Seminars at the IRC

Appearing in the Commission: The Basics

Date: 27 August 2026
Time: 5:15pm - 6:15pm
Where: Court 4.1. Chief Secretary’s Building. Level 4, 47 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Presenters: Deputy President McDonald and Commissioner Webster

Join Deputy President Janet McDonald and Commissioner Janine Webster for a practical introduction to appearing in the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW. This seminar will provide an overview of the Commission's jurisdiction and processes, advocacy and professional obligations, conciliation and arbitration practice, compliance with directions and orders, effective negotiation techniques, and the Commission's approach to the use of Generative AI. Designed for new and developing practitioners, the session offers practical guidance to assist professionals appearing before the Commission with confidence and professionalism.

This seminar is fully booked for in-person attendance. A live stream will be available on YouTube, and a recording of the seminar will be published on this page after the event. Link coming soon.

The IRC’s new Workplace Conduct Jurisdiction

Date: 2 September 2026
Time: 5:15pm - 6:15pm
Where: Court 4.1. Chief Secretary’s Building. Level 4, 47 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Presenters: Deputy President McDonald and chaired by his Honour Justice Taylor, President.

Recent amendments to the Workers Compensation legislation have conferred upon the Industrial Relations Commission a new jurisdiction.  From 1 July 2026 a primary psychological injury is only compensable if (among other things), it results from one or more relevant events.  If the relevant event is alleged to be bullying, excessive work demands, racial harassment or sexual harassment, and this is a matter of dispute, an application must be made to the Industrial Relations Commission for a determination as to whether the conduct was “relevant conduct” before an applicant may apply to the Personal Injury Commission for a determination on any other issue(s) in dispute.

In this seminar Deputy President McDonald will:

• Provide an overview of the Relevant Conduct reforms and the claims procedure for Relevant Injuries;
• Explain the IRC’s function in determining Relevant Conduct; and
• Explain the IRC’s practice and procedure for Workplace Conduct proceedings.

❓Have a question? Click here to submit a question for the seminar, and we will endeavour to answer as many questions as possible during the seminar.

This seminar is fully booked for in-person attendance. A live stream will be available on YouTube, and a recording of the seminar will be published on this page after the event. Link coming soon.