Schools regularly engage contractors for works and welcome visitors for events, programs and daily operations, each bringing important legal and safety obligations. Explores how schools can effectively manage the risks associated with non‑employees on campus while meeting workplace health and safety requirements. Gain clear guidance and practical strategies to strengthen compliance and protect your school community.
Legalwise Seminars is a NESA recognised PD provider.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
Graduate - Proficient - Highly Accomplished - Lead Accreditation
6.2 - Engage in professional learning and improve practice
7.2 - Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Description
Educators can attend and earn 1 hour of Registered Professional Development or Registered Professional Learning
Lawyers can attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
Chair:
Dr Steve Middleton, Principal and CEO, The Pittwater House School
1.00pm to 2.00pm Managing Contractor and Visitor Safety on School Grounds
- Understand the legal responsibilities schools have to ensure the safety of non-employees on campus, including risk assessments, induction processes, supervision requirements and liability considerations
- Effectively navigate compliance with workplace health and safety laws and practical strategies for managing shared responsibilities with third parties
Presented by Patrick Barry, Barrister, State Chambers
Presenters
Patrick Barry, Barrister, State ChambersPatrick has a national practice specialising in workplace health and safety law (including National Heavy Vehicle and mining prosecutions), employment law, and appearing at inquests. Patrick regularly appears as sole counsel and opposed to Senior Counsel in matters at first instance and on appeal in courts and tribunals across all Australian jurisdictions. His practice focuses principally on defending corporate entities and individuals in workplace safety prosecutions across a range of industries including construction, mining, petroleum and gas, manufacturing, aviation and road transport. He also appears for employers in a variety of employment disputes. Patrick is recognised as among the leading Workplace Safety barristers in New South Wales and South Australia in Doyle’s Guide, consecutively from 2017. Prior to being called to the Bar in 2014, Patrick practised as a solicitor at Freehills and K& L Gates. Patrick also holds a Master in Historical Studies from the University of Oxford.
Dr Steve Middleton, Principal and CEO, The Pittwater House School
Dr Middleton, who will formally begin in Term 1, 2026, is a respected educational leader with close to 30 years’ experience in Australia’s top independent schools – including The King’s School and Knox Grammar. Associate Principal at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar in Melbourne, named one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators, Dr Middleton is a passionate advocate for the collective well-being and academic advancement of each student.
