Hunter Agenda 2026

A forum uniting local leaders with global and national experts to shape the Hunter’s future through shared vision and strategic action.

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.

Hunter Agenda 2026 will be a platform to forge a shared vision for the region’s future with a joined up action plan.

The event will bring together global and national leaders, the three levels of government, academia, unions, business, industry, the social sector, as well as youths and civic leaders.

Discussions will focus on defining the priorities that will guide coordinated advocacy, investment and meaningful transformation across the Hunter.

Through international and national insights and interactive discussions with local stakeholders, participants will contribute in the creation of an actionable roadmap for long-term growth. This will align the diverse regional priorities to ensure the Hunter exceeds its current potential and becomes a global model for industrial transformation.

Who Should Attend:

• Local business leaders
• Community organisations
• Government representatives
• Academia, Educators and researchers
• Industry professionals

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 - Former Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia and a 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.

More speakers to be announced.

Hunter Agenda 2026 is where the region’s future is being shaped and where those invested in the Hunter’s success need to be part of the conversation.

Thank you to our partners: