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IRS EVENTS



Conferences, Professional development workshops, Seminars and Webinars hosted by IRSNSW and IRS Newcastle

Our programs are designed to inform and encourage members and their guests to add to their knowledge and understanding of industrial relations by bringing together representatives of trade unions, employers and Government, the legal profession and academics

Our presenters are leading practitioners in their field who bring their experience and expertise to our members. Their willingness to share their knowledge, debate their views and answer questions is a highlight at each of our events. 

Many events are complimentary or at a discounted fee for members.


Upcoming Events in NSW

    • 19 June 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Online


    Join us for a lunchtime webinar with barrister Troy Spence, with Q&A time, as he speaks to wage compliance and the consequences of contraventions.

    KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    Barrister – Troy Spence

    Troy Spence has a diverse practice, with a focus on employment & industrial relations, work health & safety, discrimination and worker’ compensation.

    In 2026 Troy was ranked as Preeminent junior counsel in Doyles Guide Leading  Employment Law Barristers – Queensland, 2026 and also Preeminent junior counsel in Doyles Guide Leading Workplace Health & Safety Law Barristers – Queensland, 2026.

    Prior to being called to the bar in 2018, Troy worked for two almost two decades representing employees in both the public and private sectors.

    Troy regularly appears in the QIRC, FWC, the Federal Circuit and Family Court (Div. 2) and the Federal Court of Australia. Troy has also appeared before the Queensland Court of Appeal, the Full Federal Court and the High Court of Australia.

    In our webinar, Troy will discuss:

    • How employers can ensure they are wage compliant; and
    • What considerations the courts give when ordering penalties against employers who are found to have contravened industrial instruments.

    Following Troy’s discussion, there will be a Q&A session.

    When:      Friday 19 June 2026
    Where:     Online Webinar (Link to join will be shared 24hrs prior to webinar)
    Time:       12pm – 1pm AEST 
    Cost:        Complimentary for all IRS members nationally (IRSNSW and Newcastle
                     members email membership@irsnsw.org.au for your code)
                   
                    Non-members $40.00

    Secure your spot today here!


    • 24 June 2026
    • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Webinar
    Register


    ALERA, together with our State and Territory societies, is pleased to present the second of four National professional development masterclasses on Discrimination.

    Sex Discrimination in 2026: From Complaint to Commission


    Commissioner Sarah McKinnon 
    will discuss the Fair Work Commission’s sexual harassment jurisdiction including pathways to access, trauma-informed processes, potential outcomes and common issues that arise in dealing with claims. She will also touch on other areas of the Commission’s jurisdiction where sexual harassment can arise.

    Sarah McCarthy, State Chambers will explore practical approaches to managing workplace discrimination complaints across the grounds of sex, age, race and disability. Sarah will outline the complaint pathways available to employees, including the Australian Human Rights Commission and State and Territory anti-discrimination boards. Sarah will explain what employers can expect when responding to and defending a claim. Sarah will then trace the full arc of a discrimination matter, from the initial complaint process through to litigation.


    The webinar will be moderated by Nicholas Wilson (IRSV), workplace relations consultant and former FWC Commissioner.

    This webinar will feature a live Q&A, giving members the chance to engage directly with leading experts in industrial relations.

    When: Wednesday 24 June 2026

    Where: Zoom Webinar (Online)

    Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm AEST

    Cost: Complimentary for all IRS members nationally

               Non-members $40.00

    Secure your spot today!


    • 24 June 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Cabana Bar ("The Hideaway"), 25 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
    • 27
    Register


    Join us for an evening of networking and the launch of the 2026 mentorship program at the NSW Industrial Relations Society Mentoring Program 2026 Launch and Members Networking Drinks! This exciting event will take place at the stylish Cabana Bar (in the area known as the “Hideaway”), located at 25 Martin Place, Sydney, on 24 June 2026.

    Starting at 5:30pm and concluding at 9:00pm, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow members, share experiences, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders and fellow practitioners. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, want to hear about what it is like to be a mentor or mentee, this event promises to be both enjoyable and enriching.

    Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to engage with your fellow members at the NSW Industrial Relations community. There is no additional fee – it’s a benefit of membership.

    Register now to secure your place and we look forward to seeing you there!

    • 31 July 2026
    • Merewether Surfhouse, 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether NSW 2291


    • 16 October 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM


    • 26 November 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Members Dining Room NSW Parliament House


    • 30 August 2027
    • 03 September 2027
    • Sydney, Australia
    Register

    Welcome from the ILERA Organising Committee Chair

    On behalf of the Organising Committee, it is my great pleasure to invite you to join us in Sydney, Australia, for the 21st International Labour and Employment Relations Association World Congress, to be held from 30 August to 3 September 2027.

    Widely recognised as a leading international forum for labour and employment relations scholarship and practice, the ILERA World Congress brings together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, judges, union representatives and business leaders from around the world.

    The ILERA 2027 World Congress theme: “Sustainable, productive and decent work: Bridging research, practice and policy” reflects ILERA’s commitment to supporting analytically rigorous and policy-focused research.

    Hosted by the Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association (ALERA) and International Labour and Employment Relations Association (ILERA), this landmark event will bring together leading researchers, practitioners and policymakers from across the globe to explore the most pressing issues in labour and employment relations today. 

    We look forward to welcoming you to Sydney in 2027.

    Yours sincerely

    Judge Leigh Johns OAM
    ILERA Organising Committee Chair


    Save the Dates

    • Call for Papers and Special Sessions Opens: 1 June 2026 
    • Call for Papers and Special Sessions Closes: 28 September 2026 
    • Early Bird Registration Opens: 1 August 2026 
    • Early Bird Registration Closes: 14 February 2027 
    • Standard Registration Opens: 15 February 2027 
    • ILERA World Congress: 30 August – 3 September 2027 


    Call for Papers and Special Sessions Open

    We are pleased to announce that the Call for Papers and Special Sessions, for the 21st ILERA World Congress is now open.

    We welcome submissions across the following thematic tracks in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

    • Track 1: Decent, Safe and Healthy Work
    • Track 2: Equitable and Inclusive Work
    • Track 3: Strong and Democratic Institutions for Work
    • Track 4: Decent and Productive Work in the Digital Age
    • Track 5: Work and Sustainable Climate Transitions

    To view the Congress tracks in detail, please visit here.


    Submission Details

    • Abstract Submissions Open: Monday 1 June 2026
    • Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday 28 September 2026
    • Notification to Authors: Friday 13 November 2026


    How to Submit

    Abstracts must be submitted via the below online portals:

    • Call for Papers Portal here.
    • Call for Special Sessions Portal here.

    Please review the submission guidelines on our website for full details on word limits, formatting requirements and presentation types.


    Early Bird Registration 

    Early bird registration opens 1 August 2026. We encourage all intending presenters to register early to secure the best available rate.


    Sponsorship Prospectus Launch

    The ILERA World Congress 2027 offers a unique opportunity to connect with a global audience of leading IR academics, practitioners, legal professionals, and policymakers. If your organisation is interested in supporting the Congress, we invite you to express your interest below and our team will be in touch with further information.


    Stay Informed

    To receive updates on the program, registration and all Congress news, we invite you to register your interest via our website.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Sydney in 2027. 

    Warm regards

    Congress Secretariat
    ILERA World Congress 2027
    E: enquiries@ilera2027.com
    W: www.ilera2027.com



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Industrial Relations Society of New South Wales Incorporated
INC9877445 Copyright 2024

ABN Industrial Relations Society NSW 40 585 849 687

Contact NSW OFFICE:

TEL: +61 2 7238 0909

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Contact NEWCASTLE BRANCH:

TEL: +61 422 149 318 - Toree Diver

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