There have been significant changes to industrial relations in Australia arguably the most significant reforms to the Fair Work Act since its introduction some 13 years ago. These changes include job security, gender equality and the prevention of discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. These changes have significant consequences for employers and employees. It’s imperative you attend this session. 

Presenters

Mr. Michael Butler, Principal, HR+WorkLaw
Michael is the principal of HR+WorkLaw, a boutique workplace law practice he started in 2003. He began his legal career at Freehills, was a partner at Lander & Rogers setting up its workplace relations department and was a partner at Harmers Workplace Lawyers, where he established its Melbourne office. Michael is a past Chair of the LIV's Workplace Relations Section and sits on the Executive Committee. He is also a past President of the Industrial Relations Society of Australia and a past President and life member of the Industrial Relations Society of Victoria. Michael does pro-bono work for Wallara, an innovative sector-leading support service for adults with a disability, where he is also Deputy Chair and chairs its Disability Royal Commission Board Committee.


Mr. Josh Bornstein, National Practice Leader, Employment and Industrial Relations Group, Maurice Blackburn
Josh Bornstein is National Practice Leader of Maurice Blackburn’s Employment and Industrial Relations Group. Josh has over 20 years experience as an employment and industrial relations lawyer He has represented many women who have endured sexual harassment. In addition, he has represented many of Australia’s trade unions, the ACTU, and civil society organisations including GetUp and The Wilderness Society. Josh is a member of the Victorian Racing Tribunal and a board member of the progressive think tank, the Australia Institute.


Mr. Will Spargo, Partner, Lander & Rogers
Will is a highly effective workplace relations lawyer. He is regularly instructed by leading employers to assist in complex industrial matters. Clients appreciate his ability to apply legal and strategic nous to achieve excellent commercial outcomes. Will has significant experience across all areas of workplace relations & safety law. He has a particular focus on assisting employers to resolve and, if necessary, defend their position in disputes with both unions and individuals. He is an expert litigator and often appears as advocate on behalf of his clients. Will is also regularly called on to provide clients with advice on employment law issues that are of strategic importance to their organisation including: workforce restructuring and change management, protecting confidential information and intellectual property, responding to regulators, whistleblower obligations and correctly applying awards and enterprise agreements.


Mr. Jonathan Stamatelos, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills
Jonathan has experience in a wide range of employment and industrial relations matters, both contentious and non-contentious, with a particular focus on workplace strategy; enterprise bargaining; right of entry; industrial action; termination of employment; award and enterprise agreement compliance projects; workplace policy; and general advisory matters. Jonathan has extensive experience representing clients in retail, building and construction, transport and technology. Jonathan has undertaken three client secondments to a major building and construction company, a global technology company, and a leading transport company. Recently, Jonathan has assisted his clients in negotiating enterprise agreements, managed compliance projects and engagement with regulators, and advised on restructures, redundancies and transfer of business for major projects.


Ms. Victoria Halliday, Head of Consulting and Legal Services, AI Group Workplace Lawyers
Victoria Halliday is the Head of Legal & Consulting at Ai Group Workplace Lawyers. Victoria commenced her career as an employment lawyer at Mallesons, before moving to Freehills and then overseas to London. Victoria has significant experience in providing employment legal advice across industry, having worked at Telstra, Credit Suisse, Apple and BAE Systems. After 13 years in London, including time spent leading BAE Systems’ global employment legal team, Victoria returned to Australia with BAE Systems where she performed a mix of HR, ER and employment legal roles, including a period as the Acting Chief People Officer.


Mr. Marco Fedeli, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills
Marco Fedeli is a Senior Associate in Herbert Smith Freehills’ Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety Team. Marco’s practice spans all aspects of the employment relationship, with a particular focus on employment litigation, termination of employment, enterprise bargaining, industrial disputes, contracting drafting and implementation, and regulatory support. He has a wealth of experience in both Federal and State Courts and Tribunals, including the Fair Work Commission, where he has assisted clients in a range of litigious disputes, including unfair dismissals, general protections claims, industrial relations disputes and underpayment class actions. Marco holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, including a period of study at Oxford University. He was recently recognised as a Rising Star in Doyle’s Guide Victoria Employment and WHS Rankings in both 2022 and 2023.