Hunter Agenda 2026

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Breaking New Ground: Hunter Agenda 2026 to Welcome Global and National Leadership

Join us for the Committee for the Hunter’s premier inaugural thought leadership forum - Hunter Agenda 2026. 

The Hunter region  is at the centre of global and national policy on clean energy,  climate  and industry and  stands at a pivotal moment in  its  history.  

Hunter Agenda  2026  is a platform to forge a shared vision for the region’s future  with a joined up action plan. The event  will be held on  Friday 13 March 2026  and brings together global  and national  leaders,  all three levels of government, academia,  unions, business,  industry, the social sector, as well as youth and civic  leaders.    

Through  international  and national  insights  and  interactive discussions  with local stakeholders, participants will define an actionable roadmap that will guide coordinated advocacy, investment  and  meaningful  transformation across the Hunter. This will align diverse regional priorities  to ensure the Hunter exceeds its potential  and becomes a global model for industrial transformation.  

• Join 200+ delegates and be part of the most important conversation the Hunter will have in 2026;
• Much more than an event where you enjoy lunch, network and leave without making real change;
• A thought leadership forum where local stakeholders connect with national and international experts to debate, discuss and take action on the region’s biggest opportunities and challenges.

THE CONVERSATION STARTS HERE 
We’ve prepared a pre-event Insights Paper to get discussion started. It brings together the evidence, opportunities and challenges ahead to support an informed dialogue ahead of Hunter Agenda 2026.

*READ THE PRE-EVENT INSIGHTS PAPER HERE*

OUR SPEAKERS

Malcolm Turnbull – 29th Prime Minister of Australia 
Mr Turnbull will discuss Australia’s evolution towards an economy powered by knowledge, technology and innovation, drawing on the national innovation and cities agendas he championed as Prime Minister. He will outline how education, skills and a culture that values entrepreneurship and problem-solving underpin innovation, driving national productivity and global competitiveness. Mr Turnbull will also emphasise the importance of lifelong learning and workforce adaptability in preparing regions like the Hunter for emerging industries, and securing our place in a high-value, innovation-led economy.

Professor Jennifer Westacott AC – Chair of the Bradfield Development Authority, former Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, Member of the Reserve Bank of Australia's Governance Board
Professor Jennifer Westacott AC is the Former Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia and a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia's Governance Board. As one of Australia’s most respected business and public policy leaders, Professor Westacott is also Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Special Advisor at KPMG and Chair of the Bradfield Development Corporation, overseeing the development of Australia’s newest city alongside Western Sydney International Airport.

At Hunter Agenda 2026, Professor Westacott will draw on this experience to examine the role of airports as catalysts for regional economic development, and the opportunities presented by Newcastle International Airport as the Hunter’s global gateway. Her address will focus on the conditions required to enable high-growth aerospace and defence industries, advanced manufacturing and technology precincts – and the critical role of public–private partnerships.

David Shankey – CEO, Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA)
David Shankey leads Federal efforts to help regions, industries and workers navigate Australia’s net zero transformation, with a focus on ensuring coal communities like the Hunter are supported through change and positioned to capture new economic opportunities. As CEO, he oversees the coordination of programs, investment and place-based strategies designed to drive new industry, workforce transition and long-term regional resilience. Mr Shankey will outline the Australian Government’s ambitions for the Hunter, the transition opportunities emerging across energy, manufacturing and advanced industries, and the practical pathways being developed to connect workers and employers to these opportunities.

Henrik Stiesdal – International Keynote Speaker 
Mr Stiesdal, widely regarded as the inventor of the modern wind turbine, designed the first three-bladed, upwind, variable-speed turbines that set today’s global standard. Drawing on Denmark’s journey from the 1970s oil shocks to global clean energy leader, he will explore the disruptions that drove energy, industry and technology innovation, and the modern policy frameworks that sustain it. He will explore current headwinds facing global projects, and why floating offshore wind – central to the Hunter’s zone – is a critical technology Australia can help bring to commercial viability. With deep experience in industrialisation and manufacturing, Mr Stiesdal will outline how Hunter industry can position to secure high-value roles in emerging clean-tech supply chains.

Tim Parker – CEO of the Australian Government’s High Speed Rail Authority 
With more than 30 years’ experience delivering some of the most complex infrastructure projects in Australia and Asia, Tim leads the development of high speed rail – one of the most significant mega-projects of our time. 
Tim will cover the Hunter’s role as the birthplace of a national high speed rail network and the integrated planning, investment and partnerships that will maximise regional benefits.
His career spans landmark projects including Sydney Metro, NorthConnex, Hong Kong International Airport, Darling Harbour Convention Centre, and more - making his insights essential for anyone interested in the future of transport, cities and our regional growth.

Richard Yetsenga – Group Chief Economist and Head of Research, ANZ 
Leading the Bank’s global research team across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, Richard brings deep insight into the forces shaping regional and national economies - from productivity and investment to global markets and policy settings.
With a career spanning senior roles at ANZ, HSBC in Hong Kong, Deutsche Bank and the Australian Government, Richard offers a compelling blend of global perspective and practical economic insight - particularly relevant for regions like the Hunter as we navigate economic transition and long-term growth.
Richard is a member of ANZ’s Institutional Leadership Team, sits on the Board of CEDA and the Business Council of Australia’s Economic Policy Committee, and is Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s National Youth Employment Body. A respected public commentator, he is a regular contributor to leading global and Australian publications and appears frequently across international broadcast media.

David Moretto – Chief Commercial Officer, AGL Energy
David Moretto is a strategic energy executive with more than 20 years’ experience in energy markets, investment planning, and portfolio optimisation. He has held senior leadership roles across Australia’s most capital-intensive energy environments, with a proven record of shaping corporate strategy and delivering high-impact commercial outcomes.

He was recently appointed Chief Commercial Officer at AGL Energy, after serving as General Manager, Integrated Portfolio Planning, where he led planning and optimisation of a $10 billion generation and trading portfolio. During his tenure, he originated AGL’s 3,000MW grid-scale battery program, advanced over 1,700MW past Final Investment Decision, and drove company-wide responses to evolving market and policy reforms.

Urte Hertrampf – Department for Structural Change in Coal Regions, Urban Development and Spatial Planning, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), Germany.
Urte is responsible for key structural change initiatives in coal regions, including leadership of the Investment Law for Coal Regions and its associated agreements - particularly the federal–state agreement and administrative agreement on hard coal, the STARK federal program, and the federal model project “Unternehmen Revier.” She also coordinates urban development and spatial planning matters within the Ministry.

Previously, she served as a consultant at the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development and at the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority.

Be part of the conversation that will define the Hunter’s next chapter. 

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