Industrial Relations Society of New South Wales upcoming events

ALERA 2026 Discrimination Webinar Series - Sex Discrimination in 2026: From Complaint to Commission (24 June 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

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!

Mentoring Program 2026 Launch & Members Networking Drinks (24 June 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:30:00 GMT

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.

Newcastle | AGM and Diversity in Industrial Relations (31 July 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:00:00 GMT

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

*Booking terms and conditions apply

Save the Date: ALERA & IRSNSW Skills Workshop (16 October 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Save the Date - Meet the Commission and End of Year Member Drinks (05 November 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Save the Date: IRSNSW AGM and Patron's Lunch (26 November 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Save the Date | Call for Papers and Special Sessions Now Open | 21st ILERA World Congress (30 August 2027)

Sun, 29 Aug 2027 14:00:00 GMT

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