On 9 October 2026, the AER published a post draft decision discussion paper. The paper draws together the additional analyses the AER has undertaken in response to the Independent Panel’s report on the draft 2026 RORI, specifically the recommendations on equity beta and the market risk premium. 

The consultation on this discussion paper will run for a strict period of 10 business days only. Interested stakeholders are invited to make written submissions by close of business on Friday 23 October 2026. Submissions should directly address the targeted consultation questions set out in the paper. 

Submissions should be sent to RateOfReturnaer [dot] gov [dot] au (RateOfReturn[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au) and addressed to Gavin Fox, General Manager Network Pricing.

Any submissions received on this discussion paper will be considered alongside all submissions already received in this 2026 RORI review, including in response to the draft 2026 RORI.