Workplace Relations Conference 2026

Risk Ready. People First.

The workplace landscape is shifting - are you ready?

Join us for a high-impact forum bringing together business leaders, HR professionals and workplace experts for a day of insight, practical updates and forward-thinking conversations. Expect expert-led sessions, interactive breakouts and a dynamic panel discussion exploring what it takes to build strong, sustainable workplaces in today’s environment.

PRESENTING PARTNER

FULL PROGRAM

8:30am REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

9:00am WELCOME

9:10am-STRONG BY DESIGN: BUILDING THE RISK-READY ORGANISATION: Jim Winter, Director, Attitude Adjustment

9:40am FAIR WORK COMMISSION UPDATE: Pearl Lim, Commissioner, Fair Work Commission

10:15am INSIDE THE MINDS OF AUSTRALIA'S WORKPLACES: Keith Govias, Workplace Safety and Risk Principal, Client Solutions, EML Group

10:40am MORNING TEA

10:55am BREAKOUT A: AI, THE THIRD PARTY IN THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Laura Fry, Managing Associate, Workplace Relations, Business Law WA

10:55am BREAKOUT B: GETTING IT RIGHT: LEADING PEOPLE BACK TO WORK AFTER PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY: Eloise Demarti, WHS Consultant, Psychologist, Epigroup

11:20am BREAKOUT A: MANAGING UNIONS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE CONTEXT OF FUEL DISRUPTION: Kate Schick, Manager, Construction Services

11:20am BREAKOUT B: WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT: Agnes McKay, Senior Associate, Commercial Law, WHS, Business Law WA

11:50am LUNCH

1:30pm THRIVING IN UNCERTAINTY: REINVENTING WORK FOR A COMPLEX WORLD: Katelyn Reddin, Manager Health, Culture & Performance, Medibank

2:00pm GLOBAL IMPACTS ON WORKPLACE RELATIONS: Shaun Schmitke, Director Workplace Relations, Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry

2:20pm AFTERNOON TEA

2:35pm CASE LAW UPDATE: Louisa Gardner, Associate, Workplace Relations, Business Law WA

2:55pm INTERACTIVE SESSION: MEDIATION ROLE PLAY: Kara Main, Associate and Accredited Mediator, Workplace Relations, Business Law WA

3:25pm CONFERENCE CLOSE

Speakers:

Jim Winter, Director, Attitude Adjustment

The most important thing to know about Jim is that he is bilingual – fluently speaking Australian and American. 

Jim is a Director of Attitude Adjustment and has lived in Western Australia for 30 years.  He holds a Bachelor of Science from Miami University and an MBA from The Citadel.  He has an exceptionally broad and diverse background in government and civilian industry.  Jim was a senior officer in the United States Navy and is a combat veteran. He was a Professor at several graduate schools in the US and Australia, and has worked in project management in technology, weapons systems, construction, and oil & gas. 

Pearl Lim, Commisioner, Fair Work Commission  

Prior to her appointment to the Fair Work Commission in May 2023, Commissioner Lim worked in senior industrial relations and advocacy roles at the Australian Services Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the WA Prison Officers’ Union. Commissioner Lim was a long-serving member on the UnionsWA Executive, as well as the Mining Industry Advisory Council.  Commissioner Lim’s appointment to the Fair Work Commission is her second turn at the role of Commissioner, having previously served as a Commissioner of the Combat Sports Commission. Commissioner Lim’s family migrated to Australia from Malaysia via Christmas Island.

Keith Govias, Workplace Safety and Risk Principal, EML 

Keith is a senior Workplace Health and Safety, Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management professional with extensive experience leading safety and risk strategies across complex organisations. He is currently Workplace Safety and Risk Principal at EML and has previously held senior roles with major Australian organisations including Myer, Harris Scarfe, The Reject Shop and Kraft Foods. Keith brings deep expertise across workers’ compensation, public liability schemes and organisational risk maturity. 

**Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellation must be requested via email to [email protected] by the 21 April, 2026 for a refund to be issued. Please keep in mind that booking fee will not be refunded. 

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) is the State's leading independent, member-based business peak body. For more than 135 years, our Perth business events have supported WA professionals to make connections, share knowledge, celebrate wins and amplify brands. 

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