Seventh Annual Law of Religious Institutions Conference
- About the Conference
- The Faculty
- Feedback
- CPD Certificate
- Registration Special Offer
- Enquiries/Assistance
Date/Time
Thursday 16 & Friday 17 October 2025
Marriott Hotel Melbourne or Online
About the Conference
Faith-based organisations operate in a complex legal and cultural landscape, facing increasing scrutiny, evolving regulatory obligations, and shifting community expectations. From the impact of recent case law to the need for stronger child safety practices, governance reform, and employment compliance, religious institutions must remain vigilant to safeguard their people, their values, and their assets. Designed for leaders and administrators in the faith sector, TEN The Education Network’s 7th Annual Religious Institutions Conference offers clear, practical guidance on the most pressing legal and governance issues facing the sector today. Gain practical guidance on managing board responsibilities, navigating payments to religious practitioners, protecting assets, understanding the latest Fair Work reforms, and much more. Whether you're responding to regulatory change or strengthening your internal practices, this event is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to lead with confidence.
Day 1 - Thursday 16 October 2025
Morning Theme: Governance, Integrity and Compliance
- Governing with Integrity: Board Responsibilities in Faith-Based Organisations
- Redrawing the Lines: Legal Duty and Institutional Risk After DP v Bird
- Safeguarding by Design: Embedding Child Safety into Governance and Culture
Afternoon Theme: Property, Finances and Institutional Risk
- Shielding the Sacred: Structuring to Protect Religious Assets from External Risks
- Salaries, Stipends and Honorariums: Navigating Payments to Religious Practitioners
- Faith, Finances and Fundraising: Managing Donations, Bequests and Deductibility
Day 2 - Friday 17 October 2025
Theme: Managing People in a Changing Legal Landscape
- Not What They Used to Be: Changing Employment Relationships and the Fair Work Act Reforms
- More Than a Helping Hand: Legal Obligations in Managing Volunteers
- Peace in the Pews: Preventing and Resolving Conflict in Faith Based Organisations
- Faith, Free Speech and the Digital Age: Managing Online Expression in Religious Institutions
The Faculty
Adam Foster, Partner, Colin Biggers & Paisley, Melbourne, Vic.
Rebecca Lambert-Smith, Practice Leader, Moores, Melbourne, Vic.
Luke Geary, Partner, Mills Oakley, Brisbane, Qld
Jessica Lipsett, Director, Vocare Law, Brisbane, Qld
Vera Visevic, Partner, Mills Oakley, Sydney, NSW
Sam Burnett, Partner, Prolegis Lawyers, North Sydney, NSW
Catherine Brooks, Principal, Equitable Philanthropy, Melbourne, Vic.
Murray Baird, Principal Murray Baird Advisory and Consultant Prolegis Lawyers, Melbourne, Vic.
Chris Mills, Director, Neumann & Turnour Lawyers, Brisbane, QLD
Josephine Heesh, Partner, Carroll & O'Dea Lawyers, Sydney, NSW
John Steenhof, Director, Human Rights Law Alliance, Deakin, ACT
Feedback
- Important range of papers and speakers. Appreciated the outstanding quality of the speakers. Invaluable commentary on case law.
- The conference featured a useful mix of subject matter and was geared towards sharpening practice for religious institutions and their advisers.
- Material was well presented and relevant
- Good format, good presenters, and interesting and relevant topics.
CPD Certificate
Lawyers: 9 CPD units (substantive law) for the conference
All delegates attending the conference will receive a CPD Certificate confirming attendance.
Registration Special Offer
If you register and pay by 5 September 2025 you will pay only $1661 – a saving of $264 off the full price conference registration fee of $1925.
Multiple registration discount? Discounts are available for multiple registrations: The more you send, the greater the discount. Please contact our Conference Manager, Jenna Pickrell, to organise your registrations. [email protected] or phone (03) 8601 7729.
- 3 registrations – 5% discount for each delegate
- If you register 4 people at the same time you are entitled to a 10% discount for each delegate
- If you register 5 people or more people at the same time you are entitled to a 15% discount for each delegate.
One-day only? We do accept bookings for attending one day only. To organise a partial booking, please contact Jenna (details above).
Enquiries/Assistance
If you need assistance or have an enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact our Event Manager, Jenna Pickrell, on (03) 8601 7729 or email: [email protected]