Top scientists make beeline for Brisbane as conferences boom

There were tonnes of brain power at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre this week as thousands of top researchers gathered for the world’s largest HIV sciences conference.

Professor Sharon Lewin is Brisbabe for global HIV conference

There were tonnes of brain power at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) this week as thousands of top researchers gathered for the world’s largest and most

influential HIV sciences conference.

The centre played host to more than 3,000 members of the international research community attending the International Aids Society Conference on HIV Science, also known as IAS 2023.

To mark the occasion, the city’s bridges as well as the centre were lit up in red on Monday to reflect the red ribbon, the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV. BCEC general manager Kym Guesdon says IAS 2023 was one of 28 international conventions set to take place at the centre during this financial year.

“We actively collaborate with the scientific and medical community through our highly successful Convention Advocates Partnership” Guesdon (illustrated) says.

Professor Sharon Lewin

“Our convention advocates, who include many eminent scientists and academics, provide us with a deep understanding of where Brisbane and Australia lead the world in critical ground-breaking scientific research.”

IAS International president Sharon Lewin says Australia has maintained a progressive approach to HIV since the very beginning. “Australia is poised to be one of the first, if not the first, country to achieve virtual elimination of HIV,” Lewin says.

Major BCEC conferences later this year include the Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences that is expected to attract 2000 delegates, Conference of Zonta International (1200 delegates), General Assembly of the International Organisation for Standardization (700 delegates) and the Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum (300 delegates).

Power play

Publican James Power, who owns the historic Norman Hotel in Brisbane, has joined growing business opposition to controversial labour reforms being proposed by the Federal Government, including greater rights for casual workers to convert to permanent employment. Power says there has been no call from his 60-70 casual staff to become permanent employees. “Workers in the hospitality sector are generally younger or students,” Power says. “They like the flexibility of casual work, which means they can go off on an overseas break without having set working times. About 80 per cent of our staff are casual by choice. I have had one person working as a casual for 20 years.” Power took a swipe at the Federal Government for adding to the complexity of labour laws. “The constant adding to of regulations is quite troubling,” he says. “I have been in the hospitality sector for 40 years and you would have to be a nuclear physicist to understand the award, such is its complexity.”

James Power

Legal hires

Commercial law shop Colin Biggers & Paisley has hired Richard Diqer and Tyrone Prisk as senior associates in its Brisbane employment and safety team. Diqer has expertise in employment, unfair dismissal, work health and safety, workplace investigations and industrial relations while Prisk’s speciality includes enterprise bargaining, employment contracts, discrimination, general protections, unfair dismissal and restraint of trade.

The hires come as the firm announces plans to move its Brisbane office to new premises at 300 George Street - in the heart of the CBD. The firm also is renovating its Melbourne and Sydney offices as part of ambitious growth plans.

Colin Biggers & Paisley managing partner Nick Crennan says through mergers and organic growth, the firm has evolved from a NSW mid tier operation to a national legal practice. “It has built on its core insurance, property and construction base, and expanded into key growth industries including aged care, education, faith-based enterprise, government and transport and logistics,” Crennan says.