Invitation to Attend
On behalf of the organising committee, I am pleased to announce the full program for the 2026 Council of Australasian Tribunals New South Wales (COAT NSW) Conference to be held at the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney, on Friday 16 October 2026.
The conference offers both in person and online attendance which will enable participants from across Australia and New Zealand to engage with the conference, regardless of their location.
This year’s theme, Performance under pressure: Thriving in challenging times, explores how tribunals and their members can maintain their performance under pressure and better serve the communities in which they operate. Sessions will focus on inclusive practice, improving access to justice, emerging challenges and policy implications within tribunal work, and wellbeing for members.
Highlights of the program include:
- Keynote address – Ethical Dimensions of Decision Making for Tribunal Members
Hear about the ethical dimensions of decision-making, focusing on integrity, impartiality, professional conduct, and the maintenance of public trust in tribunal processes, with our keynote address from The Hon Justice Kristina Stern of the NSW Court of Appeal.
- The Lifecycle of Tribunals and their Jurisdiction: Evolutionary Journeys
Hear Professor Matthew Groves in conversation with The Hon Robertson Wright SC on the challenges and opportunities that arise for decision-makers and others as the jurisdiction of tribunals is reformed and integrated over time to meet changing community and government priorities.
- Thriving as Decision-makers in Modern Tribunals – Challenges and Opportunities
Hear from His Honour Deputy Chief Judge Michael Antrum about how tribunal members and staff can thrive in modern tribunals in the face of increasing workloads, evolving community expectations and technological changes.
- When Capacity is in Doubt
Hear from Associate Professor Fiona Kumfor, Clinical Neuropsychologist, about interpretation of capacity evidence, and practical skills for working with parties whose capacity may be impacted.
- Questioning techniques and evaluating evidence
Hear from tribunal members Amanda MacDonald (VRB), Captain Felicity Rogers RAN (VRB) and Dr Rhonda Buskell, Consultant-Liaison Psychiatrist (MHRT), in discussion with Her Honour Sylvia Emmett AM RAN about how to enhance these core skills for decision-makers.
- Effective decision-writing in high volume jurisdictions
Hear from His Honour Judge Bernard McCabe, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- Latest developments in Administrative Law
Stay up to date on the latest developments in administrative law with Joanna Davidson SC, Barrister at 6 Selborne Wentworth Chambers
- Member and staff wellbeing – the importance of sleep
Hear from Moira Junge, the CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation about the importance of sleep, relaxation and exercise for effectively managing the pressures associated with Tribunal work.
