ESG Law & Practice Annual Conference 2026
Description
The ESG Law & Practice Annual Conference 2026 brings together leading experts to help you navigate the legal, regulatory and commercial realities shaping ESG today.
Over two days in Sydney, you'll gain practical insights into the developments that matter most, from climate and environmental law to corporate governance, human rights, sustainable finance and ESG risk management.
Sessions are designed to provide actionable guidance that can be applied immediately in legal practice and organisational decision-making.
Why attend?
Hear from leading lawyers, regulators, governance experts and ESG practitioners.
Stay ahead of key legal and regulatory developments in Australia and globally.
Explore emerging issues including climate litigation, greenwashing, modern slavery, AI governance and sustainable finance.
Gain practical strategies for managing ESG compliance, disclosure obligations and legal risk.
Connect with professionals from law, business, government and the not-for-profit sector.
Earn CPD points recognised by legal professional bodies.
Join the conversation shaping the future of ESG law and practice in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Lineup
Matthew Baird
Executive Director, Centre for ESG Law and Practice
Sarah Barker
Partner, Allens
Kate Lazarus
Senior Regional ES&G Advisory Lead (Asia-Pacific), International Finance Corporation
Dominic Tayco
King River Capital
Claire Smith
Environment & Planning Partner, Clayton Utz
Professor Michael Adams FAAL
Adjunct Professor of Law, University of New England
Nathan Kennedy
Partner & Head of Pro Bono and Community, Hall and Wilcox
Deslie Billich
Lecturer, College of Law
Dominque Hogan-Doran SC
Australian Bar
Dr Tahlia Gordon
Strategic Projects Lead, College of Law
Alison Laird
Director, Centre for Legal Innovation Director - Consulting, Elevate
Talieh Williams GAICD
Head of ESG, BGH Capital
Elizabeth Wu
Transnational Governance Consultant
Emily McCarthy
Executive Director, College of Law Queensland
David Cosgrave
Chair, Amivas Inc. Non-Executive Director, Darling Downs & West Moreton Primary Health Network
Raphael Tay
Partner, RDS Partnership
Mark Beaufoy
President NELA, Partner, Mallesons
Ann-Maree David GAICD
National Executive Director, College of Law
Shyam Divan
Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Agenda
- 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Registration Opens
- 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Official Welcome & Opening Address
Conference Chair Opening by Matthew Baird, Executive Director, Centre for ESG Law and Practice
- 9:30 am - 11:00 am
SESSION 1 | The Year in ESG Law: Australia & International Update
A rapid-fire review of the most significant ESG legal, regulatory and judicial developments in Australia and globally during 2026, covering climate law, corporate governance, human rights and sustainable finance. Moderator: Matthew Baird, Executive Director, Centre for ESG Law and Practice Keynote: Sarah Barker, Partner, Allens Keynote: Kate Lazarus, International Finance Corporation
- 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Morning Tea & Networking
- 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
SESSION 2 | The Global ESG Agenda - Convergence or Fragmentation?
An international perspective on the trajectory of global ESG standards - covering ISSB, EU CSRD, the US retreat from ESG regulation, and what this means for Australian companies with international operations and investor bases. Speakers: Dominic Tayco, King River Capital + Kate Lazarus, International Finance Corporation
- 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Networking Lunch
- 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
SESSION 3 | Greenwashing: Enforcement, Litigation & Defence
An in-depth examination of ASIC and ACCC greenwashing enforcement actions, the evolving legal standards for ESG claims, class action exposure and practical guidance for corporates and advisers on credible ESG communication. Speakers Claire Smith, Partner, Clayton Utz + Professor Michael Adams, UNE
- 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Afternoon Tea & Networking
- 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
SESSION 4 | Modern Slavery & Human Rights Due Diligence
Australia's Modern Slavery Act is under review and a new mandatory human rights due diligence (mHRDD) framework is on the horizon. This session examines current obligations, supply chain risks, international developments (EU CSDDD, UN Guiding Principles) and what a strengthened Australian regime would require. Speakers: Nathan Kennedy, Partner & Head of Pro Bono and Community, Hall and Wilcox + Deslie Billich, College of Law
- 5:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Summary & Close
- 5:15 pm - 7:15 pm
Welcome Reception & Networking Drinks
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
