Online and the Sir Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre, Dobson Road, Sandy Bay
Summary:The Economics of Human Extinction
Presenter(s):
- The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
- Hosted by Mark Bowles, Dean and Head of the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania
The 2026 Giblin Lecture
Andrew Leigh explores the economics of existential risk and what it will take to respond before it’s too late.
The 2026 Giblin Lecture will be delivered by The Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Federal Member for Fenner (ACT).
One of Tasmania’s flagship public‑economics events and a cornerstone of the Island of Ideas program, the Giblin Lecture brings leading thinkers, economists, researchers and the wider community together to deepen public understanding of economic issues of public importance.
In this year’s lecture, Dr Leigh explores the economics of existential risk, asking why societies are often slow to respond to catastrophic threats and what economic thinking can contribute to better prevention and preparedness.
About the expert: 
The Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh MP is the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury and the Federal Member for Fenner (ACT). Prior to entering Parliament in 2010, he was a Professor of Economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard University and First Class Honours in Arts/Law from the University of Sydney. His work spans inequality, behavioural economics, productivity, innovation, social capital and competition policy. Dr Leigh is a past recipient of the Economic Society of Australia’s Young Economist Award and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. His books include Battlers and Billionaires, Randomistas, Innovation + Equality, Reconnected, Fair Game and The Shortest History of Economics. He is also a keen Ironman triathlete and marathon runner, and hosts The Good Life podcast.
Hosted by Mark Bowles, Dean and Head of the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania. Previously, he served as Acting CEO of Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania. A respected economist and executive with over 25 years of experience, Mark has led industry and workforce development, public policy, and business advisory services across Tasmania. Well-known in the state's business community, he was Chief Economist for the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry before spending a decade in the Tasmanian Government.
Pre-event refreshments:
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.
The Giblin Lecture:
The Giblin Lecture, established in 1996 and presented annually in association with The Economic Society of Australia, aims to stimulate economic debate on the topics of the day. The lecture is held in honour of Lyndhurst Falkiner Giblin, a Tasmanian born economist (1872-1951), who played an important role in the evolution of economic policy making in Australia. He served as the Tasmanian government statistician and acting Commonwealth statistician, and advised on tariff and depression policies, as well as seeing active duty in the First World War.
Parking:
Free parking, including accessible spaces, is available at the venue.
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