Women in Industrial Relations in 2026

Have you ever wondered what leading women are doing in IR and ER in 2026?

The Industrial Relations Society of Victoria invites members and guests to its annual Women in Industrial Relations event.

This year’s event will spotlight senior female figures from industrial relations and policy to explore themes of leadership, reform and professional influence in the IR and ER space.

Keynote Address & Panel

Join us for an engaging and insightful evening with Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody, providing the keynote address, followed by a panel discussion.

Joining Commissioner Cody on the panel will be:

• Imogen Sturni (Branch Secretary, Australian Services Union)
• Siobhan Kelly SC (Barrister)
• Dani Salinger (Head of Workplace Relations & Senior Legal Counsel, Virgin Australia)

The panel will be hosted by a member of the IRSV committee.

Join colleagues from across the profession for an insightful discussion, followed by refreshments and networking.

Event details

Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Registrations from 5.30pm, event commencing at 6.00pm

Le Méridien Hotel Melbourne, 20 Bourke St, Melbourne 

Tickets

$25 – IRSV members

$60 – Non-members

About the keynote speaker

Dr Anna Cody

Sex Discrimination Commissioner

Dr Cody started as Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner in September 2023.

Before this, Dr Cody had a distinguished career as an academic, as a lawyer specialising in discrimination and as a passionate advocate for human rights. Her work over the years has included substantial advocacy to various United Nations human rights committees when they have reviewed Australia’s and other nations’ fulfilment of their human rights obligations.

Most recently she was the Dean of the School of Law and Professor at Western Sydney University for 4.5 years, leading education and research impact within the School to better reflect the diversity of the community and the intersection of law and justice.

We hope you can join us!