At the launch of the ACT Chapter of the National Regulators Community of Practice (NRCoP), as part of the network sponsored by ANZSOG, a distinguished panel considered how we create public value through ‘Policy, Practice, Professionalism and Performance’. The panel featured David Parker (Clean Energy Regulator); Jacqui Agius (ACT WorkSafe Commissioner), Derise Cubin (Access Canberra), Rona Mellor (Australian National Audit Office) and Veronica Taylor (RegNet, Australian National University), with discussion moderated by Dr Grant Pink (NCRoP).

This article summarises panel members' arguments and suggests that, while the 'responsive' regulator ideal is attractive, it may not be enough.  It also asks whether the social compact about regulation has changed in late-COVID Australia.