Program Information

Due to take place from 7 – 8 August at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, this in-person only event will feature keynote sessions from senior family law and care & protection professionals. Discounted tickets are available for panel practitioners and for those working in government and community sectors.

A closer look at some of our sessions

State of the Nation

Join Chief Justice William Alstergren AO of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) and Judge Ellen Skinner, President of the Children’s Court of NSW, for our annual State of the Nation address. This session will explore current trends and directions in family law and care and protection.

High Octane Lawyering: Advocacy in High Risk and High Stakes Matters 

Facilitated by Australian writer, director and comedian, Craig Reucassel, this session explores the high pressure realities of litigation - whether negotiating the return of children, managing crises, or navigating tense courtroom moments. Hear from a panel of seasoned professionals including Donna Ward SC, Frederick Jordan Chambers, and hostage negotiator, Superintendent Victor Yanes from Australian Federal Police. 

When Seeing Isn't Believing: Tech-Facilitated Abuse, Deepfakes and the Future of Justice

Technology is rapidly reshaping the landscape of domestic and family violence. This session will unpack the growing threat of tech-facilitated abuse, including deepfakes, and its implications for legal professionals and the justice system. Join Richard Fleming, General Counsel, eSafety Commissioner, Dr Adrian McCullagh, ODMOB Lawyers and Robert Hoyles, Executive Director Crime, LANSW, as they explore how the justice system is responding to these evolving challenges. 

Additional Highlights

Sessions will include our signature Latest & Greatest with Judge Alexandra Colquhoun and Children's Magistrate Paul Hayes. Plus, explore:

  Economic Coercion and Control in Family Law Matters: A Focus on Dowry Abuse

  Changing the Care System: What DCJ are Doing Differently

  Protected Confidences: Navigating Privacy, Therapy and Evidence in Family Law

  Overcoming Barriers: Reflections from Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) practitioners in the Law

  Law and Order: Care and Protection Unit - The Case I Won't Forget

  The Unlikeable Client: Ethics, Advocacy and the Art of Brave Representation