The Future-Ready Government

Governments across Australia are entering a decisive period of reform. Fiscal pressure is intensifying, public expectations continue to rise, and the pace of technological change is accelerating. At the same time, agencies are being asked to modernise core systems, adopt AI responsibly, strengthen data capability, and deliver measurable productivity improvements, often with limited capacity for large-scale disruption.

Against this backdrop, public sector leaders are facing a common set of questions. How do we deliver efficiency without compromising service outcomes or trust. How do we move beyond pilots and proofs of concept to embed data and AI at scale. How do we modernise finance, operations and core platforms in ways that are sustainable, defensible and workforce-ready.

For the second year, SAP in partnership with The Public Sector Network will bring together senior public sector leaders to explore these challenges through a government-led lens. The event is designed to support practical decision-making by focusing on the strategic choices leaders must make now to enable long-term reform, resilience and innovation.

Rather than leading with technology, the program starts with the realities facing government. It brings together executives, senior managers and practitioners across finance, operations and IT to share lessons from implementation, examine what good looks like in practice, and explore how integrated platforms, trusted data and responsible AI can enable better policy and service outcomes.

The agenda will feature thought leadership keynotes, government-led fireside conversations and focused deep dive sessions. Discussions will centre on productivity and efficiency, managing continuous change, building the business case for modernisation, and enabling the workforce to operate confidently in a data- and AI-enabled environment.

In 2026, the event will convene more than 100 public sector leaders from across Australia, creating space for cross-functional dialogue between finance, operational and technology decision-makers. The format includes a plenary session in the morning, followed by two parallel breakout streams focused on business and IT priorities, and concludes with a networking lunch designed to encourage peer connection and knowledge exchange.

This forum provides a timely opportunity for government leaders to step back from day-to-day delivery, reflect on the strategic direction of reform, and engage with peers and industry partners on how to implement change in a way that is incremental, responsible and aligned to public value.