2025 Research Conference of the Disability, Law and Society Network of Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand
10-12 December 2025
Online via Zoom and In person at University Technology Sydney (Australia)
The Conference is a forum for those involved in disability law research and practice. It focuses on exploring relationships between disability, law and society, culture and politics. Papers focused on Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Asia Pacific contexts and foregrounding lived experiences, human rights and Disability Justice activism and advocacy are particularly welcome.
Keynote panel
Rosemary Kayess (Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission)
Professor Scott Avery (Professor of Indigenous Disability, Health and Wellbeing, University of Technology Sydney)
Professor Sheila Wildeman (Director, Dalhousie Health Justice Institute, Dalhousie University, Canada)
Join Us for the Disability, Law and Society Conference
Whether you're a student, researcher, activist, advocate, or someone passionate about disability justice, this conference is for you. We warmly welcome people with disability and encourage active participation from across the community.
This dynamic, inclusive and hybrid event brings together voices from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to explore critical issues at the intersection of disability, law, and society. Expect thought-provoking discussions, collaborative learning, and opportunities to connect with others driving change in disability law.
The event is free and hybrid (online + at UTS).
The Conference is organised by Linda Steele (University of Technology Sydney), Piers Gooding & Chris Maylea (La Trobe University) and Anna Arstein-Kerslake (The University of Melbourne).
The Disability, Law and Society Network of Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand is a network of scholars, including Higher Degree Research students, and advocates primarily based in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The Network was first convened by Donna McNamara and Linda Steele in 2020 and has evolved into a broad and diverse network of individuals who wish to bring critical attention to law concerning disability.
This conference is supported by funding from the Care Economy Research Institute La Trobe University, Melbourne Law School University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Law University of Technology Sydney.
