Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association upcoming events

IRSWA - Bargaining Masterclass (28 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Enterprise bargaining can be a vastly complex exercise involving negotiations between employers, employees and unions.

This exercise has even more resolution pathways available with the introduction of changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), such as intractable bargaining declarations.

With this in mind, the Industrial Relations Society of WA is pleased to host a Bargaining Masterclass with Deputy President O’Keeffe from the Fair Work Commission.

This presentation will include:

1. Getting to bargaining via majority support

2. The impact of the prospect of intractable bargaining declarations

3. At the bargaining table – what to do and what not to do

The workshop will conclude with a question and answer session.

Learn more and register now

IRS Newcastle Annual Conference (30 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:45:00 GMT

Resilience in a Changing World: AI, Well-being and regional transformation in a Changing World

Resilience is an increasingly important concern for employers, leaders, and workers facing uncertain environments. It refers to the capacity of individuals, teams, and organisations to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of disruption. In the Hunter region and Newcastle, resilience is particularly relevant as workplaces navigate economic restructuring, workforce transformation, and the transition to net zero, and the impacts of recent crises.

Perspectives on resilience vary. While some view it as an individual capability, others emphasise the role of workplace conditions, leadership, organisational culture, and support systems. These perspectives raise important questions about worker well-being, fairness and rights, and employer responsibilities in fostering resilient workplaces.

As organisations respond to disruption and uncertainty, developing adaptive capacities that support recovery, learning, and sustainable performance is essential (Norris et al., 2008). This conference provides a forum for exploring resilience in the context of industrial relations, organisational change, individual worker well-being, and regional transformation.

Learn more and register now

IRSQ - Women in IR High Tea - Lessons from Women Who Have Shaped Workplace Relations (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

LESSONS FROM WOMEN WHO HAVE SHAPED WORKPLACE RELATIONS

Join IRSQ for high tea where their panel of senior leaders share the defining moments, valuable lessons, and practical insights that shaped their successful careers in workplace relations.

PANELISTS

Rebecca Girard
Deputy Secretary
The Services Union

Alexandra O’Brien
Deputy Director Employee Relations
Independent Schools Queensland
(Employer Assoc.)

Learn more and register here

ALERA SA - Patrons Event (5 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 01:45:00 GMT

ALERA SA Patrons Event
Thursday 5th November 2026

Join ALERA SA on

Thursday 5th November for our Patrons Event for 2026.

The event will commence at 12.30pm with a presentation from The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, followed by a sit-down lunch from 1:00pm-2:00pm

The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP is the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and has represented the electorate of Kingston since 2007. Throughout her parliamentary career, she has held several senior portfolios, including Minister for Social Services and Minister for the NDIS. With a background in psychology, mental health care and the trade union movement, Amanda has a longstanding commitment to workplace fairness, community wellbeing and social equity. She is a passionate advocate for Australian families, focusing on affordable and accessible healthcare, quality early childhood education, and the creation and protection of secure, well-paid jobs.

Learn more and register now

IRSNSW - Meet the Commission and End of Year Member Drinks (5 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 06:30:00 GMT

The Industrial Relations Society of New South Wales (IRSNSW), together with Honourable Justice Taylor, invites members of the IRSNSW to attend the annual Meet the Commission and End of Year Member Drinks, to be held this year at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, 47 Bridge Street, Sydney (Entry via Bridge Street entrance).

Date: Thursday 5 November 2026

Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm

RSVP: 28 October 2026

IRSW Members can register here

IRSWA - Advocacy Course (20 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

After a long hiatus and due to popular demand and member requests, we’re bringing the IRSWA Advocacy Course back in 2026!

The course is designed for human resources, industrial relations practitioners and lawyers to develop and enhance their skills in the art of advocacy.

With WA Commission members adjudicating and supported by interstate facilitators (Chris O’Grady KC and Leigh Howard, Vic Bar) who run this course for other IR societies, the return of this course to WA is not to be missed

Interested members are invited to send EOI's to ensure they can access pre-sale tickets and limited early bird prices, before the rest of the tickets get released to members and general public.

When: Friday 20 November to Sunday 22 November

Spots will be limited. Membership is encouraged to ensure you have the best chance of obtaining pre-sale tickets - join today!

Email the IRSWA Committee to register your interest.

IRST - AGM and EOY Event (23 Nov 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 07:00:00 GMT

IRSNSW AGM and Patron's Lunch (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

2026 AGM & Patron's Lunch

THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2026

Members Dining Room Parliament House

Program

11.45am IRSNSW AGM registration commences

12.00pm IRSNSW AGM commences

12.30pm Patron's Lunch commences

3.00pm Patron's Lunch concludes

AGM

Information for members about the AGM is available on the website at IRSNSW committee reports. We invite members to consider nominating for a committee position using the nomination form in the link by 4pm Wednesday 18 November 2026. Please note, as this is a members only page, members will need to login to access this material.

Attendance at the AGM only has no cost, a cost only applies if you are attending lunch.

Patron's Lunch

The AGM and Patron’s Lunch will feature a sit down discussion with our Patron, Anna Booth (Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman), and Susan Booth, former Fair Work Commissioner, who was appointed by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to conduct the Closing Loopholes Review, which was tabled in Parliament in August 2026.

Learn more and register now

ILERA 2027 World Congress (30 Aug 2027)

Sun, 29 Aug 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Register today for the International Labour and Employment Relations Association 21st World Congress (ILERA 2027)

We’re thrilled to invite you to register for ILERA 2027, taking place from 31 August – 3 September 2027, at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC).

Registration now – secure your spot today