AWA National Policy Forum 2026

AWA National Policy Forum 2026: Governing Water As If Its Many Values Mattered
Water underpins Australia’s prosperity, resilience, and liveability, but do our laws, institutions, and regulatory settings reflect the values Australians hold for today? While Australian water policy has successfully driven economic productivity, does it embed instruments for broader cultural, social, environmental and intergenerational outcomes? 

Join the Australian Water Association in Canberra for a high-level, one-day forum bringing together policy makers, regulators, community leaders and industry executives to examine what it would take to govern water as if its many values genuinely mattered. 

Through a series of provocative discussions and real-world case studies from across Australia, we’ll explore where our current water governance frameworks support, and where they constrain, the outcomes communities expect. Together, we’ll consider how to align rhetoric with reality, balance efficiency with equity and environmental integrity, and build reform pathways that are both ambitious and politically feasible. 

This is your opportunity to help shape the next chapter of water policy in Australia and contribute to defining the principles that will guide our shared water future. 

What to expect: 
At the heart of the Forum is a candid and potentially uncomfortable conversation:  

Does Australian water policy (as expressed through our laws, regulations and institutions) truly reflect the values Australians hold for water? And if not, what must change in our policy settings, governance arrangements and sector behaviour to bring intent and outcomes back into alignment?  

Our speakers, panellists and participants will grapple with these questions through a mix of short keynote provocations, facilitated panel discussions, interactive Q&A sessions and a hands-on workshop. This format is designed to surface diverse viewpoints, challenge assumptions, and co-develop a clearer, more actionable direction for reform. 

The Forum will run under the Chatham House Rule which helps create a trusted environment to engage in constructive discussion to resolve complex problems. Its guiding spirit is: share the information you receive, but do not reveal the identity of who said it. 

Event Details

Registration   

*Concession rates apply to AWA Concession Members (students, retirees and YWPs under the age of 25).

If you wish to find out more about AWA's membership benefits, contact membership@awa.asn.au.

Accommodation at QT Canberra
To access your special rates please visit www.qthotels.com

1. Select QT Canberra, enter your dates from 26^th of March to 28^th of March and number of people and click ‘GO’
2. Click ‘I have a code’
3. In the ‘PROMO CODE’ field enter your booking code: QTCONF
4. Click ‘UPDATE’
5. Your special rates will appear on the rates screen

Alternatively guests can call the Reservations Team to book over the phone quoting the block code QTCONF.

Phone: +61 2 6267 6244
Email: reservations_qtcanberra@evt.com

ACT Water Leaders Dinner & Awards 2026
If you are flying into Canberra early on the 26th March, why not join us the evening before the Forum at the same venue as we shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations who are helping shape a stronger, smarter, and more resilient water future at the ACT Water Leaders Dinner & Awards 2026

EVENT:
Madeleine Vumbaca,  Event Co-ordinator | P: 02  9467 8427  | E: MVumbaca@awa.asn.au 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Troy Waite, Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager | P: 02 9467 8426 | E: twaite@awa.asn.au