Workplace Relations Conference 2025

The modern workplace is being reshaped by economic uncertainty, regulatory reform, technological disruption, and shifting workforce expectations.

In this time of complexity and opportunity, senior leaders in HR, workplace health and safety, industrial relations, and legal compliance must navigate a dynamic landscape - one that demands both strategic foresight and operational agility.

This year’s conference brings together experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore the future of work from every angle:

• Economic and workforce trends shaping Western Australia and the nation


• Legal and industrial relations reforms with wide-reaching implications


• The rising imperative of psychosocial safety and wellbeing


• Generational shifts, inclusion strategies, and flexible work policies


• Cybersecurity, data privacy, and the evolving risks in digital workplaces

Through a mix of keynotes, workshops, and case studies, we’ll examine the critical questions facing today’s workplace leaders:

• What do employers need to know about workforce supply, government direction, and national policy reform?


• How do we respond to changing expectations from Gen Z while protecting culture and performance?


• What does compliance look like in the face of new WHS laws, privacy legislation, and union activity?


• And how do we ensure workplaces are not only safe and lawful - but inclusive, sustainable, and future-fit?

Whether you're shaping strategy or supporting implementation, this event offers insight, practical tools, and the opportunity to engage with peers tackling the same challenges.

Don't miss out on this exciting event that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace the ever-changing workplace.

Panel Session: The Future of hybrid work

This 30-minute panel will explore how hybrid and flexible work models are evolving across Australian workplaces. The focus is on practical experiences, emerging challenges, and forward-looking strategies. The discussion will draw on insights from HR professionals and organisational leaders who are navigating these shifts firsthand.

MC and Facilitator: Di Darmody

Di Darmody is an engaging, polished and extremely professional MC, conference host, interviewer and facilitator who event organisers rave about. Her poise, professionalism and bubbly personality makes her a favourite with event organisers and audiences alike.  

Di's two decades of experience with ABC Radio mean she has excellent skills to facilitate and interview and is regularly called upon to facilitate panel discussions at various events interview high profile people. In just the last few months alone Di has interviewed Mitchell Johnson, Michelle Payne, Tony Galati and Vivien Yap just to name a few. 

Keynote speaker: Michelle Cowan, managing high performance teams during challenging times

With over 18 years of coaching experience in the WAFL, AFL and AFLW, Michelle has had a huge impact on the development of both the football world and the game itself. Aged 21 when she became the first woman to coach professional AFL football with her appointment as assistant coach of the West Perth Football Club in the WAFL.

In 2019, Michelle was appointed as Assistant Coach of the West Coast Eagles’ AFLW team and in 2021 was offered the opportunity to become Head of Operations & Player Wellbeing for the team. Michelle was awarded the AFL Football Woman of the Year in 2013. In 2014, she was announced as AFL DSR Coach of the Year.

Michelle’s extraordinary achievements are a tribute to her character. She has paved a path for footballers of the future and has set a precedent in the football world, evolving the game for good. Michelle is eager to share her story and seeks to instil her own determination and vigour in her audiences.

Keynote speaker: Rachel Monamy, shaping workplace culture for high-impact team collaboration

Discover how to create a high performing team culture grounded in trust, shared purpose and accountability. Drawing on Leading Teams’ proven High Performing Teams model, this session explores practical strategies to foster genuine collaboration, enhance team dynamics and drive sustained performance. This keynote will be ideal for leaders and team members committed to building environments where people and performance thrive.

Rachel joined Leading Teams in January 2024, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in education across diverse settings. Her career has progressed from early team roles to senior executive positions, earning her a reputation for integrity, high-performance culture building and navigating complex leadership challenges.

Over the past decade, Rachel has coached senior leaders and executive teams, known for fostering trust, cultural change and aligned performance. Her strategic and relational approach supports leaders through growth, change and uncertainty.

As a leadership coach and facilitator at Leading Teams, Rachel partners with clients to enhance leadership capability and culture, using the Leading Teams model to drive behavioural and performance outcomes.

Topic Title: Current Cases, Practical Lessons
Presented By: Cristina Iacob, HR & Workplace Relations Consultant, CCIWA

Session Overview:
Join Cristina Iacob, HR & Workplace Relations Consultant at CCIWA, for a practical and insightful look at recent decisions that are shaping how employers manage people. Cristina will unpack key outcomes, explain the reasoning behind them, and highlight the takeaways for your HR practices.
With her extensive knowledge of the Fair Work Act and its practical application, Cristina will also draw links to broader workplace trends and themes from across the conference—equipping you with valuable insights to support confident, compliant decision-making in your workplace.
Perfect for HR professionals and business leaders who want to stay informed, proactive and ready for what’s next.

Topic Title: Putting Process into Practice: A Live Workplace Scenario
Presented By: CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advisers

In this session Cass Wright, Legal Director Business Law WA will explore the evolving privacy and data landscape under new laws and what HR professional need to know.  The Australian Government and the West Australian Government have passed new Privacy Laws aimed to improve transparency, security and accountability.  In addition, new Federal Cyber Security laws have been passed.  HR professionals play a significant role in building privacy culture requiring them to proactive, up to date with the law and strategic.  Cass will unpack the recent laws and give you some practical tips to embed in your privacy culture.  

Topic Title: Privacy is Everyones Business -understaning the role of HR Professionals in building a privacy Culture

Presented By: Cass Wright, Legal Director Business Law

Watch workplace process come to life in this practical, role-play style demonstration led by CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advisers from our Employee Relations Helpline. This session will walk through a real-world HR scenario—from preparation to execution—showing how to approach challenging conversations and compliance obligations with confidence.
Whether it's managing performance, handling a termination, or navigating a sensitive workplace issue, you’ll gain insight into the structure, language and decision-making that supports best-practice outcomes.
There will be time for questions and discussion, giving you the chance to explore how the process could apply in your own business context. Ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their confidence in managing tricky workplace matters the right way.

Topic Title: Moving Beyond ‘Do No Harm’ - Taking a Strategic Approach to Psychosocial Risk

Presented By, Tim Lawler, WHS Consulting Manager, epigroup

This session explores how organisations can move beyond compliance and take a strategic approach to managing psychosocial risk. We’ll cover the fundamentals, why it matters for business performance, and the pitfalls of relying on traditional risk assessment methods.

You’ll gain insight into who should be involved, what a fit-for-purpose strategy looks like, and the common patterns we’re seeing across industries - both the good and the not-so-good.

Perfect for leaders, safety professionals, and HR teams ready to embed psychosocial risk into broader business strategy.

For sponsorship enquires please email [email protected] or call 08 9365 7409.

Supporting Partners:

**Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellation must be requested via email to [email protected] by the July 1, 2025 for a refund to be issued. Please keep in mind that booking fee will not be refunded. 

We thank you for ensuring that this is a safe, respectful and inclusive event.

Stay Connected

For any queries, please contact the CCIWA Events Team:

E: [email protected]

T: (08) 9365 7500