Keynote speakers
The AIFS 2026 Conference features 4 of Australia’s most influential thinkers and changemakers, whose work is shaping national conversations on families, wellbeing, equity and social justice.
Our keynote speakers combine research excellence, lived experience and public leadership to illuminate the complex issues facing families today – offering a rare opportunity to hear from voices at the forefront of evidence‑based change.
Professor Raymond Lovett
Professor Raymond Lovett AM is one of Australia’s most influential and respected Indigenous (Ngiyampaa/Wongaibon) epidemiologists and a leading authority on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing. He leads the Mayi Kuwayu Study, a longitudinal study directly informing the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan.
Professor Lovett was instrumental in founding the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research: Yardhura Walani at Australian National University and is recognised for building Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander majority teams and leading large-scale research programs that translate to tangible and enduring benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
He was a Fulbright Scholar to Harvard School of Public Health in 2024 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to Indigenous Health in 2025.
Honorary Professor Cathy Humphreys
Cathy Humphreys, PhD is Honorary Professor of Social Work at University of Melbourne and a Chief Investigator on the Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women program.
Her research focuses on the intersection of domestic violence with alcohol and other drugs, mental health and the specific issues for children and young people. She worked at the University of Warwick for 12 years before returning to Australia in 2006. For 15 years she worked as a social worker, a background that highlights her interest and connection to research and knowledge building to inform practice and policy in response to domestic violence.
Professor Leah Ruppanner
Leah Ruppanner, PhD is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Melbourne and the Founder of Lighten Lab. Leah is committed to understanding how women’s unpaid work – the time they spend in housework, childcare and the mental load – impacts their ability to engage in employment, sleep and overall wellbeing.
Leah's goal is to tell stories to help women gain control over their time to spend it exactly as they wish – to create more meaning, love, abundance and joy in our lives.
Her podcast, MissPerceived, tackles pervasive questions and uses research and evidence to debunk gender myths, while focusing on things such as money, sex, relationships, parenting and self-help.
Reverend Tim Costello
The Reverend Tim Costello AO is one of Australia’s most respected community leaders and a prominent voice on social justice, ethics and gambling reform. He is the spokesperson for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, where he has led national campaigns to prevent harm from poker machine gambling and influence legislative change.
Tim directs Ethical Voice and is Executive Director of Micah Australia, continuing his long standing advocacy on poverty and inequality. He previously served for 13 years as Chief Executive of World Vision Australia (WVA) including completion of over 2 years as WVA’s Chief Advocate. He is also Chair of the Community Council of Australia and a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Public Christianity.
His leadership has been widely recognised, including Victorian of the Year, Australian of the Year (Victoria) and Officer of the Order of Australia.