STEP Victoria-Tasmania 2027 Conference

The 2027 STEP Victoria-Tasmania Conference will be held on Friday 5 March 2027 at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, Geelong’s new waterfront convention centre.

The conference begins on Thursday 4 March with the Deep-Dive AI Workshop, a hands-on afternoon exploring how AI is changing the way practitioners work, followed by the Welcome Reception that evening.

On Friday 5 March, join fellow practitioners who advise families across generations for a full day of technical sessions covering family law claims on wills and trusts, testamentary discretionary trusts, the new tax landscape, caveat proceedings and Division 296.

PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
Deep-Dive AI Workshop
Thursday 4 March 2027, 1:00pm to 5:00pm AEDT
Facilitated by Simon Tyrrell, Chief Strategy Officer, Humaie, and Laura Vickers, Head of Prevention and Risk Services, Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee

CONFERENCE WELCOME RECEPTION
Thursday 4 March 2027, 5:00pm - 7:00pm AEDT

CONFERENCE
Friday 5 March 2027, registration from 8:30am, conference 9:00am to 5:00pm AEDT

All timings are subject to change, pending confirmation of the final program.

PROGRAM

WORKSHOP | Thursday 4 March 2027

Deep-Dive AI
Simon Tyrrell, Chief Strategy Officer, Humaie, and Laura Vickers, Head of Prevention and Risk Services, Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee

• Session 1: Demystifying AI – What It Is and How to Use It

• Session 2: Managing Clients in the Age of AI

• Session 3: AI in Court – Hallucinations and Professional Negligence

• Session 4: Practical AI Workshop – Interactive Hands-On Lab
  

CONFERENCE | Friday 5 March 2027

Under Attack - How Family Law Splits Wills and Trusts Wide Open
Kylie Sanders, Principal, Taussig Cherrie Fildes Lawyers

• An honest look at how family lawyers aggressively pick apart supposedly ironclad wills and trust deeds during marital asset splits.

• Identifying common "gaps" left behind by traditional estate planners and concrete ways to structure robust defense strategies.
  

The Modern Blueprint for Testamentary Discretionary Trusts (TDTs)
Greg Russo TEP, Principal Solicitor, Greg Russo Law

• An in-depth update on structural tax variations and asset rules impacting testamentary trusts.

• Best-practice drafting tips to safeguard distributions while remaining compliant with changing regulatory interpretations.
  

Navigating the New Tax Landscape - CGT & Negative Gearing Changes and other ATO positions
Milana Starikov TEP, Complex Tax Advisor, BNR Partners

• Essential updates regarding Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing and how this will impact estates.

• Updates on other ATO positions, including double death and Draft TD 2026/1.
  

Caveat proceedings
Anita Bartfeld, Barrister, Greens List
Bree Ridgeway, Barrister, Greens List

• Discussion about the recent increase in caveat proceedings, strikeout applications and summary dismissal applications.
  

Cracking the Division 296 Superannuation Puzzle. How it has been and how it will be
Ian Raspin TEP, Managing Director, BNR Partners

• A technical session breaking down the ongoing impacts of the Division 296 tax targeting large super balances.

• Strategic solutions for managing illiquid assets, dealing with unrealised gains tax, and restructuring wealth before a death event triggers massive liabilities.
  
  

REGISTRATION:

Early bird registration until 31 December 2026:

• Conference, Workshop & Welcome Reception: Members $850 | Non-Members $1,050

• Conference and Welcome Reception: Members $600 | Non-Members $750

• Workshop and Welcome Reception: Members $300 | Non-Members $350
  

Registration from 1 January 2027:

• Conference, Workshop & Welcome Reception: Members $1,000 | Non-Members $1,200

• Conference and Welcome Reception: Members $700 | Non-Members $850

• Workshop and Welcome Reception: Members $350 | Non-Members $400
  

Welcome Reception Guest Ticket: $115

ACCOMMODATION

Novotel Geelong has provided delegates of the conference a discounted rate for accommodation. Book your accommodation here.

A discounted delegate rate at Crowne Plaza Geelong will be available soon.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Our valued sponsors play a pivotal role in enriching the networking opportunities at our conference. Sponsorship and trade exhibitor opportunities for 2027 are open by expression of interest. To register your interest, please contact step.victoria-tasmania@step.org.