Bringing off difficult reform

Lunch with Prof Graeme Samuel AC

Hosted by Ian Dunn AM

Professor Graeme Samuel AC, renowned for his distinguished career spanning law, economics, and regulatory leadership, has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s environmental landscape. In 2019, he was appointed to conduct a comprehensive review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, presenting his findings to then Environment Minister Sussan Ley in 2020. Among his key recommendations was the establishment of a Federal Environment Protection Agency.

After extensive parliamentary debate, the legislation implementing the Samuel Review recommendations was finally passed in November 2025, with all parties and numerous external commentators highlighting the depth, clarity, and impact of Professor Samuel’s work. His leadership in this process underscores his enduring influence on public policy and environmental protection in Australia.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Samuel, who was a Foundation Member of Melbourne Forum, to join us for this special lunch, where he will not only explore the recent environmental legislation, but also the road to implementing the GST and National Competition Policy.

Graeme Samuel AC is a Professor in Monash University's Business School. He is also Chair of Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ), Chair of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, Co-Chair of the national Network of Comprehensive Dementia Centres and Chair of the Australian Dementia Network Ltd (ADNet). He was a member of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's Panel to conduct a Prudential Inquiry into the culture, governance and accountability of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and was Chair of the panel which conducted a Capability Review of APRA. He conducted an Independent Review commissioned by the Commonwealth Government of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, as well as a review for the Commonwealth Government of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. He was co-lead of a Review of the Defence Trade Controls Act.

Professor Samuel has held a number of roles in public life including former Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Associate Member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, President of the National Competition Council, Chairman of the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, Commissioner of the Australian Football League, President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of PlayboxMalthouse Theatre Company and Opera Australia, Trustee of the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust and Chairman of the Inner and Eastern Health Care Network. He served for eight years (from 2011 to 2019) as a member of the ANU Council, and seven years as Chair of the ANU Finance Committee.

Join us for our first lunch event of the year and celebrate the passing of this landmark legislation.