The Economics of Human Extinction

Andrew Leigh explores the economics of existential risk and what it will take to respond before it’s too late. 

The 2026 Annual 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.

The Giblin Lecture

The Giblin Lecture, established in 1996 and presented annually in association with The Economic Society of Australia (Tasmania Branch), 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.

Ideas worth sharing about issues that matter

Island of Ideas invites all Tasmanians to join our series of free public talks designed to ignite conversation and curiosity across our community. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the program brings together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and community voices to discuss the issues that matter.

Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list for updates or visit Island of Ideas to watch past talks and register for upcoming events.