The 2026 Freebairn Lecture with Ms Allegra Spender MP, independent Federal Member for Wentworth, explores a pressing question for modern Australia. Why does our political system produce strong policy ideas comparable to other democracies, yet implement them at a pace slower than ever over the past two decades?
Presented on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 at the University of Melbourne, the lecture examines how Australia’s reform momentum has slowed over the past two decades, despite no shortage of evidence‑based solutions.
Ms Spender argues that the challenge lies not in the quality of ideas, but in the system itself. Incentives within the political process can discourage the courage and integrity required to deliver meaningful reform, making change difficult to sustain over time.
Reform against the grain of strong incentives is fragile… we need institutional changes that change the incentives themselves.
Drawing on contemporary policy debates, she highlights how institutional structures shape political behaviour and why reform too often depends on individuals rather than being embedded in the system.
We need institutional changes that shift incentives and make reform part of how government works.
This lecture connects directly to current discussions around productivity, political accountability, and the capacity of governments to deliver long‑term change in complex policy environments.
Insightful and timely, the Freebairn Lecture offers a clear look at the barriers to reform and what it will take for Australia to move forward.
Watch the full lecture below to explore how Australia can become “The Plucky Country” and deliver meaningful, lasting reform.
