Virtual National Public Sector Governance Forum 2026
Strengthening Governance and Trust in an Era of Sustained Pressure
CPD Points: 6.7
Public-sector leaders are operating in an environment of unprecedented and ongoing pressure, marked by geopolitical and economic volatility, rapid digital and AI transformation, escalating cyber and privacy risks, and tightening fiscal and workforce constraints. In this context, strong governance and public trust are more critical than ever.
The 2026 Public Sector Governance Forum brings together senior leaders and board members from across federal and state agencies to explore how to govern effectively under sustained pressure and rapid change. Across the program, sessions will focus on how leaders make defensible decisions, setting clear risk appetite, maintaining integrity and accountability, governing technology responsibly, and prioritising delivery while enabling outcomes.
Speakers will share practical insights on strengthening governance frameworks that can withstand scrutiny, including inquiries, while remaining agile and future‑focused. The discussions will examine how to balance resilience with transformation, embed good governance and culture, and build capability that supports trust, transparency and performance in a complex operating environment.
Join us to exchange insights with peers, reflect on today’s most pressing governance challenges, and learn how to build future‑ready public-sector governance that delivers with confidence, even in times of sustained uncertainty.
Our panel of speakers will look at:
- Economic and global issues and the implications for Australia and the region
- Trust in the digital state - governing AI, cyber resilience and privacy reform
- Delivering government priorities in an age of constraint
- Board capability, conduct and confidence in the public sector
- Examination of accountability under scrutiny
- Local government on the front line - delivering for communities under sustained pressure
- Future ready governance for the next 25 years
Who should attend:
- Head of departments and agencies
- Senior Policy Analysts
- Managers in federal, state and local government
- Directors and executives of government business enterprises (GBEs) and state-owned companies (SOCs)
- Consultants and professional advisors to public sector, government-owned enterprises (GBEs) and state owned companies (SOCs)
- Governance and risk professionals