Uniform Law Conference 2026

The Legal Service Council was delighted to host the 2026 Uniform Law Conference in Perth on 24 July 2026. The conference brought together regulators, peak bodies, government representatives and legal sector leaders from across Australia to discuss emerging and evolving issues under the Uniform Law.

The conference opened with remarks from Legal Services Council Member and Chair Liz Harris and Sitesh Bhojani, followed by an address from the Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLA, a keynote from the Hon Robert French AC, and an update from Legal Services Council CEO and Commissioner for Uniform Legal Services Regulation Stephen Bray.  

In his address, Mr French reflected on the evolution of legal regulation in Australia and described the Uniform Law scheme as “a work in progress of regulatory rationalisation through co-operative federalism”.

Mr French also highlighted the transformative impact of technology, particularly generative AI, on legal practice and regulation. He cautioned that “a State by State response to such developments is not going to meet the challenge they present to the maintenance of high standards of competence and integrity in the delivery of legal services within Australia”.

Participants explored these themes further throughout the day. A panel on regulatory responses to AI considered whether regulators and practitioners require additional guidance to navigate an increasingly technology-enabled legal landscape.  

Other sessions focused on complaint trends and dispute resolution, the regulatory boundaries of legal practice and unqualified legal work, and the responsibilities of law practice principals. Participants also contributed to a collaborative workshop on priorities for the Legal Services Council's future strategic direction.

The 2026 Uniform Law Conference highlighted both the progress made toward a nationally harmonised legal profession and the work still ahead as regulators, governments and professional bodies collectively respond to technological change, evolving consumer expectations, and emerging risks.

Recordings of selected sessions from the conference are available below, along with a copy of the address from the Hon Robert French AC and the Hon Matthew Swinbourn's speaking notes.

The Hon Robert French AC, ‘A National Legal Profession, Quantum Computing, Standard Gauge Railways and Dingo Fences’ speech is available here (PDF, 220.9 KB) (PDF, 220.9 KB).

The Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC's opening keynote speaking notes is available here (PDF, 560.4 KB).