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 a young professional enthusiastic about solving important issues within the sector and co-constructing policy initiatives?
- Do you want to make new connections across the sector?
- 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.
What to expect
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 three policy challenges to introduce and contextualise the issues underpinning each challenge.
Each participating team will get two weeks to complete writing their policy response to their allocated question. Policy submissions are due Monday, 31 August by 12PM.
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.
How to register
Please note: All NSW Public Servants are automatically Affiliate members of IPAA NSW and entitled to Affiliate rates. Activate your Affiliate membership here.
Register your interest for the Hack today. We will reach out to you in early July with topics to allocate you to a team.
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
| Register Interest: |
Monday, 18 May 2026 |
| Opening Ceremony: |
Thursday, 13 August 2026, 5:00 – 6:30 PM (via MS Teams) |
| Policy Writing Course:
|
Monday, 17 August 2026 |
| Working Session: |
Thursday, 20 August 2026 |
| Submissions Due: |
Monday, 31 August 2026 by 12:00 PM |
| Finalists Announced: |
Friday, 4 September 2026 |
| Presentation Masterclass: |
Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| Closing Ceremony: |
Thursday, 10 September 2026 |
The closing ceremony is being organised to occur in person. You will be advised of the time and venue closer to the date.
The Young Professionals Policy Hack is sponsored by:
Pricing
Free for Affiliate and Professional Members
Be at your best, for NSW.
Register now to secure your spot.