STEP Australia National Conference 2027

Register for STEP Australia's National Trusts & Estates Conference being held from Sunday 23 May to Tuesday 25 May 2027 at the Rydges Melbourne!

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Conference: STEP Australia National Trusts & Estates Conference 2027

Theme: Trusts and Estates - Across Borders

Date:  Sunday 23 May to Tuesday 25 May 2027

Venue: The Rydges Melbourne

Conference Programme: View Here

The 2027 STEP Australia National Trusts & Estates Conference will be held at The Rydges Melbourne, commencing with a Welcome Reception on the evening of Sunday 23 May 2027, followed by two full days of high-quality presentations. During the conference STEP will be hosting a Conference Dinner on Monday 24 May 2027 and a Post-Conference Networking Event on Tuesday 25 May 2027 to conclude the conference.

PROGRAMME FOCUS

This year’s STEP Conference is not to be missed, delving deep into the real-world challenges and complexities faced by practitioners “across borders” in trusts and estates work.

Bringing together leading minds from across Australia, and from around the world (including UK, USA, Singapore and New Zealand), the programme offers a unique opportunity to sharpen your expertise, share practical insights, and connect with fellow Australian and International trust and estate professionals.

PROGRAMME INCLUDES:

• The Long Arm of the NSW Supreme Court

  The Honourable Justice Julie Ward, Supreme Court of New South Wales, Australia

• Administering Estates with Non-Resident Executors and Beneficiaries – Tax and Other Pitfalls

  Michael Flynn KC TEP, Owen Dixon Chambers West, Melbourne, Australia

• How New Zealand Structures Add Value in Cross-Border Estate and Tax Planning

  David Marks KC TEP, Inns of Court, Brisbane, Australia

  Claudia Shan TEP, Avancier Boutique Legal Counsel, New Zealand

• Thinking about Conflicts of Laws: Traps and Hidden Pitfalls for the Estate Lawyer

  Professor Prue Vines, UNSW Sydney, Australia

• Trusts Without Borders: Designing Australian Testamentary Trusts with US Beneficiaries

  Marsha-Laine Dungog, Withers LLP, USA

• Non Resident Trusts - Australian Tax Issues

  John Balazs, BLW LLP, Sydney, Australia

• Divorce Risk - Cross Border Issues & Jurisdiction Shopping

  William Sloan TEP, Kim Wilson & Co Family Lawyers, Perth

• Power Sessions - Succession Law Around the World: A Practitioner's Guide to Germany, Singapore, China & The Philippines

  Yue-En Chong TEP, Bethel Chambers LLC, Singapore

  Jane Ren TEP, Fangda Partners, Shanghai

  Ines Kallweit TEP, KHQ Lawyers, Melbourne, Australia

• Panel on Cross Border Know Your Client issues and Reliance for Anti-Money Laundering

  Amy Bell, AML Sorted, Australia

  New Zealand Representative

  Hong Kong Representative

• Succession Law Around the World Forum

  Yue-En Chong TEP, Bethel Chambers LLC, Singapore

  Jane Ren TEP, Fangda Partners, Shanghai

  Ines Kallweit TEP, KHQ Lawyers, Melbourne, Australia

  Australia Representative

  Philippines Representative

View the full programme here

Please be advised that the Conference Programme is subject to amendment, including changes to timing, topics, and other related content.

MEET THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE 

• Bryan Mitchell TEP, Principal, Mitchells Solicitors, Committee Chair

• Michael Olesnicky TEP, Family Advisor, Committee Member

• Kimberly Martin TEP, Director WMM Law, Committee Member

• Julie Van der Velde TEP, Principal VdV Legal, Committee Member

• Justine Taylor TEP, Principal Director Uther Webster & Evans, Committee Member

• Hannah Willis TEP, Senior Associate Hall & Wilcox, Committee Member

• Yeu-En Chong TEP, Managing Director Bethel Chambers LLC, Committee Member

• Ian Raspin TEP, Managing Director BNR Partners, Committee Member

• Penelope Wells TEP, Special Counsel Parsons Law, Committee Member

• Claudia Shan TEP, Owner Avancier, Committee Member

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ACCOMMODATION

The Rydges is offering conference delegates 20% off the best flexible rate when booking directly through www.rydges.com. To access your discounted rate, select your hotel, enter your dates and number of guests, then click ‘GO’. Select ‘I have a code’, enter RYDGESEVENT in the ‘Promo Code’ field and click ‘UPDATE’. Your special rates will then appear, with breakfast available as an optional extra for $30 per person. Follow the remaining prompts to complete your booking.

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Looking to register three or more delegates?

If you will be purchasing three or more tickets you are eligible for the following discount:

• 3 registrations – 5% discount off each registration

• 4 registrations – 10% discount off each registration

• 5 or more registrations – 15% discount off each registration

Please email Dior Locke, STEP Australia Operations Manager, via dior.locke@step.org

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CONFERENCE SPONSORS AND SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

Platinum & Dinner Sponsor | Equity Trustees | www.eqt.com.au
For more than 145 years, Equity Trustees (incorporating Australian Executor Trustees) has helped Australians navigate some of life's most important decisions. As the country's largest specialist trustee company, we combine long-standing independence with deep technical expertise to deliver confidence when it matters most.

Gold Sponsor | College of Law | www.collaw.edu.au
The College of Law, Australia’s largest provider of practice-focused legal education, is proud to partner with STEP to deliver postgraduate pathways to a career in wills and estate planning.

Gold Sponsor | Perpetual Wealth | www.perpetual.com.au

Perpetual Wealth has earned the trust of Australians across generations. Our trustee heritage has shaped a culture built on putting clients first. By protecting and growing wealth, we create enduring prosperity that lasts for generations.

Coffee Cart Sponsor | BNR Partners | bnrpartners.com.au
BNR Partners are a global award-winning accounting practice and Australia’s leading specialists in estate and trust taxation. Accepting referrals exclusively from legal practitioners, working with licensed trustee companies, or under a court appointment, their team delivers, practical and authoritative tax advice and compliance services that enable confident, efficient estate administration. 

Supporting Organisation | FAAA | www.faaa.au

The FAAA is the leading body proudly representing financial advice professionals in Australia. They advocate for and elevate the financial advice profession by representing the interests of their members and their clients.

Supporting Organisation | The Tax Institute | www.taxinstitute.com.au

The Tax Institute is the leading forum for the tax community in Australia. Their core purpose is to further tax education, support understanding of tax policy in the profession and the wider public, and advocate for a better tax system for all.

Supporting Organisation | SMSF Association | www.smsfassociation.com

The SMSF Association is the independent, professional body representing Australia’s self managed super fund sector. We aim to enable Australians to take greater control of their own financial well-being through a sustainable SMSF community while leading the professionalism and integrity of the sector. We are recognised as the pre-eminent organisation in the SMSF community – focused on the quality of our technical SMSF education, research, advocacy and support services – by Government, Regulators, educators and the financial services industry. 

Trade Exhibitor | Australian Unity Trustees | australianunity.com.au/wealth/protect-your-assets/

Australian Unity Trustees is a contemporary licensed trustee company, bringing together a national team of highly experienced and client focused experts. We deliver wellbeing for our clients by offering a range of personalised and impartial services to protect, manage and transfer their assets.

Trade Exhibitor | estateXchange| www.estatexchange.com.au 

estateXchange’s online platform brings together professional estate representatives and institutions to digitise and exchange information and documentation about a deceased estate in a simplified, secure and sympathetic way. 

Trade Exhibitor | JustFund | www.justfund.com.au

JustFund provides flexible funding solutions for family law and estate administration. Driven by a mission to deliver social impact, JustFund focuses on helping individuals navigate and cover the costs associated with estate administration and assisting beneficiaries with early access to their inheritance.

Become a STEP Australia Conference Sponsor

Contact Dior Locke, our STEP Australia Operations Manger, to register your interest for sponsorship opportunities. 

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FAQs

Can I pay via EFT or cheque?

Unfortunately, no, STEP Australia is only able to receive credit card payments through the Humanitix. Humanitix will send you a receipt and ticket when you register. Please consider this your invoice.

Where can I find the Terms and Conditions of Sales?

Click the following link to read the full Terms and Conditions of Sales.

What's the refund policy?

If you cancel prior to the 23 April 2027, we will issue you a full refund. If you cancel on or after the 23 April 2027 no refunds are available if you are unable to meet the conditions outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Sales. You may transfer your ticket.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, we will have your details on file and your name badge ready for collection.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?

Yes, you can transfer your ticket to another person however the delegate must be to the same ticket type. I.e. A STEP Member Ticket can be transferred to another STEP Member. Read the full Terms and Conditions of Sales. for additions terms relating to ticket transfers. Please email dior.locke@step.org to transfer your ticket.

What is the dress code?

Please dress smart casual. This extends to the pre and post event functions, but you are welcome to dress up if you choose. 

When will I receive further details if I am attending virtually?

Further details will be circulated to virtual delegates on the day of the Conference. Delegates will be provided with instructions on how to view the Conference online and provided with a code providing access from the time of the Conference .

Can I access conference rates for accommodation?

Yes, The Rydges Melbourne has provided delegates reduced rates, so ensure you book your accommodation using the link you will receive when you book your ticket.

Will presenter slides and papers be distributed prior to the conference?

We work with our presenters to ensure that you have as much material as possible prior to conference. Due to the nature of the presentations and presenters who will ensure that the information presented is absolutely up-to-date, some material may not be available until after the conference.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please email Dior Locke, STEP Australia Operations Manager, via dior.locke@step.org

Terms and Conditions of Sales

Click "Terms and Conditions of Sales" to read the full terms and conditions of sales. Information regarding refunds and ticket transfers are outlined.

Event Code of Conduct

Notice is hereby given of our Event Code of Conduct. If you attend a STEP event in any capacity, you agree to be bound by this code of conduct. Visit https://stepaustralia.com/what-we-do/ to view the "Event Code of Conduct"