Speakers

Leanne Walker is a partner at Colin Biggers & Paisley in the corporate and dispute resolution team, as well as the National Head of the dispute resolution team.

Leanne specialises in property dispute resolution with a particular emphasis on land contract disputes, leasing based disputes, easement disputes, strata disputes and general contract disputes. Leanne has experience in alternative dispute resolution, including expert determination, mediation and arbitration. Leanne acts for landowners, developers, builders, government authorities, owners corporations, local councils, and receivers and managers.

Leanne assists the Australian Institute of Conveyancers by providing strategic advice to and representing its members (and their clients).

Angela Penklis is a highly respected figure in the Australian environmental and planning law landscape. With over 30 years of experience, Angela is able to navigate clients through intricate regulatory frameworks, providing a wealth of advice and tailored solutions across a broad range of matters—from major land development projects right through to intricate environmental compliance issues.

Angela has overseen multi-million-dollar land acquisitions for major infrastructure, assisted clients in securing approvals for significant residential and commercial developments and, as a seasoned litigator and negotiator, she has represented clients in landmark cases that have shaped precedents for sustainable development in Australia.

Recognised by her peers through numerous industry accolades, Angela is known for her pragmatic approach to compliance and her commitment to helping clients achieve commercial goals within increasingly strict legal requirements.

Nick McEwan-Hall is the founder of The Mental Health Coach, an organisation dedicated to improving mental health outcomes through evidence-based training and tangible support. With a professional background as a coach, counsellor, facilitator, and leader of multidisciplinary teams, Nick brings a deep understanding of the diverse ways individuals engage with learning and growth.

Nick’s work focuses on empowering "everyday people" with the skills and confidence needed to support those in distress. He specialises in providing customisable Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses and programs designed to foster proactive wellbeing in workplaces, schools, and social networks.

Through his leadership, Nick strives to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and help organisations build safer, stronger, and more supportive communities.

Richard Storey, a senior partner at Grant Thornton lawyers, is a financial crime risk and compliance expert .  Richard has held senior roles both in-house and in consulting, including as an AML Compliance Officer at a publicly listed company, and as Partner and Associate Partner at leading consulting firms. He has led large-scale AML/CTF risk assessments, independent reviews, remediation programs, and regulator engagement strategies, with delivery spanning wagering, banking, funds management, entertainment, and regtech.

Richard is a seasoned financial crime risk and compliance expert with nearly three decades of experience helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes across banking, gambling, digital finance, and funds management. Known for his pragmatic approach and strategic insight, he partners with organisations to drive enterprise-wide cultural and operational change.

He is a trusted advisor to boards and senior executives, guiding risk appetite, program design, and reporting clarity. Richard maintains strong relationships across the regulatory and financial crime communities and is a regular speaker and contributor in the AML/CTF space.

Andrew Rider is recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a leading Australian tax barrister specialising in tax litigation and dispute resolution.

Andrew also advises on Australia-wide taxes, including stamp duties, land tax and payroll tax.

Andrew edits the leading stamp duty publication “Australian Stamp Duties Law” and authors the national stamp duty section of the leading online service “Practical Guidance - Property Law”. 

Andrew is a Chartered Tax Adviser and examiner with The Tax Institute and member of The Tax Institute/Office of State Revenue Liaison Committee and Dispute Resolution Technical Committee.  Andrew is also a member of the NCAT Revenue List Consultative Forum.