Newcastle | AGM and Diversity in Industrial Relations

IRS Newcastle Branch

AGM | Diversity in Industrial Relations

Date: Friday 31 July 2026

Time: 12.00pm - 3.00pm

Venue: Merewether Surfhouse

INTRODUCING OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER 

Marian Baird, Professor of Gender and Employment Relations - University of Sydney

Professor Marian Baird is a leading researcher in the fields of industrial relations, women, work and care. Her research focuses on policy responses at all levels, including government, business and unions. She has a long history of policy engagement on gender equitable organisational change, flexible work, women and leadership, paid family and domestic violence leave and reproductive support policies. Through her career as an engaged researcher, she has worked with federal and state government departments, organisations, unions and not-for-profits to improve the position for women in the workforce and society. Marian has contributed to the development of government and company policies on maternity and parental leaves, flexibility, discrimination and the ageing workforce. Her pathbreaking research on paid parental leave contributed to the introduction of Australia's paid Parental Leave Scheme in 2010. In 2022-23, she advised the Australian Government on extensions and changes to the Scheme.

Currently, she is a Chief Investigator on the Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR) and leader of the mature workers and care stream. Other current research projects include the female body@work project, women's economic empowerment and workplace violence in female dominated sectors. Marian is an Expert Panel Member of the Fair Work Commission, appointed in March 2023. She is a member of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations' Parent Advisory Group to improve the economic security of Australian parents, appointed in 2024.

For any enquiries, please email newcastle@irsnsw.org.au

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