The night of nights for Australia’s Dispute Resolution Community

Friday, 2 May 2025 6:30pm–10:30pm (AEST)

Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour

The Australian ADR Awards celebrate excellence in dispute resolution and the vital contributions of ADR practitioners to civil society. This year’s Gala Dinner, perfectly aligns with our theme Oceans Nine: Powering the Surge in Global Dispute Resolution. Join us at the stunning Australian National Maritime Museum, on Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour.

This is the not-to-be-missed social event of Australia’s ADR calendar. Full of dynamism, excitement, and purpose, the evening pairs exquisite dining and fine wine with show-stopping performances that capture the essence of innovation and collaboration in dispute resolution. Past highlights have included the Conservatorium of Music, Royal Australian Navy Band, Bangarra Dance Theatre, and didgeridoo master William Barton. Prepare to be enthralled by this year’s captivating performances, as we celebrate in a venue that embodies the maritime spirit and currents that power global dispute resolution.

For those who are keen to ‘row-on’ following the Gala Dinner, the legendary ADR Awards’ After-Party is back on at The Gold Bar at Tatler (until the wee small hours).

Join dispute resolution experts sharing knowledge and insights

Conference Registration & Coffee

Welcome to Country

Powering the Surge in Global Dispute Resolution

The Hon. James Allsop, Former Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia

Introduction by John Wakefield, Chairman, ADC

We welcome one of the Conference’s distinguished guest speaker, The Hon. James Allsop, Former Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia. Delivering the keynote address, Powering the Surge in Global Dispute Resolution – Maritime, Justice Allsop brings invaluable insights as an esteemed jurist and ADR practitioner on the evolving dynamics of international maritime dispute resolution.

Global Tides of Innovation – The Pacific and Beyond

Facilitator, John Wakefield

Award-winning dispute resolution practitioners share ocean-deep insights on three of the most pressing issues of our time. 

Climate Change and the ICJ Advisory Opinion

Catriona Martin, Partner DLA Piper 

In historic proceedings before the International Court of Justice, DLA Piper’s multi-award-winning DR team is representing Timor-Leste, Tonga, the Solomon Islands and Zambia pro bono in The Hague. Kate Martin highlights what is at stake, sharing insights on their submissions and the potential impacts of this landmark Climate Change Advisory Opinion due later this year.

Responding to Rising Concerns on Deep Sea Mining

Nathan Eastwood, Partner, Watson Farley and Williams (WFW) 

Multi-award-winning dispute resolution practitioner, Nathan Eastwood, shares his significant expertise on the emerging trends in deep sea mining, ocean governance and sustainability. In Jamaica for the 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority, commencing in March 2025, Nathan brings an inside perspective on these critical negotiations aimed at finalising and adopting regulations for the commercial exploitation of deep-sea mineral resources.

TBA

Daniel Allman, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright

Morning Tea

Waters Spring Eternal – Ancient Fishing Traps and Contemporary Fishing Rights

Facilitator, Kathryn Ridge 

Australia’s ancient rock fishing traps are breathtaking engineering feats that reflect Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders’ deep connection to the environment as a complex, living system and their enduring ethos of the collaborative use of assets and sustainable fishing practices. As the ownership and use of ocean resources become ever more valuable, our prestigious panel of Aboriginal leaders share insights on ancient wisdom and current systems thinking that help them navigate the resolution of contested seafood resources.  

Panel, Aboriginal Elders:

Quandamooka, Professor Cooms, ANU Law School
Arakwal, Yvonne Stewart
Walbunja, Danny Chapman
Walbunja, Wally Stewart  

The Kiss of Life for Marine Infrastructure Disputes

Facilitator, Mulavana Lakshmy 

Expert Panel:
Kala Campbell, Senior Associate, Corrs Chambers Westgarth,
Gordon Smith, Gordon Smith Legal
Pratarp Singh, Entec PTE Ltd, Fiji

Keeping infrastructure projects on time and budget can be challenging, not least when dealing with the vagaries of a marine environment. Pratarp Singh, a global leader in the field of engineering, and ADR Award winners’ lawyer, Kala Campbell and international arbitrator, Gordon Smith, walk us through the life cycle of a marine infrastructure dispute, highlighting pitfalls to avoid and strategies for success – on–site and when negotiating in the headlights of litigation or arbitration. 

Sailing Towards Doable and Durable Solutions

Facilitator, Deborah Lockhart 

The flexibility of mediation is a hallmark of its applicability in diverse contexts and with diverse parties. Sometimes, those parties, their representatives and mediators can feel as if they are mediating underwater. Our expert panellists arm you with snorkels, life jackets and vessels to help guide the parties into safe harbour.

Navigating a Sea of Conflict

Dr Samantha Hardy, Conflict Coaching Academy

Australian Conflict Coach of the Year, Samantha Hardy, calls on DR professionals to step up as lifeguards and adapt to the needs of their neurodivergent clients who bring diverse perspectives but may be feeling overwhelmed in the stormy seas of conflict.

Languid Lake or a River of Discontent

Ippei Okazaki, Facilitator and Mediator

Managing water, resources and power imbalances, Community Mediator of the Year, Ippei Okazaki presents a case study of David and Goliath proportions.  

Land Rights, Climate Change and Consequential Conflict

Deborah Lockhart, CEO, Australian Disputes Centre  

ADC has been privileged to be at the forefront of the ADR industry for nearly 40 years, and over this period of time to be a part of the growing use of ADR for environmental justice. Deborah Lockhart shares two recent case studies from the Asia-Pacific where ADC’s work demonstrates how mediation can assist in addressing the formidable challenges of climate change and land rights.

Lunch

Charting New Currents in Water Rights – The Great Debate

Water rights is an issue of our time and will remain so for generations to come. Our prestigious debaters present informative, insightful and likely a few hilarious arguments on ‘what is’ and ‘what could be’ in resolving the multiple issues surrounding the increasingly contentious area of water. 

Motion: That the Murray and Darling Rivers be granted legal personhood

The unique approach of creating and granting legal personality to a river, as a natural object in the environment, may come as a surprise to some, particularly when viewed exclusively through the lens of the mainstream legal system. This legislative intervention is not itself an ADR mechanism, but the work leading up to the passing of any legislation is certainly an example of the application of ADR principles to a complex environmental dispute.  

Bringing a fresh perspective to an historically long and challenging problem, we have called on a fleet of legal luminaries to debate the pros and cons of granting legal personhood to the Murray and Darling Rivers.  

Teams to be announced soon! 

The Blue Edge – Science and Diplomacy in Antarctica

Facilitator,  Mulavana Lakshmy 

Speaker, Dr Annebelle Davis

Antarctica is home to one of the world’s most enduring joint problem-solving partnerships. Scientists and diplomats use the interface between their professions in Antarctica to achieve outcomes in their own and each other’s interests. Antarctic expert, Dr Annebelle Davis, highlights how this  lasting partnership may offer a way for others to access expert skill sets beyond their own to help resolve complex issues.

Water Justice and the Roper River

Facilitator, Dr Samantha Phelan

From the Murray Darling Basin to the free flowing rivers of the Northern Territory, Australia faces the eye of a storm in contested water resources. Traditional owners have been custodians of the aquifers, springs and rivers of the Northern Territory for over 65,000 years. These uniting waterways are central to Aboriginal economic, cultural, and spiritual life. Today Territory communities face increasingly significant challenges maintaining the health of these crucial water systems, as competing forces threaten irreparable harm. In this spell-binding presentation, traditional owners and leading advocates for the living waters of the Northern Territory, speak about the current impacts on the strength of these water systems and, using the Roper River as a pilot, their proposed solutions for delivering a collaborative-use model that ensures a thriving river for all. 

Traditional Owners 

Rembarrnga, Miliwanga Wurrben
Mangarrayi, Cecelia Lake 

Oceans 9 Workshop

Embark on a transformative learning experience in our interactive Conference Workshop. Join our expert facilitator in an engaging masterclass that combines group discussion and real-world impact. 

Special Rapporteur 

Conference Cocktail Reception

Stay tuned for further details on speakers

Conference Delegates Cocktail Reception

1 May 2025

Pier One

Thursday, 1 May 2025

Wrap up a brilliant conference day with an opportunity for relaxing and networking  on the shores of Sydney Harbour.

Conference Delegates Coffee & Connections @ Lockhart Chambers

Another exclusive event for ADR Conference delegates

2 May 2025

Friday, 2 May 2024 10:00am–12:30pm (AEDT)

ADC warmly invites Conference delegates to dive into an exclusive ‘Open House’ at our stunning premises in the heart of Sydney’s dispute resolution and legal district – 233 Macquarie Street. Immerse yourself in networking opportunities, enjoy coffee, and hear from our Special Guest Speaker at 11.00 am.

In line with the Oceans Nine: Powering the Surge in Global Dispute Resolution theme, explore the depths of collaboration as you connect with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and chart new paths for business partnerships. For those who appreciate art, ADC proudly showcases masterpieces from Australia’s renowned Ken Hinds Art Collection, reflecting the rich cultural currents of our nation.

Don’t miss this additional chance to anchor your conference experience – relax, network, and let inspiration flow in a truly unique setting.