A challenge for young professionals to create innovative solutions to some of the state's major policy initiatives

Is this event for you?

• Are you enthusiastic about solving important issues within the sector and co-constructing policy initiatives?
• Do you want to make inter-agency connections with other young professionals?
• Are you looking for guidance from experienced senior leaders in the sector?

The YP Policy Hack is an invaluable program designed for innovative and ambitious young professionals aged 34 and under in NSW Government.

You'll work collaboratively with other young professionals on real NSW policy initiatives while developing your policy planning and writing skills.

Teams of 4-5 young professionals will work together to develop a creative policy solution to a major priority of the state. Your proposal will then be assessed by a panel of senior leaders in the sector.

Policy Hack Questions

This year's hack will explore the evolving policy challenges shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence and the journey towards Net Zero. The 4 policy hack questions being sponsored this year are:

Artificial Intelligence

Supported by Department of Customer Service:

• Question 1 – Accountability: How might NSW Government create an environment where AI innovation can thrive while ensuring it remains safe, ethical and accountable?
• Question 2 – Sustainable Innovation: How might NSW ensure data centre development is environmentally responsible, visually appropriate and community-aligned, while also growing a local ecosystem of developers, startups and scaleups that creates skilled jobs and long-term economic opportunity?

Net Zero

Supported by NSW Treasury:

• Question 3 – Co-ordinated Delivery: What approaches could NSW Government take to ensure Net Zero plans translate into coordinated, on-the-ground delivery across multiple sectors?
• Question 4 – Community trust: How else might NSW Government continue to build and maintain community trust and support for the infrastructure and changes required to deliver the Net Zero transition at pace and scale.

What to expect and frequently asked questions

The Policy Hack will kick off with the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, 13 August, where you'll hear from the business units working on each of the four policy challenges to introduce and contextualise the issues underpinning each challenge.

Each participating team will get over two weeks to complete writing their policy response to their allocated question. Policy submissions are due Monday, 31 August by 12PM (midday).

During the two weeks, policy teams and individuals will be supported through a Policy writing course by a policy expert, which will guide you on how to write an effective policy solution. Teams can attend an in-person working session to ask questions and ensure you are on the right track to finalise your submission.

Your solution will be reviewed by the Policy Hack Working Committee before being shared with the judges on the panel. Finalists will then present their ideas at the Closing Ceremony on Thursday 10 September, during which the winning team will be announced.

View the frequently asked questions for more information on what to expect.

How to register

Please note: All NSW Public Servants are entitled to complimentary Bronze Membership with IPAA NSW and are eligible for member rates. Activate your membership here.

Register for the Policy Hack by completing the link below by Midnight Sunday 9 August 2026.

Once you've met your fellow team members, you are encouraged to find a mentor to guide you on your team's submission. Feel free to contact us if you need help finding a mentor as we have mentors who have kindly volunteered to assist.

Policy Hack Timeline

• Opening Ceremony: Thursday, 13 August 2026, 5:00 – 6:30 PM (via MS Teams)
• Policy Writing Course: Monday, 17 August 2026 (via MS Teams)
• Working Session: Thursday, 20 August 2026 (face to face)
• Submissions Due: Monday, 31 August 2026 by Midday (12:00pm) (via email)
• Finalists Announced: Friday, 4 September 2026 (via email)
• Presentation Masterclass*: Monday, 7 September 2026 (online)
• Closing Ceremony: Thursday, 10 September 2026 (face to face)

Further details, including locations and times, will be provided closer to each event.

Virtual participation options will also be available for regional participants attending the Working Session and Closing Ceremony.

* Please note the Presentation Masterclass will only be available to the Policy Hack Finalist Teams.

The Young Professionals Policy Hack is sponsored by:

Pricing

Bronze, Silver and Gold Members: Free

Be at your best, for NSW.
Register now to secure your spot.