Future-ready regulation is practical, collaborative and outcome focused.

Regulators across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific are navigating the most consequential period of change in a generation. In Australia, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is being reformed, and a national Environment Protection Authority is being established. In New Zealand, sweeping reforms to the Resource Management Act are reshaping how environmental regulation is designed and delivered. Across the Pacific, regulatory agencies are grappling with the compounding pressures of climate change, biodiversity loss and limited resources. And everywhere, artificial intelligence is reshaping how compliance is monitored and enforced, while communities are demanding greater transparency, accountability and involvement from regulatory agencies entrusted to protect the public interest.

The AELERT 2026 Conference: Future Ready Regulation is designed for regulators responsible for meeting those demands. Over three focused days in Melbourne, regulatory leaders, practitioners, researchers and specialists will come together to transform challenges into solutions, sharing proven strategies, building capability, and strengthening the systems that underpin effective regulation.

Conference program: from plenary to practice

Day 1 | Embracing Innovation on the Frontier of Regulatory Practice

The big-picture forces reshaping regulation: AI and digital tools, national reform agendas, and the climate and nature positive transition. Delegates leave with a shared, current picture of the landscape and the context to capitalise on everything that follows.

Day 2  |  Fostering Regulatory Excellence

From context to practice — real-world application across compliance, enforcement, approvals, capability and industry-specific regulation, featuring speakers, case studies, breakout streams and focused workshops.

Day 3 | Collaboration and Co-Design for Better Outcomes

Strengthening regulatory systems, leadership and people through First Peoples co-governance, regulatory stewardship, ethics, accountability and cross-sector collaboration.

Program highlights include:

► Technology & Innovation Showcase: Technology vendors and service providers demonstrate real-world applications of AI and emerging technologies across licensing, compliance, investigations and public engagement

► Regulatory Knowledge Exchange: a collaborative workshop where delegates and speakers unpack conference themes, problem-solve with peers and build practical solutions in real time

Registration

The AELERT 2026 Conference: Future Ready Regulation is an in-person event. All delegates have access to the full plenary program.  Breakouts and workshops are built for active participation, and in-person attendance puts you in the room for the hands-on work that's at the heart of the program.

Registration rates*

All prices quotes are ex-GST and charged in AUD. You have the option to pay by credit card or by bank deposit by requesting a tax invoice. 
(*) Student rate does not include attendance at the conference gala networking event. Tickets to this event can be purchased seperately during the registration process. 
(^)Member pricing is extended to affiliated professional bodies including EIANZ, NELA, NRCoP, and AIPIO. You may be asked to prove valid membership upon registration.

The conference is proudly sponsored by:

Major Event Partner
Event Partner
Social Event Partner
Lanyard Sponsor	Coffee Cart Sponsor

Tech and Innovation Showcase Partners

Exhibitors

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