STEP Australia National Incapacity Conference 2025

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Register for STEP Australia's Second National Incapacity Conference being held from Sunday 3 August to Tuesday 5 August 2025 in Sydney.


CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Date:  Sunday August to Tuesday 5 August 2025

Venue:  Hyatt Regency Sydney, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney, Australia

The 2025 STEP Australia National Incapacity Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, commencing with a Welcome Reception on the evening of Sunday 3 August 2025, followed by two full days of high-quality presentations. During the conference STEP will be hosting a Gala Dinner on Monday 4 August 2025 and a Post-Conference Networking Event on Tuesday 5 August 2025 to conclude the conference.

PROGRAMME FOCUS

The STEP National Incapacity Conference brings together leading international legal and medical minds presenting on this topical growth area of Incapacity. It is not to be missed.

The programme provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with Australian trust and estate practitioners. This will be STEP Australia’s second National Incapacity Conference. 

PRESENTERS:

• The Hon. Justice Lindsay AM, Supreme Court of New South Wales
• Registrar Mark Fartharly TEP, Judicial Registrar of the Supreme Court of Western Australia
• Professor Nola Ries, University of Technology Sydney
• Dr Christopher Ryan, University of New South Wales
  
• Dr Jane Casey, Psychiatric Assessment Service, New Zealand
• Robert Fitzgerald AM, The Australian Human Rights Commission, Age Discrimination Commissioner, Sydney
• Simon Ower KC TEP, Jeffcott Chambers, Adelaide
• John Chesterman, Queensland Public Advocate
• John Armfield TEP, Two Wentworth Chambers, Sydney
• Jennifer McMillan TEP, LawCover, Sydney
• Rodney Lewis, Elderlaw Legal Services, Sydney
• Sherlynn Chan TEP, Deacons, Hong Kong
• Yue-En Chong TEP, Bethel Chambers LLC, Singapore
• Alison Gilbert TEP, Brookfields Lawyers, New Zealand

View the full programme here


THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE 

• Bryan Mitchell TEP, Principal, Mitchells Solicitors, Brisbane, Committee Chair
• Katerina Peiros TEP, Principal, Hartwell Legal, Melbourne
• Evelyn Burke-Shyne TEP, Special Counsel, Jackson McDonald, Perth
• Barbara Campbell TEP, Director, Campbell & Co. Lawyers, Canberra 
• Kimberley Martin TEP, Director, WMM Law, Tasmania
• Margaret Arthur TEP, Special Counsel, Hopgood Ganim, Brisbane
• Justine Taylor TEP, Director Uther, Webster & Evans Solicitors, Sydney, Committee Member
• Alison Gilbert TEP, Director, Brookfields Lawyers, Auckland
• Yue-En Chong TEP, Managing Director, Bethel Chambers LLC, Singapore
• Sherlynn Chan TEP, Partner, Deacons, Hong Kong

____

ACCOMMODATION

The Hyatt Regency Sydney has provided delegates of the conference is discounted rate for accommodation. Click this link to book accommodation directly with the hotel. The delegate rate is available until 4 July 2025.

____
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

____
CONFERENCE SPONSORS AND SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

Platinum & Dinner Sponsor | Equity Trustees | www.eqt.com.au
Equity Trustees is an independent specialist trustee company offering trustee or fiduciary services to a range of private and corporate clients.

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 | Send Payments | www.sendpayments.com

Send are a multi-award winning non-bank, high volume international payments and foreign exchange specialist, that is a leading provider of innovative payment solutions for legal practitioners and conveyancers of all sizes everywhere.

Coffee Cart Sponsor | BNR Partners | bnrpartners.com.au
BNR Partners are experts in the field of Deceased Estate and Trust taxation matters.

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 | SMSF Association | www.smsfassociation.com

The SMSF Association is the independent, professional body representing Australia’s self managed super fund sector. Our vision and mission is to enable Australians to take greater control of their own destiny through a sustainable SMSF community while leading the professionalism and integrity of the sector.

Trade Exhibitor | Perpetual | www.perpetual.com.au

Perpetual have been earning the trust of their clients for more than 130 years and pride themselves on their long-standing client relationships – some of which span five generations. Trust is earned, every day.

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. 

Become a STEP Australia Conference Sponsor

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

____
STEP AUSTRALIA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The STEP Australia Excellence Awards recognise exceptional and outstanding Australian TEPs. The Winners will be announced at the STEP Australia National Incapacity Gala Dinner held on Monday 4 August 2025.

Find out more about the Awards here

____
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 1 July 2025, we will issue you a full refund. If you cancel on or after the 1 July 2025 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 Hyatt Regency Sydney 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 as well as COVID-19 specific conditions of entry.

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"

Delegate Disclaimer and Acknowledgement

STEP Australia has endeavored to implement appropriate measures and safeguards regarding COVID-19, however, there exists a risk of the spread of COVID-19 in any group, social or public setting, location or event. Presence at STEP Australia’s Conference could increase your risk of contracting COVID-19 and you assume that risk. You agree to hold harmless and fully indemnify STEP Australia from all and any loss you incur or injury you suffer as a result of you contracting any disease (including, but not limited to COVID 19).