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National Indigenous Legal Conference 2026

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National Convention Centre Canberra
Canberra ACT, Australia
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Mon, 7 Dec, 9:30am - Tue, 8 Dec, 10:30pm AEDT

About NILC

First Nations voices and leadership in law and justice

Join legal professionals, law students, academics, advocates and community leaders from across Australia for the 19th National Indigenous Legal Conference, hosted by Ngalaya Indigenous Corporation.

Held on 7–8 December 2026 at the National Convention Centre Canberra, on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, NILC provides a national forum to discuss issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, share experience and strengthen connections across the legal profession.

Why attend

NILC brings people together to learn from First Nations perspectives, exchange ideas with colleagues across jurisdictions and build relationships between students, practitioners and leaders.

The gathering also celebrates First Nations excellence through the Gala Dinner and National First Nations Law Awards on Tuesday 8 December.

Who should attend

We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous delegates, including:

  • Lawyers and barristers across private practice, government and community legal services

  • Law students, graduates and early-career practitioners

  • Academics, researchers and policy professionals

  • Community leaders, advocates and others with an interest in First Nations law and justice.

Registration options and eligibility

NILC welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous delegates.

All full conference tickets include both conference days on 7–8 December 2026, plus the Gala Dinner and National First Nations Law Awards on Tuesday 8 December.

  • Lawyer — $800: Standard registration for lawyers and barristers.

  • Junior Lawyer — $600: For lawyers with less than two years’ experience.

  • Law Student — $400: For currently enrolled law students.

  • Community Legal Centre Delegate — $600: For eligible delegates working at a community legal centre.

  • General Delegate — $800: For attendees who are not lawyers or law students, including academics, researchers, policy professionals, community leaders and advocates.

If you qualify for more than one category, select the lowest-priced category for which you are eligible.

Gala Dinner and Awards only

  • Individual ticket — $200: Admission for one guest.

  • Table of 10 — $2,000: Admission for ten guests.

Gala-only tickets do not include conference attendance. If you purchase a full conference ticket, you do not need a separate Gala ticket.

Not sure which ticket to choose? Please use Contact Host before booking.

Program updates

The conference program is being developed. Confirmed speakers and session details will be published as they become available.

Our host and supporters

NILC 2026 is hosted by Ngalaya Indigenous Corporation, with the support of our sponsors and partners.

We acknowledge Tarwirri Indigenous Law Association of Victoria Inc, Principal Sponsor, and its contribution to reinstating the National First Nations Law Awards at NILC 2024.

Accommodation partners

Crowne Plaza Canberra

NILC delegates can access 15% off the hotel’s Best Flexible Rate through the dedicated conference booking link.

Book Crowne Plaza Canberra

For enquiries, contact reservations.cbrbs@ihg.com

The Sebel Canberra Campbell

View available rooms and rates through the dedicated NILC booking link.

Book The Sebel Canberra Campbell

For enquiries, contact groups@connecthospitality.com

Sponsorship opportunities

Support First Nations leadership, connection and recognition across the legal profession by becoming a sponsor of NILC 2026. Explore opportunities to support the conference and the Gala Dinner and National First Nations Law Awards in our Sponsorship Prospectus.

Register now to join this national gathering of the First Nations legal community and colleagues across the profession.

Agenda

  • 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

    National Indigenous Legal Conference - Day 1

    Monday, 7 December

  • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

    National Indigenous Legal Conference - Day 2

    Tuesday, 8 December

  • 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

    NILC Gala Dinner and National First Nations Law Awards - sponsored by Tarwirri

    Tuesday, 8 December

Speakers

  • Keynote Speaker - Joshua Creamer, Barrister-in-Law

    Keynote Speaker - Joshua Creamer, Barrister-in-Law

    Ngalaya is excited to announce that Joshua Creamer will be joining us as a keynote speaker at the National Indigenous Legal Conference 2026, taking place 7–8 December 2026 at the National Convention Centre, Canberra. Joshua is a Waanyi and Kalkadoon man and barrister, with extensive experience in human rights litigation and representing the interests of First Nations people. His work has included landmark class actions concerning the Palm Island death in custody, stolen wages, and the Stolen Generations.

Sponsors

  • Tarwirri Indigenous Law Association of Victoria Inc

    Tarwirri Indigenous Law Association of Victoria Inc

    Principal Sponsor

  • Lander & Rogers

    Lander & Rogers

    Sponsor

  • MinterEllison

    MinterEllison

    Sponsor

  • Colin Biggers & Paisley

    Colin Biggers & Paisley

    Gala Night and Awards Sponsor

  • The University of Sydney - Law School

    The University of Sydney - Law School

FAQs

  • About the conference

    What is NILC?
    The National Indigenous Legal Conference brings together First Nations legal professionals, students and colleagues to discuss law and justice, share experience and build professional connections.

    Who is hosting NILC 2026?
    The 19th National Indigenous Legal Conference is hosted by Ngalaya Indigenous Corporation.

    When and where is it being held?
    The conference takes place on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December 2026 at the National Convention Centre Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra, on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country.

    Who can attend?
    First Nations and non-Indigenous delegates are welcome, including lawyers, barristers, law students, academics, researchers, policy professionals, community leaders and advocates.

    Do I need to be a Ngalaya member?
    No. You do not need to be a Ngalaya member to attend.

  • Registration and tickets

    What does full conference registration include?
    All full conference tickets include both conference days and admission to the Gala Dinner and National First Nations Law Awards on Tuesday, 8 December.

    How much are tickets?

    Ticket category

    Price

    Lawyer

    $800

    Junior Lawyer

    $600

    Law Student

    $400

    Community Legal Centre Delegate

    $600

    General Delegate

    $800

    Gala Dinner and Awards only

    $200

    Gala table of 10

    $2,000

    Booking fees apply in addition to these prices.

    Which ticket should I choose?
    Choose the category matching your circumstances. Junior Lawyer registration is for lawyers with less than two years’ experience. Law Student registration is for currently enrolled law students. General Delegate registration is for attendees who are not lawyers or law students. Please check the description beneath each ticket for eligibility.

    What if I qualify for more than one category?
    Please contact the organising team before booking so we can confirm the appropriate ticket.

    Can non-lawyers attend?
    Yes. Please select General Delegate registration unless you qualify for another category.

    Do I need to buy a separate Gala ticket?
    No. Gala admission is already included in every full conference ticket.

    Can I attend just the Gala Dinner and Awards?
    Yes. Individual Gala tickets and tables of 10 are available without conference registration.

    Can I register for one conference day only?
    The advertised conference packages cover both days. Please contact the organising team if you need a different attendance option.

    Can I book for colleagues or a group?
    Yes, you can book multiple tickets in one transaction. If you need help, please contact the organiser for further help.

    Can my organisation pay by invoice?
    Please contact the organising team before booking to discuss your organisation’s payment requirements.

    Are travel and accommodation included?
    No. Delegates arrange and pay for their own travel and accommodation unless separate support has been confirmed with them.

    Is financial assistance available?
    Any available supported places or travel assistance will be announced separately. Please do not assume funding is available or make bookings on that basis.

    When do registrations close?
    Registrations are planned to close one week before the conference, subject to availability.

  • Program & Timing

    When will the program be available?
    The program is being developed. Confirmed speakers and session details will be added to the registration page as they become available.

    What time does the conference start and finish?
    The planned conference times are:

    • Monday 7 December: 9:30 am–5:00 pm

    • Tuesday 8 December: 9:30 am–3:00 pm

    Please check the final program before arranging travel.

    What time does registration open?
    Check-in arrangements and recommended arrival times will be included in the pre-event delegate information.

    Can I attend online?
    The current registration offer is in-person attendance in Canberra.

    Will sessions be recorded?
    Recording arrangements are not yet confirmed. Registration does not guarantee access to recordings.

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National Convention Centre Canberra
Canberra ACT, Australia