Balancing biodiversity - a call for reform
Tuesday 3 March 2026
12:00 for 12:30pm
Dr Ken Henry AC remains frank and fearless in his calls for reform, several years after leading an independent statutory review of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act and finding it “not fit for purpose”.
The NSW Government has now committed to the most significant reform to the state’s land management framework in over 20 years - an opportunity to reverse the trajectory of environmental decline and put in place a whole-of-landscape approach that recognises the role of natural capital in community well-being, agricultural productivity, climate change resilience and respect for Aboriginal peoples’ connections to Country.
Dr Henry is the Chair of the Nature Finance Council, the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation and Wildlife Recovery Australia, and our first lunch speaker for 2026.
With a distinguished career that included ten years as Secretary to the Treasury, he has a unique understanding of the critical role our environment plays in the health of the economy and our wellbeing.
Dr Henry will describe the need and opportunities presented by reform to protect and restore our State’s highest value biodiversity. He will talk to the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists new report Blueprint for a Healthy Country and Thriving Regions that provides a roadmap for change and recognises the critical role of landowners and managers in restoring and protecting our landscape.
He served as the Secretary to the Treasury from 2001 to 2011. He chaired the Howard Government’s tax review taskforce in 1997-98, the Rudd Government’s tax review published in 2010, and the Gillard Government’s White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century (2011 and 2012). In 2022-23, he led the independent statutory review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act (NSW).
Dr Henry was the Chair of National Australia Bank from 2015 to 2019 (non-executive director from 2011 to 2019) and a non-executive director of the ASX and affiliated entities from 2012 to 2022.
He's a recipient of the Centenary Medal and was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2007.
Bookings for this lunch will close on Wednesday 25 February 2026. Corporate members may book unlimited guests at the member price. Other members may book one guest at the member price. Please advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
For any questions, contact bookings@nswfarmwriters.org.au
