Industrial Relations Society of New South Wales upcoming events

IRSV - Voices of IR 2026 - Reconciliation in IR (04 August 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

60 years since the Aboriginal Stockmen's Case and while disadvantage for First Nations employment remains a challenge, the 2025 gender undervaluation case shows a pathway for change.

Proudly presenting our third webinar for 2026 - part of a dynamic year-long professional development program.

Free for IRSV members and members or interstate ALERA affiliates, Reconciliation in IR, is a thought-provoking event marking 60 years since the landmark Aboriginal Stockmen's Case - a defining moment in Australia's industrial and social history. More recently in another landmark case, gender-based undervaluation principles have been used to correct low pay for First Nations women health workers.

We’ll reflect on the legacy of these pivotal cases and explore their impact on workers' rights and equality, and examine how they continue to shape the journey towards reconciliation in industrial relations today.

Welcoming panellists Professor Nareen Young of UTS Business School, Jumbunna Institute and the Fair Work Commission’s DP Alex Grayson.

Join us online on Tuesday 4 August 2026, from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm AEST, via Zoom. Book online at www.irsv.asn.au/.

Registration details will be provided on sign-up.

This webinar is free all IRS members nationally (IRSNSW and Newcastle
members email membership@irsnsw.org.au for your code).

ALERA 2026 Discrimination Webinar Series - Disability at Work: Reasonable Adjustments, Inherent Requirements, and Risk-Reducing Practice (19 August 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association (ALERA), together with our State and Territory societies, is pleased to present the third of four National professional development masterclasses on Discrimination.

Disability at Work: Reasonable Adjustments, Inherent Requirements, and Risk-Reducing Practice

Nikki A-Khavari of Higgins Chambers will draw on recent and leading case law to examine the legal and practical requirements for making reasonable adjustments for workers with disability. The session will also explore how employers can minimise discrimination risk and lawfully rely on key statutory exceptions, including inherent or genuine occupational requirements, unjustifiable hardship, and measures reasonably necessary to protect workplace health and safety.

The webinar will be moderated by Dr Ben French, President IRSQ.

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

When: Wednesday 19 August 2026

Where: Zoom Webinar (Online)

Time: 12.00pm – 1.00pm AEST

Cost: Complimentary for all IRS members nationally

Non-members $40.00

Secure your spot today!

Save the Date: ALERA & IRSNSW Skills Workshop (15 October 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:00:00 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 | 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