Victorian Local Government: Navigating the Changing IR Landscape

2026 marks a critical turning point for Victorian local government, authorities and public sector employers. Major changes in enterprise bargaining, including new multi-employer bargaining pathways and strengthened union rights, are reshaping how workplace agreements are negotiated.

At the same time, employers are navigating a broader wave of workplace reform, from a proposed Fair Jobs Code, payday super, expanded government-funded paid parental leave, national wage adjustments, and increasing expectations around flexible working and the right to work from home. With many enterprise agreements expiring in 2026 and beyond, it’s essential to stay ahead of these developments, anticipate union strategies, and plan your bargaining approach proactively.

Join our FREE webinar led by HR Legal’s Managing Partner, Dan Feldman, and Partner, Nikola Prestia, to unpack the key industrial relations trends and what they mean for Victorian local government and public sector employers.

We’ll explore:

• Multi-enterprise bargaining: How recent legislative reforms enable unions to pursue agreements across multiple councils or employers, and what this could mean for pay, conditions and bargaining dynamics in your sector.

• Union rights & influence: Understanding new union delegate rights and protections, and how increased union activity and engagement may impact workplace negotiations and daily operations.

• Key workplace law reforms: A high-level overview of recent and emerging changes impacting local government employers, including the proposed Fair Jobs Code, payday super obligations, expanded government-funded paid parental leave, national wage adjustments, and the growing focus on flexible working and working from home arrangements.

• Industrial relations trends to watch: Broader IR developments shaping 2026 and beyond, and how Victorian public sector employers can adapt and respond effectively.

Who should attend?

This session is ideal for Victorian local government, authority and public sector staff, particularly those who have enterprise agreements expiring in 2026, including:

• Executive and Management

• People and Culture Teams

• Risk/ Governance

What to expect

Our online webinar is free and interactive, with opportunities for questions, live polls and shared insights among participants.

Event Details:

Our seminars, webinars and workshops are for the benefit of clients and prospective clients and others working in organisations who are seeking learning and development opportunities in employment law and workplace safety. HR Legal reserves the right to cancel the registration of any person.