STEP Australia National Trusts & Estates Conference 2026
Sun, 31 May 5:00PM - Tue, 2 June 5:00PM
39 Edward St Brisbane City, QLD 4000
$0.00 - 2465.00View Prices
About this event
Register for STEP Australia's National Trusts & Estates Conference being held from Sunday 31 May to Tuesday 2 June 2026 at the Stamford Plaza Brisbane!
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Conference: STEP Australia National Trusts & Estates Conference 2026
Theme: Trusts and Estates - In the Trenches
Date: Sunday 31 May to Tuesday 2 June 2026
Venue: The Stamford Plaza, Brisbane
Conference Programme: View Here
The 2026 STEP Australia National Trusts & Estates Conference will be held at The Stamford Plaza Brisbane, commencing with a Welcome Reception on the evening of Sunday 31 May 2026, followed by two full days of high-quality presentations. During the conference STEP will be hosting a Conference Dinner on Monday 1 June 2026 and a Post-Conference Networking Event on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to conclude the conference.
PROGRAMME FOCUS
This year’s STEP Conference is not to be missed, delving deep into the real-world challenges and complexities faced by practitioners “in the trenches” of trusts and estates work.
Bringing together leading minds from across Australia, and beyond, the programme offers an unparalleled opportunity to sharpen your expertise, share practical insights, and connect with fellow Australian trust and estate professionals.
PROGRAMME INCLUDES:
Opening Address
The Honourable Justice Debra Mullins AO, Supreme Court of Queensland
Equitable Estoppel by Encouragement
David Marks KC TEP, Inns of Court, Brisbane
The Right of Indemnity: Costs and Consequences of Litigation
Adjunct Associate Professor Lee Aitken, TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland
Family Law and Trusts – The Post Kennon v Spry Landscape
Teresa Farmer SC, John Toohey Chambers, Perth
Setting Aside Trustees' Errors
Justin Byrnes TEP, Sir Harry Gibbs Chambers, Brisbane
Beneficiary Derivative Actions and Remedies
Brendan Ashdown TEP, John Toohey Chambers, Perth
No-Contest Clauses in Trusts & Wills
Paul Tracey TEP, Callinan Chambers, Queensland
Family Trust Elections – A New Frontier in ATO Enforcement
Linda Tapiolas, Cooper Grace Ward, Brisbane
Panel on Ensuring the Orderly Transition of Family Wealth
Henry Brandts-Giesen TEP, Partner at Dentons, New Zealand
Wayne Lear TEP, Familia Wealth, Sydney
Christine Fleer, Arnold Bloch Leibler Lawyers and Advisors, Melbourne
Robyn Langsford, KPMG, Sydney
Panel on the Use of AI in Trust and Estate Litigation and Forensic Accounting
Adrian Cartland TEP, Cartland Law, Adelaide
Thomas Caldow, Grant Thornton, Victoria
Michelle Stevens, Cartland Law, Adelaide
Plus more!
View the full programme here
Please be advised that the Conference Programme is subject to amendment, including changes to timing, topics, and other related content.
MEET THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Bryan Mitchell TEP, Principal, Mitchells Solicitors, Brisbane, Chair
Mercia Chapman TEP, Senior Legal Counsel, Equity Trustees, Deputy Chair
Rick Christie TEP, Principal, ChristieLaw
Kate Moss TEP, Director, WMM Law
Janene Bon TEP, Special Counsel, Hall & Wilcox
Michael Olesnicky TEP, Family Advisor
Henry Brandts-Giesen TEP, Partner, Dentons Kensington Swan
Brendan Ashdown TEP, Barrister, John Toohey Chambers
Rod Jones TEP, Partner, Piper Alderman
Wayne Lear TEP, Principal, Familia Wealth
Katie Worsnop TEP, Principal, McInnes Wilson Lawyers
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ACCOMMODATION
The Stamford Plaza has provided delegates of the conference a 15% discounted rate for accommodation. Click the following link to book accommodation directly with the hotel - here.
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Looking to register three or more delegates?
If you will be purchasing three or more tickets you are eligible for the following discount:
3 registrations – 5% discount off each registration
4 registrations – 10% discount off each registration
5 or more registrations – 15% discount off each registration
Please email Dior Locke, STEP Australia Operations Manager, via dior.locke@step.org
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CONFERENCE SPONSORS AND SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS
Equity Trustees (incorporating Australian Executor Trustees) was established as an independent Trustee and Executor company in 1878 and has become one of Australia’s largest specialist trustee companies.
Gold Sponsor | College of Law | www.collaw.edu.au
The College of Law, Australia’s largest provider of practice-focused legal education, is proud to partner with STEP to deliver postgraduate pathways to a career in wills and estate planning.
Gold Sponsor | Send Payments | www.sendpayments.com
Send specialises in simplifying international payments for law firms and conveyancers, enabling a more streamlined, cost-effective approach to international transactions that can reduce time and help mitigate risk.
BNR Partners are experts in the field of Deceased Estate and Trust taxation matters.
The FAAA is the leading body proudly representing financial advice professionals in Australia. They advocate for and elevate the financial advice profession by representing the interests of their members and their clients.
Trade Exhibitor | Australian Unity Trustees | australianunity.com.au/wealth/protect-your-assets/
Australian Unity Trustees is a contemporary licensed trustee company, bringing together a national team of highly experienced and client focused experts. We deliver wellbeing for our clients by offering a range of personalised and impartial services to protect, manage and transfer their assets.
Become a STEP Australia Conference Sponsor
Contact Dior Locke, our STEP Australia Operations Manger, to register your interest for sponsorship opportunities.
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FAQs
Can I pay via EFT or cheque?
Unfortunately, no, STEP Australia is only able to receive credit card payments through the Humanitix. Humanitix will send you a receipt and ticket when you register. Please consider this your invoice.
Where can I find the Terms and Conditions of Sales?
Click the following link to read the full Terms and Conditions of Sales.
What's the refund policy?
If you cancel prior to the 30 April 2026, we will issue you a full refund. If you cancel on or after the 30 April 2026 no refunds are available if you are unable to meet the conditions outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Sales. You may transfer your ticket.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No, we will have your details on file and your name badge ready for collection.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?
Yes, you can transfer your ticket to another person however the delegate must be to the same ticket type. I.e. A STEP Member Ticket can be transferred to another STEP Member. Read the full Terms and Conditions of Sales for additions terms relating to ticket transfers. Please email dior.locke@step.org to transfer your ticket.
What is the dress code?
Please dress smart casual. This extends to the pre and post event functions, but you are welcome to dress up if you choose.
When will I receive further details if I am attending virtually?
Further details will be circulated to virtual delegates on the day of the Conference. Delegates will be provided with instructions on how to view the Conference online and provided with a code providing access from the time of the Conference .
Can I access conference rates for accommodation?
Yes, The Stamford Plaza Brisbane has provided delegates reduced rates, so ensure you book your accommodation using the link you will receive when you book your ticket.
Will presenter slides and papers be distributed prior to the conference?
We work with our presenters to ensure that you have as much material as possible prior to conference. Due to the nature of the presentations and presenters who will ensure that the information presented is absolutely up-to-date, some material may not be available until after the conference.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Please email Dior Locke, STEP Australia Operations Manager, via dior.locke@step.org
Terms and Conditions of Sales
Click "Terms and Conditions of Sales" to read the full terms and conditions of sales. Information regarding refunds and ticket transfers are outlined.
Event Code of Conduct
Notice is hereby given of our "Event Code of Conduct. If you attend a STEP event in any capacity, you agree to be bound by this code of conduct. Visit https://stepaustralia.com/what-we-do/ to view the "Event Code of Conduct"
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