Revenue Summit 2026 | The Australia Institute

Overview

Good policy is about choices – and you can tell a lot about a government's priorities by who they choose to tax and where they spend the money.

Australia is at a crucial point in its history. A stronger and fairer tax system is essential to strengthen public institutions and guard against rising political instability and disillusionment.

This year, the Australia Institute's Revenue Summit brings together Australian policymakers, academics and independent experts to examine what isn't working in Australia's current system – and what can be done to fix it. 

The Summit will focus on the urgent need for Australia to raise more revenue to reduce inequality, reshape the economy and ensure Australians receive a fair share from the country's natural resources. 

Australia is the world's 12th-largest economy and one of its largest fossil fuel exporters, yet students pay more in HECS/HELP than the gas industry pays in the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax. Meanwhile, a 25% tax on gas exports could raise $17 billion a year.

The 2026 Revenue Summit is an opportunity to reassess priorities and help make Australia a fairer place.