2026 IR Outlook  

2026 is shaping up as a defining year for industrial and employee relations, as major developments in the courts and Canberra impact your workforce models, bargaining strategies and site practices.  

Join the AREEA team and your industry colleagues to unpack perspectives on the Albanese Government’s two major reviews of the National Employment Standards and the controversial “Closing Loopholes” reforms. 

Hear the latest on recent Federal Court decisions creating new risks and considerations for employers, including rulings on workplace delegate rights and the highly contentious BHP Coal labour hire orders. 

Explore union pressure points on site access, labour engagement models and compliance enforcement and what employers can do to manage risk and maintain operational certainty.  

The AREEA team will walk you through what these developments mean for your business in 2026 and how you can navigate the changing IR landscape.  

Employer perspective | Glen Connell – Executive General Manager, Stakeholder Relations, Harmony Australasia

In addition to our IR focus, AREEA is pleased to welcome Glen Connell, Executive General Manager – Stakeholder Relations at Harmony Australasia, owner of the Eva Copper Project, to present an employer’s perspective on the challenges of advancing a major new resources project in today’s complex regulatory and social environment.  

Leading Harmony’s stakeholder engagement and government relations across its Australasian operations, Glen brings deep experience across the global mining sector, following an earlier career as an Australian diplomat.  

Glen will share first-hand insights into Harmony’s vision for the Eva Copper Project, the opportunities it presents for Queensland, and how the current business and industrial relations landscape is influencing investment certainty, approvals timelines and workforce strategy.  

Ensure you’re across the IR and ER issues that matter most in 2026.  

Event details:
Date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Time: 8:15am registration | 8:30am–10:00am AEST
Venue: VOCO, 85–87 North Quay, Brisbane City 

Attendance is complimentary for AREEA members. A catered breakfast will be provided. Please advise of dietary requirements on registration.