Case Club (31 Jul 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxed evening discussing IR cases over cheese and wine!

Like a book club, we will choose a case to start our discussions off (usually based on an interesting factual scenario, novel legal principle and/or really good writing).

Our second case is the seminal unfair dismissal case in the state industrial relations system, The Undercliffe Nursing Home v The Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union of Australia, Hospital Service and Miscellaneous WA Branch (1985) 65 WAIG 385.

Questions for discussion:

What makes a case a seminal case?
In this case, the breach of an important workplace rule was found to be trivial. Considering the concept of industrial fairness, where might the line have crossed over into conduct serious enough that the dismissals would likely have been left undisturbed?
What might be a modern-day equivalent factual scenario if this case happened in 2026?

Case Club is also a space to share your own favourite cases and discuss the decisions that made you think. Case suggestions for future case clubs can be emailed to irsocietywa@gmail.com.

Everyone is welcome.

Student "Meet the Profession" night (5 Aug 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMT

'Meet the Profession' Night for students and IR professionals

Are you a university student interested in the dynamic world of industrial relations? Have you heard of the term 'industrial relations' but not quite sure what it is?

The Industrial Relations Society of WA is hosting an event for students to meet working professionals, to hear about their experiences working in the industry and how that compares with their expectations.

Hear from IR professionals:

Georgina Thorpe - Recent graduate @ Mills Oakley, now working in the IR team
Lewis Price - Industrial Relations Manager @ the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation WA
Jennifer Porter - Director @ Worklogic Pty Ltd, consulting on HR and employment law issues.

️Date: Wednesday 5th of August
Time: Doors open 5:30pm - 6pm speeches.
Location: Globe Bar Perth 495/497 Wellington St, Perth WA 6000

Tickets (includes drinks and canapes):

FREE for IRSWA members (sign in for your free ticket)
$5 for non-member students
$10 for non-member professionals

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Foster Meaningful Relationships:

Engage in purposeful conversations with experienced industrial relations professionals, thought leaders, and enthusiastic university students who share your fervour for understanding and shaping labour environments. Establish connections that can illuminate paths to success for students and provide seasoned professionals with fresh perspectives.

Diverse Industry Insights: Our event boasts a diverse spectrum of sectors within industrial relations, from collective bargaining and employee advocacy to human resources and conflict resolution. Professionals, your experience is invaluable – share insights tailored to students' interests and inquiries.

Navigational Guidance: Students, uncover potential internships, projects, and roles that resonate with your academic pursuits. Professionals, your guidance can provide students with clarity about potential career trajectories within the industrial relations realm, emerging trends shaping the field, and the sought-after skills that industry leaders value.

Drinks and Nibbles: Network in a relaxed atmosphere with a range of canapés and drinks from The Globe.

Who Should Attend:

Professionals:

Industry experts, seasoned practitioners, and leaders in:
Industrial relations
Labour law and regulations
Workplace dynamics and conflict resolution
Human resources and employee advocacy

Students: University students across disciplines with an interest in:

Industrial / employment relations
Employment law
Human resource management

Industrial Relations Society of Western Australia upcoming events

Case Club (31 Jul 2026)

Student "Meet the Profession" night (5 Aug 2026)