Workplace Updates - Navigating today's Workplace: Responsibilities, Risks & Reputation

Workplace Updates
Navigating Today’s Workplace: Responsibilities, Risks & Reputation
Date Wednesday 30 April 2025
Time 9:00am – 12:30pm (Registration from 8:45am)
Venue Ballina RSL, Auditorium

In today’s fast-evolving workplace, leaders are expected to manage complex legal obligations, navigate sensitive cultural issues, and protect their organisation’s reputation — all at once. This half-day forum brings together legal and crisis communication experts to arm you with the tools, insights and strategies you need to stay compliant and confident.

What to Expect

🔹 Session One – “10 Things You Might Have Missed in Employment Law”
Presented by Kate Thomson, Employment & IR Lawyer, Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors

Kate will unpack the most important updates in workplace law you may have overlooked — including recent Fair Work Act changes and emerging compliance risks. Through real-world examples and a practical case study, you'll gain clarity on how to manage these changes across the employee life cycle. You’ll also take part in an interactive session where you’ll “spot the risk” in a workplace scenario.

🔹 Session Two – “Woke Landmines & Other Modern Crises”
Presented by Damian Kelly, Special Counsel, Wilkinson Butler

Damian will guide you through the reputational risks modern businesses face — from viral social media posts to public diversity and inclusion missteps. Learn what to do (and what not to do) when a cultural issue becomes a crisis. In small groups, you’ll work through a crisis simulation and develop a real-time response strategy.

🔹 Expert Panel – “How to Stay on the Right Side of Risk”
Join Kate and Damian for a dynamic Q&A session where law and reputation intersect. Ask your burning questions and hear practical advice on how to confidently lead through complexity.

Who Should Attend:
Business owners, HR professionals, team leaders, managers, and anyone responsible for people and reputation in the workplace.

Limited seats available – book now to secure your place.

Morning tea and networking included.

Meet our workplace experts

Kate Thomson, 
Employment & Industrial Relations Lawyer, Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors
Kate is a specialist employment and industrial relations lawyer with nearly 15 years of experience working in the field. She is also experienced in work health and safety matters including investigations and prosecutions.

Based in the firm’s Newcastle office, Kate’s clients include government entities, Councils, listed companies, as well as small and medium businesses. They represent a broad range of industry sectors including mining and resources, disability and community services, education, manufacturing and civil construction.

Kate aims to make clients feel like “there are no stupid questions” and that they have a trusted advisor on their side, even during the trickiest of industrial disputes.

Damian Kelly, 
Special Counsel, Wilkinson Butler

Damian Kelly is a highly experienced media and communications professional with a 30-year career spanning journalism, public affairs, and corporate communications. Starting as a journalist and speechwriter for the NSW Police Minister, he went on to lead public affairs for Business NSW for over a decade. Damian has delivered major media campaigns, including three Federal Election campaigns on behalf of the business community, and is known for securing national media coverage on complex business and social issues. He has worked closely with businesses to navigate sensitive workplace and trade matters. A seasoned international reporter and Media Liaison Officer at six Olympic Games, Damian holds an MBA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.