HR BREAKFAST CLUB MONTHLY FORUM

JOIN US FOR OUR JUNE HR BREAKFAST CLUB

Workplace Risk and Corporate Governance

Date | 8:00am Friday 19 June 2026

Venue | In person – BAL Lawyers, Canberra House, Level 9/40 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra 

Presenter | Bill Pardy, Director at BAL Lawyers

Cost | Complimentary

BAL’s Employment Team Director Bill Pardy will present on Friday 19 June 2026 at the next BAL Lawyers HR Breakfast event.

Bill will discuss how senior management can no longer regard work health and safety obligations as matters to be delegated to operational staff or treated as a mere compliance exercise. Contemporary regulators, courts, and stakeholders such as unions, the public and shareholders increasingly expect leaders to understand, oversee, and actively manage workplace risks, particularly those relating to psychological health, workplace behaviour, and organisational culture.

From a Work Health and Safety perspective, relevant officers have a positive duty to exercise due diligence. That obligation requires more than passive oversight. Senior leaders must acquire and maintain knowledge of WHS matters, understand the hazards and risks arising from the organisation’s operations, ensure appropriate resources are available to manage those risks, and verify that control measures are effective in practice. The increasing regulatory focus on psychosocial hazards means that issues such as bullying, workplace conflict, excessive workloads and inappropriate conduct are now recognised as WHS risks requiring active management.

The position is equally significant under Corporations Law. Directors and officers owe duties to act with care and diligence and in the best interests of the corporation. Workplace risks are business risks. A failure to identify and address safety issues can expose an organisation to financial loss, reputational damage, regulatory action, and shareholder scrutiny. Bill will outline some practical steps for senior management to consider as part of a commitment to sound corporate governance.

Please come along on Friday morning to enjoy a spirited discussion of these issues and our accompanying delicious breakfast.

Alternatively you can email events@ballawyers.com.au

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