Government Innovation Week Federal 2026 Returns to Canberra

Government Innovation Week Federal 2026 returns to Canberra this October, bringing together the leaders, practitioners and teams shaping the next chapter of public sector transformation.

Taking place on 21–22 October 2026 at the National Convention Centre Canberra, the event brings together senior executives, digital specialists and delivery teams for two days of practical insight, shared learning and high-value networking.

The timing feels right. Across the APS, agencies are being asked to move from experimentation to implementation, especially when it comes to AI, digital service delivery and modernisation. At the same time, cyber threats are growing more complex, public expectations are rising, and leaders are under pressure to build capability, resilience and confidence across their teams.

That is exactly where Government Innovation Week Federal comes in. Rather than treating these issues as separate conversations, the program brings them together in one place, giving attendees the chance to hear what is working across government right now and where the next priorities are emerging.

Across the week, the program is built around three focused events:

Digital Leadership Day | 21 October

A day centred on leadership, strategy and capability, with sessions exploring how leaders can guide digital transformation, AI adoption and organisational change in a more deliberate and people-focused way.

Explore the agenda | Digital Leadership Day is an event for senior government executives. To request an invitation, please email [email protected] all requests will be subject to approval.

Government Innovation Showcase | 22 October

A cross-government forum focused on practical innovation, highlighting how agencies are using AI, data and digital tools to improve citizen experience, strengthen decision-making and lift productivity.

Explore the agenda | Registration is free for public sector

Government Cyber Security Showcase | 22 October

A dedicated cyber event focused on resilience, secure digital systems and the next steps in protecting government services, infrastructure and data.

Explore the agenda | Registration is free for public sector

Together, the three events create a strong picture of what transformation looks like in practice across the federal public sector. Leadership, innovation and cyber resilience are all deeply connected, and that is reflected in the shape of the program.

The current lineup already includes more than 50 speakers, with more still to come. Featured speakers on the Federal 2026 event page include:

1. David Hazlehurst, Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia
2. Monita Lal, Head of AI Delivery and Enablement, Department of Finance
3. Chris Crozier, Chief Information Officer, Department of Defence
4. Elissa Walker, Deputy Secretary, Technology Group, Department of Home Affairs
5. Lance Domm, Minister Counsellor (National Security), British High Commission
6. Ian Opperman, Commissioner, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
7. Dr Liming Zhu, Director/Head of Data 61, CSIRO

For public sector attendees, that makes GIW Federal a valuable chance not only to hear from senior leaders, but also to connect with peers working through many of the same questions around AI, modern platforms, service delivery, trust and capability uplift.

Whether you are leading strategy, working in service delivery, shaping digital policy, managing cyber risk or building data and AI capability, Government Innovation Week Federal 2026 offers a practical way to step back, look across the system and engage with the ideas, lessons and conversations shaping what comes next.