affiliate, The Tax and Transfer Policy Institute
Saul Eslake | Independent Economist
Maiy Azize | National Spokesperson, Everybody’s Home & Deputy Director, Anglicare Australia
Thomas Mayo | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man & Assistant National Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia
Catelyn Richards | Federal Assistant Secretary, Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation

Muriel Cummins | President, Occupational Therapy Society & Member of Every Australian Counts Steering Committee
Sophie Cusworth | Chief Executive Officer, Women With Disabilities Australia
Megan Spindler-Smith | Acting Chief Executive Officer, People with Disability Australia (PWDA)
Dr Ben Spies-Butcher | Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Future Work

Dr Alice Grundy | Research Manager, The Australia Institute
Matt Grudnoff | Senior Economist, The Australia Institute
Greg Jericho | Chief Economist, The Australia Institute
Ebony Bennett | Deputy Director, The Australia Institute
Leanne Minshull | co-Chief Executive Officer, The Australia Institute
Dr Richard Denniss | co-Chief Executive Officer, The Australia Institute

More speakers to be announced soon.

The Australia Institute is one of Australia’s most influential public policy think tanks, conducting independent research that drives the public debate and secures policy outcomes for a more equitable Australia.

The Revenue Summit 2026 is a non-partisan forum that brings together Australian policymakers, academics, and independent experts to promote evidence-based policymaking.

Event information

This is an in-person event.
Please include any dietary requirements during registration.

Photography, Video and Audio Recording

By attending this event, you acknowledge that photos, video, and audio recordings may be captured. The Australia Institute may use this material for event promotion, reporting, and future communications across digital and print channels. Event details including speakers, timing, content, and format may change without notice.

Expression of Interest

If you would like to attend the Revenue Summit but require financial assistance to purchase a ticket, please email events@australiainstitute.org.au with a brief introduction about yourself and why you would like to attend the Summit.

Contact

events@australiainstitute.org.au

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Contact the host of Revenue Summit 2026