Migration lawyers gather for 2026 Immigration Law Conference in Brisbane
24 March 2026
Caption: Tania Wolff, President of the Law Council of Australia at the 2026 Immigration Law Conference.
It was a fantastic and insightful few days at the Immigration Law Conference 2026 in Brisbane. Held from 18–20 March, the conference brought together leading practitioners, policymakers, tribunal members and members of the judiciary to explore the latest developments shaping Australia’s migration system.
The program reflected just how rapidly this area of law continues to evolve. Sessions provided valuable updates across key visa categories, including employer sponsored, skilled and student visas, alongside detailed discussions on refugee and protection law, Ministerial Intervention, and judicial review.
Law Council of Australia President, Tania Wolff, delivered the opening address, highlighting the need for laws to balance sovereignty, fairness, and humanity while being guided by evidence and compassion while also stressing the importance of maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions and ensuring decisions are made fairly.
“Migration law sits at the intersection of national policy, human dignity and the rule of law. It is also an area where the strength of our democratic institutions is tested — where the law must balance sovereignty, fairness and humanity.
The answers are rarely simple. But our responses must always be guided by evidence, fairness and compassion — and anchored in the rule of law. And just as importantly, they must inspire confidence — confidence that our institutions are working as they should, that decisions are made fairly, and that the system as a whole can be trusted.
Lawyers see every day the real impact that laws and policy decisions have on families, businesses and individuals. That experience brings with it a particular responsibility — to ensure that our laws are not only effective, but principled, and that they operate as they are intended to.
A central role of the Law Council of Australia is to give voice to the profession when federal laws are drafted, debated and amended. We are able to undertake that work thanks to the remarkable contribution of volunteers across our Sections and Committees. In particular, I acknowledge the work of the Migration Law Committee," said Tania Wolff.
Included in the program were presentations from representatives of the Department of Home Affairs, the Administrative Review Tribunal and the federal courts.
Those sessions offered practical insights into current decision-making trends, procedural changes, and emerging challenges in complex matters. Several other sessions also focused on broader issues impacting the profession, including ethical obligations in practice, managing increasing caseload complexity, and the growing influence of technology and AI in legal work.
On the sidelines of the Immigration Law Conference, the social program featured a welcoming networking event and a gala dinner.
Peter Jolly, President of the Queensland Law Society, James Popple, CEO of the Law Council of Australia, Carina Ford and Chris Spentzaris, Co-Chairs of the Migration Law Committee LCA, extended a warm welcome to all attendees.
The gala dinner also offered a wonderful opportunity for attendees to celebrate the profession and acknowledge exceptional contributions within the field. The Migration Manager John Gibson AM Award for Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year 2026 was awarded to Emma Fell from Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS), while the Outstanding Contribution Immigration Law Award 2026 was given to Professor Mary Crock from the University of Sydney.
Thank you to all speakers, sponsors and delegates who contributed to an engaging and impactful Immigration Law Conference.
Photo credit: Pat Brunet, Event Photos Australia Pty Ltd.
Last Updated on 10/04/2026