2026 AGLS Conference
The conference was held on Thursday 24 September 2026 and included a range of speakers discussing The Past, Present and Possibilities of Government Law. It was held in-person at the Hotel Realm in Barton, Canberra, and online.
The Past, Present and Possibilities of Government Law
The 2026 AGLS Conference theme, 'The Past, Present and Possibilities' explored the history of government legal practice and encompassed the notion that even in complex times, our history and experiences assist us to embrace the future. The conference l drew on past lessons, raised contemporary issues and discussed future risks and possibilities within the Australian Government legal landscape.
Conference program
- Tim Shaw, an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years of experience in the Australian and international media, led the day as Master of Ceremonies.
- Meredith Leigh, First Parliamentary Counsel, Office of Parliamentary Counsel, deliverd the keynote address 'From Lawyer to Leader: What I learnt about leadership from mountain biking'.
- David Lewis, General Counsel (Constitutional), Office of Constitutional Law, Attorney-General's Department, discussed 'From Policy to Referendum – the Voice to Parliament'.
- David Cherry, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, considered the strong association between perfectionism and burnout, preparing to work in difficult environments, and provided simple, low-cost, low-effort steps that individuals and organisations can take to protect and promote wellbeing.
- Andrew Walter, First Assistant Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Kilifoti Eteuati, Executive General Counsel, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority; and Melissa Purdy, Acting General Counsel, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing discussed legal ethics and integrity in modern government practice.
- Professor Jeannie Paterson, Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics, and Dr Rebecca Azzopardi, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of Home Affairs, discussed the challenges and opportunities posed by AI and explored the potential impacts in the context of government lawyering.