Local Government Forum 2026

This event is for local governments. Attendance by non-government by exception only. This is an in-person only event.

Bartier Perry warmly invites you to our 2026 Local Government Forum on Tuesday 13 October at Mantra Parramatta.

Bringing together representatives from councils across New South Wales, this complimentary half-day forum provides an opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences and hear from leading voices on the issues shaping the future of local government.

As councils plan for the evolving needs of their communities, they face increasing pressure to manage risk, embrace new opportunities and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.

We are delighted to welcome our expert Council panel, who will share their insights on the challenges and opportunities ahead. The panel discussion will be followed by presentations from Bartier Perry's local government experts, covering key topics including psychosocial hazards, AI-assisted litigants, contracts, land acquisition and more.

We look forward to welcoming you to this free and informative forum exploring the major issues facing local government and practical approaches to addressing them.

 

Program

To view the full program click here.

 

Book here

Register by 1 October - click here.

 

Panel

Kerry Robinson OAM - CEO, Blacktown City Council

Matthew Stewart - CEO, City of Canterbury Bankstown

Peter Gainsford - GM, Inner West Council

Dennis Loether - Partner, Bartier Perry

 

Program snapshot

• Environment & Planning 
  Land acquisition crash course - Laura Raffaele & Monique Lewis
  

• Employment Law 
  Psychosocial or litigation risk or just process pain? Navigating the grey zones of complaint management and investigations - Andrew Yahl & Claire Limbach 

• Commercial Law 
  Council contracting in the scrutiny era: procurement, probity, cyber/data and delivery risk across the contract lifecycle - Jason Sprague

• Workers Compensation
  Is your council ready for the new psychological injury claims landscape?: Mick Franco & Maddi Chaplin

• Building & Construction and Disputes 
  Construction projects / Managing AI-assisted litigants: Mario Rashid-Ring & Christina Cavallaro

• Property
  Getting land deals right - easements, leases and other council land interests: Melissa Potter & Stefan Rajcevski

 

Details

8.00am - Registration & breakfast

8.45am - Welcome by Bartier Perry CEO Riana Steyn followed by Panel Session

10.00am - Morning Tea

10.30am - Concurrent sessions

12.30pm - Lunch

1.30pm - Forum concludes

 

If you have any questions please contact events@bartier.com.au