WORKPLACES RECHARGED: AI, PRODUCTIVITY & LITIGATION REFORM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner
Time | 6:00pm reception start
Location | Le Splash Rooftop Bar, Vaudeville Ballroom
Le Meridien, Melbourne
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025
2025 National Conference featuring the 5th Ray Evans Memorial Oration
Time | 8.00am for 8.15am start
Location | Vaudeville Ballroom
Le Meridien, Melbourne
The H.R. Nicholls Society’s 2025 National Conference will confront Australia’s spiralling productivity crisis with fearless clarity, tackling the elephant in the room everyone avoids: productivity gains hinge on bold industrial relations reform.
Join thought leaders in government, employment law, industrial relations, and business as we draw critical connections between AI, industrial relations, and productivity—the ultimate triad shaping the future of work.
We will explore how AI can boost efficiency, how IR reform can unlock workplace flexibility, and how these forces must align to reverse Australia’s fall from global leader to economic luddite.
None of this can succeed, however, until we slay the big bad bogeyman: the overly litigious environment we’ve created. This out-of-control, money-making fest cripples businesses, stifles innovation, and blocks productivity gains. Our conference will forge practical solutions to dismantle this barrier, paving the way for Australia to thrive as a premier destination for living, working, and investing.
INAUGURAL JOHN STONE MEMORIAL ORATION DINNER
The Society is proud to announce that the inaugural John Stone AO Memorial Oration will be delivered by Tasmanian Treasurer, The Hon Eric Abetz MP, at our 2025 National Conference’s gala dinner on Thursday, November 20.
Mr Abetz is one of Australia's most principled conservative leaders with decades of experience fighting for deregulation, productivity, and sensible industrial relations reform.
As a former Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister for Employment in the Abbott Government, Mr Abetz spearheaded reforms to revive the Australian Building and Construction Commission, played a key role in establishing the Registered Organisations Commission (ROC) and initiated the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.
Today, as Tasmanian Treasurer, Minister for Macquarie Point Urban Renewal, and Leader of the House in the Rockliff Government, he continues to champion policies that boost competitiveness and prosperity.
This is a fabulous opportunity to hear from a true statesman on John's legacy and the urgent need for IR reform in these challenging times.
The prestigious Copeman Medal will be awarded at the conclusion of the Oration.
5th RAY EVANS MEMORIAL ORATION
The Society is proud to announce the 35th Treasurer of Australia, the Honourable Peter Costello AC, will deliver the 5th Ray Evans Memorial Oration at our 2025 National Conference on Friday, November 21.
Mr Costello, Australia’s longest-serving Treasurer (1996-2007), is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most successful economic reformers. As a co-founder of the Society alongside Ray Evans and others, Mr Costello is ideally suited to honour his enduring legacy
Ray Evans (1935-2014), was a relentless champion of IR reform. In his foreword to the second edition of Arbitration in Contempt (1992), Evans stated: "Members of the H R Nicholls Society are, generally, optimistic about Australia's future, because they believe that in the end, common sense will prevail." Evans' vision for dismantling union monopolies and freeing the labour market provides the precise inspiration we need today in our renewed fight for Australia's productivity and economic liberty.
2025 NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
More speakers will be announced periodically in the lead up to the conference. For reference, last year’s conference speaker program can be found here.
Conference proceedings will be published, reflecting the spirit of the Society’s seminal work, Arbitration in Contempt.
REGISTRATION
ACCOMMODATION
The Society has arranged discounted accommodation at Le Meridien in Melbourne. Please email admin@hrnicholls.com.au to access these rates.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We invite you to support the 2025 H.R. Nicholls Society National Conference and inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner as a valued sponsor.
We offer three sponsorship packages that will be tailored to suit your objectives, providing unique opportunities to showcase your organisation, engage with attendees, and demonstrate your commitment to advancing our shared goals:
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Sponsor the Pre-Dinner Reception Drinks at the 2025 H.R. Nicholls Society National Conference.
This exclusive opportunity allows your organisation to be prominently featured as we welcome guests and set the tone for an evening of meaningful conversation and networking at the inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner
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We invite you to sponsor the inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner.
This distinguished event will celebrate the life of the Society's co-founder John Stone, bringing together influential leaders and professionals for an evening of insightful discussion, networking, and celebration.
The awarding of the Copeman Medal will also take place.
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Join us as a sponsor for the 2025 H.R. Nicholls Society National Conference.
You will have the opportunity to showcase your commitment to advancing dialogue and collaboration within the industry while reinforcing your brand's leadership position, through tailored visibility and exposure.
Conference sponsorship includes options to support the production of the conference proceedings, including video and print materials.
For more information on how to become a sponsor and the benefits available, please contact us.
Join us in making this year's conference an exceptional experience.