The Research Connect Forum 2026 will bring together leading researchers, government, employer and worker representatives to examine the latest evidence, explore emerging WHS risks, and consider the practical actions needed to protect workers in a changing climate.
Join the live broadcast from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm Brisbane time to hear from experts at the forefront of climate and WHS research and policy.
What you will hear
The forum will open with an address from Marie Boland, Chief Executive Officer, Safe Work Australia, and will be emceed by Janet Schorer PSM, NSW's SafeWork Commissioner and Safe Work Australia Member.
Keynote presentations from:
- Dr Elizabeth Humphrys, University of Technology Sydney, will examine how climate change is reshaping working conditions and what this means for worker health, safety and wellbeing.
- Professor Peng Bi, Adelaide University, will explore the evidence on climate-related health risks and the practical measures that can help reduce harm and build resilience across workplaces and industries.
Climate risk in practice
Facilitated by Janet Schorer PSM, the keynote presentations will be followed by an interactive, scenario-based panel discussion that brings climate-related WHS decision-making to life.
As a scenario unfolds, representatives from regulatory, employer, worker and academia will respond to emerging risks, consider new information as it emerges, and work through the practical protections, responsibilities and decisions needed to keep workers safe and healthy.
This dynamic session will highlight the real-world challenges posed by climate-related hazards and the importance of coordinated, evidence-based responses across the WHS system.
From discussion to action
Following the live broadcast, invited in-person participants will take part in a facilitated workshop to explore the issues raised throughout the morning and identify future research, policy and practice priorities.
Insights from the forum will help inform future research and policy development, supporting a nationally consistent, evidence-based approach to understanding and responding to climate-related WHS risks.
Why attend?
Climate change is no longer a future challenge. It is already affecting working conditions across Australia through increasing heat, extreme weather events, changing environmental conditions and evolving workplace risks.
The forum provides an opportunity to hear the latest evidence, learn from leading experts and contribute to the discussion about how Australia's WHS system can respond to protect workers now and into the future.
Accessibility
Live captions will be available during the broadcast. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact the Research Strategy team before the event.
Contact
For further information, contact events@swa.gov.au.
Register now to join this important national conversation.
Event details
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
Online session: 10.00 am to 12.00 pm Brisbane time
Format: Live online broadcast
Registration: Register through TryBooking