Anti-Discrimination NSW (ADNSW) invites you to the launch of our new Thought Leadership Series. This event will host Chris D’Aeth, acting President of the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW in conversation with the Hon. Tom Bathurst AC KC, Chairperson of the NSW Law Reform Commission.

Law reform is essential for ensuring that legal systems remain fair, relevant and responsive to societal change. Without reform, laws risk inadvertently promoting inequality, becoming barriers to progress or failing to protect vulnerable community groups.

There are few people who know more about the importance and process of law reform than the Hon. Tom Bathurst. Mr Bathurst was appointed Chairperson of the NSW Law Reform Commission in June 2022 following his distinguished tenure as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW. With a legal career spanning over four decades, Mr Bathurst has made significant contributions to the Australian legal landscape.

Join us for a conversation with Mr Bathurst, as he reflects on the importance of law reform and considerations that need to be made to ensure our laws uphold rights and protections for our communities. Mr Bathurst will also discuss the much welcomed and comprehensive review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) which is being undertaken by the NSW Law Reform Commission.

This promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking event.

Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025

Time: 10am to 11:30am
(Registration and morning tea from 10.00am, official event starts 10:30am)

Venue: In-person (at the Parramatta Square Business & Events Centre, Podium Level 2, 4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street, Parramatta) and online.

For online tickets, the MS Teams link will be provided on registration.

Please register for this event by Friday 12 September 2025.

If you have accessibility requirements, please contact adbmedia@justice.nsw.gov.au to let us know how we can support you.

Speakers

The Hon. Tom Bathurst AC KC (Chairperson | NSW Law Reform Commission)

The Hon. Tom Bathurst AC KC was appointed as Chairperson of the NSW Law Reform Commission in June 2022. With over four decades of legal experience, Mr Bathurst served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales for over a decade and his distinguished career includes leadership roles in the NSW and Australian Bar Associations, and he was Lieutenant-Governor of NSW for a decade. As a Companion of the Order of Australia and Honorary Bencher of the Middle Temple, Mr Bathurst brings a wealth of insight and a deep commitment to justice and reform.

Chris D'Aeth (Acting President |Anti-Discrimination NSW)

Chris D'Aeth was appointed acting President in March 2025. He is the Deputy Secretary of the Courts, Tribunals and Service Delivery Division at the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. With extensive experience in legal and administrative roles, Chris oversees the efficient operation of courts and tribunals in NSW, ensuring accessible and effective justice services.

Mia Zahra, Executive Manager, Anti-Discrimination NSW

Mia Zahra (A/Director | Anti-Discrimination NSW)

Mia Zahra is the acting Director at Anti-Discrimination NSW. Over the past two decades, Mia has held various leadership roles at the Department of Communities and Justice and Legal Aid NSW. Mia has also worked at the South Australian Attorney-General's Department including Multicultural SA and the Equal Opportunity Commission of SA.

About the ADNSW Thought Leadership Series

The ADNSW Thought Leadership Series brings together thought leaders and practitioners who work to strengthen anti-discrimination policies and practices in NSW. We aim to create a platform to promote conversation and best practice. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to learn more about upcoming events.

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