News & Events

Our evidence to the NSW REZ inquiry: lessons from the ground 

Energy lead Saideh Kent appeared before an NSW parliamentary inquiry on the impacts of renewable energy zones on rural and regional communities, reflecting on her evidence and what she hopes comes next.

Building the economy we could have: insights from Progress 2026   

Our Economic Change lead, Dr Katherine Trebeck, and Josh Devine from Regen Melbourne, hosted a workshop at Progress2026 on going upstream for this economic transformation. Progress is the largest social justice conference in Australia, with over 1500 people attending the conference as guests and140 speakers from across the world running 60 sessions on how to win the change we need for people and planet. Here are some highlights from the event.

What freight decarbonisation means for regional Australia

Land Sector Program Lead Jacqui Bell ponders what freight decarbonisation means for regional Australia off the back of a commercial vehicle decarbonisation summit at Parliament House.

Navigating the energy transition in 2026 

Saideh Kent leads The Next Economy’s energy work. In this Q&A she shares her thoughts on what shaped the transition in 2025, how communities are responding, and what lessons can be learned for the year ahead. 

What does ‘good’ look like for our regions in 2026? 

2025 brought with it a rush of policy announcements.  Here at The Next Economy, we’re reflecting on what we’ve learnt through our work with regions and how they can continue to manage change well in 2026 and beyond. 

Walking Together: Building Indigenous Business in Northern Australia

A new report by Esparq Ventures, co-authored with The Next Economy. Esparq Ventures is working with Indigenous entrepreneurs across northern Australia to grow successful businesses grounded in culture, community and self-determination.

Walking Together: A conversation with Darryl French-Majid, CEO of Esparq Ventures

Esparq Ventures is helping Indigenous entrepreneurs in northern Australia turn ideas into businesses that create jobs and strengthen communities. Its founder, Darryl French-Majid, reflects on the journey, the challenges, and what success means for them.

Nature, people and place: why Australia’s environmental laws are critical for regions 

Australia is rewriting its national environmental laws in response to widespread recognition that the current system is failing both nature and communities. In our submission to the reform process, we shared what we’ve heard from regional Australians around how to make these laws work for people, place and the environment.

Transition in South West Queensland: local views and questions

In November, The Next Economy travelled through South West Queensland, meeting councils, industry and local leaders to explore what transition means for the region. In this piece, our energy project officer Lyndsay Walsh reflects on the trip and how planning can reflect its realities, strengths and priorities.