Hunter Agenda 2026 will be held on Friday 13 March 2026 at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre, running from 8.30am to 3.00pm. Convened by Committee for the Hunter, the forum is designed to examine how economic, infrastructure, workforce and industry decisions intersect, rather than treating them as isolated issues.
The event brings together participants from business, government, academia, unions, industry, the social sector, community organisations and young leaders. The stated aim is to create a shared regional direction supported by a practical action plan informed by national and international experience and grounded in the Hunter’s own priorities.
Discussions will focus on identifying the issues that shape investment, advocacy and long-term regional change, with participants contributing to an agreed roadmap for future action.
National and international perspectives
The speaker program reflects the forum’s emphasis on systems and long-term transition.
David Shankey, Chief Executive Officer of the Net Zero Economy Authority, will outline how the Australian Government is supporting regions such as the Hunter as they navigate industrial change. His contribution will focus on emerging opportunities across energy, manufacturing and advanced industries, and on connecting workers and employers to those opportunities through coordinated programs and place-based approaches.
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will speak on Australia’s shift toward an economy driven by knowledge, technology and innovation. His address will centre on the role of education, skills, entrepreneurship and workforce adaptability in lifting productivity and supporting regions as industries change.
International keynote speaker Henrik Stiesdal will draw on Denmark’s experience since the 1970s oil shocks to explain how disruption can drive innovation across energy, industry and technology. His session will examine current pressures on large-scale projects and the role of floating offshore wind, which is relevant to the Hunter’s offshore wind zone. He will also discuss how regions with strong industrial capability can position themselves within emerging clean-technology supply chains.
Additional speakers will be announced closer to the event.
Program themes shaped around place
The program is structured around a series of interconnected themes rather than stand-alone topics. These include an economic overview of forces shaping the domestic economy and the Hunter’s role within it; lessons from international reinvention driven by energy and industry change; and the Hunter’s place in planning for a national high-speed rail network.
Other sessions will examine the development of next-generation industry precincts, growth pathways linked to defence, aviation and the destination economy through Newcastle Airport, and policy approaches to supporting coal regions as they adapt to new industries. Education, skills and workforce adaptability are also central themes, reflecting their role in supporting a high-value future economy.
Committee for the Hunter has acknowledged the support of partners backing Hunter Agenda 2026, including the Net Zero Economy Authority, KPMG Australia, NGM Group, Milleen Group, EXP Capital, Telstra, Newcastle Airport Pty Limited and Engenicom.
Who should attend
The forum is aimed at local business leaders, community organisations, government representatives, educators and researchers, and industry professionals who are involved in shaping or responding to regional economic and workforce change.
