Agenda
IR SUMMIT 08 Sydney
3-4 June 2008
The Sydney Harbour Marriot
Day one - 3 June
9.00 - 9.10 - Welcome notes and opening remarks from the Chair
9.10 - 9.55 - Employers- IR checklist: What you need to know to operate in 2008 and beyond
" The future of AWAs: transitioning from AWAs and their impact on Australian businesses
" Moving from AWAs to collective agreements and common law contracts
" Complying with the new regulations
" Transitioning from AWAs to ITEAs
"Adapting to the new dismissal/termination laws
Fay Calderone, associate, workplace relations & safety, MatthewsFolbigg
9.55 - 10.40 - Best practice equal employment opportunity principles
for HR professionals
CASE STUDY: NIKE AUSTRALIA
A discussion of recent developments in equal opportunity practise case law and best practise guidelines for:
" Avoiding discrimination in recruitment and advertising
" Disclosure of disability in employment -guidance for employers
" Taking reasonable precautions to prevent an employer's liability for discriminatory actions of its employees and agents
Emma Turner, senior legal advisor, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
10.40 - 11.00 Morning break
11.00 - 11.30 - Expert interview
Dr Paul Gollan is an associate professor, department of business, Macquarie University, and an associate fellow in the employment relations and organisational behaviour group at the London School of 2.10Economics. Gollan is a media commentator on industrial relations issues writing for all major Australian newspapers. He is also a regular contributor for the Australian Human Resources Magazine and Australian Financial Review.
11.30 - 12.20 - Strategic implications for employers under the new system
" Strategic opportunity in change management towards the new system
" Changes to collective bargaining and dispute resolution
" Good faith bargaining and the mechanisms involved
" Which institutions will underpin this proposed stream of legislation
" A one-stop shop - the future role of Fair Work Australia and interim arrangements
Michael Harmer, chairman, Harmers Workplace Lawyers
12.20 - 1.20 - Networking lunch
1.20 - 2.10 - Confronting the new legislation: the new role of the HR manager
In this session HR practitioners from Australia's top companies will share some of the strategies they have implemented to stay abreast of the changes to industrial relations laws.
" What are the risks and opportunities for Australian businesses?
" How can HR professionals avoid hurdles associated with transitioning?
" Going beyond traditional industrial relations: informal mediation and conciliation
" The new role of HR: navigating collective bargaining agreements
Panellists include:
" Rachael Leshinsky, industrial relations manager, Bakers Delight
" Jodi Dickson, workplace relations manager, Mounties Group (winner of the 2007 AHRI Leadership Award)
" Katy McDonald, head of employee relations, diversity and policy, Westpac Banking Corporation
2.10 - 3.00 - The importance of business protection mechanisms
When someone leaves you lose a capability. Do you need to lose key clients, staff and information too? Attend this session and learn about:
" The position at common law
" Contractual provisions - what is available under contract?
" The concept of reasonableness in relation to restraints
" Recent restraint cases
" The importance of records management
" Practical tips to avoid a costly legal battle as a result of mismanagement
Campbell Fisher, managing partner, Fisher Cartwright Berriman
3.00 - 3.20 - Afternoon break
3.20 - 4.10 - Transitioning from AWAs to ITEAs
" Mediation and dispute resolution in the workplace
" Collective agreements under the new legislation
" Strategies in place for a smooth transition from AWAs to ITEAs
Christopher Platt, general manager, workplace policy, Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA)
4.10 - 5.00 - Panel discussion: Coming to grips with the changes to industrial relations in Australia
" Removing AWAs: how different industries have been affected and strategies in place for a smooth transition
" Understanding the new relationship between unions and employers
" The new industrial relations landscape
" Dealing with the new environment without AWAs, and the options available under the new legislation
" Impact on different industries
Panellists include:
" Christopher Platt, general manager, workplace policy, Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA)
" Richard Evans, executive director, Australian Retailers Association
" Phillip Ryan, industrial relations manager, Australian Hotels Association
5.00 - 6.00 Educational champagne roundtable discussions
Meet fellow delegates and industry leaders all in the one place! Maximise the value of your time in these interactive roundtable discussions led by expert facilitators and capitalise on this opportunity to discuss issues relevant to your job function and your industry.
