Update to ILERA Executive Committee – 12 August 2025
Following significant deliberation and competitive bids from two cities, the Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association (ALERA) – a 4,000-member organisation of practitioners, scholars, policy makers, regulators, unions and employers – has confirmed Sydney as the host city for the 20th ILERA World Congress.
Sydney, Australia’s largest and most internationally recognised city, will provide an exceptional backdrop for the Congress. Delegates will enjoy its stunning harbour setting, iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, rich cultural and dining scene, and excellent international connectivity. The venue, ICC Sydney, is located in the heart of the vibrant Darling Harbour precinct, within walking distance of accommodation, restaurants, museums, theatres, and transport links. A professional conference organiser, ICMS, has been contracted to support delivery.
The Congress will take place from 30 August to 3 September 2027. On 18 June, the Scientific Committee met and confirmed the overarching theme:
“Sustainable, productive and decent work: Bridging research, practice and policy.”
We are explicitly aligning the Congress and Tracks with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have developed the five tracks with this alignment in mind:
- Decent, Safe and Healthy Work (SDGs 1, 3, 8)
- Equitable and Inclusive Work (SDGs 5, 10)
- Strong and Democratic Institutions for Work (SDG 16)
- Productive Work and Technological Innovation (SDGs 4, 12)
- Sustainable Climate Transitions and Work (SDGs 7, 11, 12, 13)
Cross-cutting themes – social dialogue, strong partnerships, and quality education – will run throughout the program.
We will hold a number of ‘side’ events in other major cities on key themes and provide a rich cultural programme for delegates.
The Scientific Committee has commenced work. It is national in scope, comprising scholar members from across Australia and New Zealand, and is chaired by Professor Chris F. Wright (University of Sydney). Members are:
- Chris F. Wright – University of Sydney (Chair)
- Alex Veen – University of Sydney
- Anthony Forsyth – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
- Caleb Goods – University of Western Australia
- Desmond Tutu Ayentimi – University of Tasmania
- Jimmy Donaghey – University of South Australia
- Johanna Macneil – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
- Josh Healy – University of Sydney
- Katherine Ravenswood – Auckland University of Technology
- Kyoung-Hee Yu – University of Technology Sydney
- Meraiah Foley – University of Sydney
- Michael Gillan – University of Western Australia
- Michael O’Donnell – University of New South Wales
- Michele Ford – University of Sydney
- Mihajla Gavin – University of Technology Sydney
- Nareen Young – University of Technology Sydney
- Rae Cooper – University of Sydney
- Stephen Clibborn – University of Sydney
- Susan Ressia – Griffith University
- Tess Hardy – University of Melbourne
In addition, ALERA has established an ILERA World Congress Organising Committee, chaired by His Honour Judge Leigh Johns, ALERA Treasurer, to oversee overall event delivery and coordination.
I will provide ongoing updates to the ILERA Executive Committee as planning progresses. For now, please save the date and I request that Secretariat colleagues post a “Save the Date” notice and conference announcement on the ILERA website. See a sample save the date announcement below
Save the Date – 20th ILERA World Congress
30 August – 3 September 2027 | Sydney, Australia
We are delighted to announce that Sydney has been chosen as the host city for the 21st ILERA World Congress. The event will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour from 30 August to 3 September 2027.
The Congress theme is “Sustainable, productive and decent work: Bridging research, practice and policy”.
Join practitioners, scholars, policy makers, regulators, unions and employers from around the world in one of the most iconic and vibrant cities on the globe. Further details, including the call for papers, will be announced in 2026.
Mark your calendars now – we look forward to welcoming you to Sydney!
