Better Boards Conference 2026
Pathfinders – Governing with Courage
31 July - 1 August • Cairns Convention Centre
Presentation
Boardroom Bullying and Bad Behaviour – A Legal Lens
Kate Peterson
Partner, McCullough Robertson
Kate is a market leader in conducting complex investigations and probity processes. Clients celebrate her capability to conduct effective, safe and sensitive processes and deliver investigation reports that withstand legal scrutiny.
Kate has been practising as a lawyer since 2006 and regularly works with Boards and executive instructors. She is trusted by clients across the non-profit and social sector across areas such as community housing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocacy, education and health. She has a reputation for providing commercial and practical advice, bringing together sophisticated strategic judgment and exceptional technical skills.
In addition to her client work, Kate has taught within the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Law for more than 10 years, including teaching workplace investigations.
This session provides a survey of the legal landscape regulating boardroom behaviour, looking beyond directors’ duties and corporations’ obligations to understand how risks associated with discriminatory or bullying behaviours by directors are regulated.
These issues can be especially acute where ambitions for board diversity and representation generate claims of discrimination or failures to actually demonstrate inclusive practice between directors. Kate will draw on her experience as a legal adviser to nonprofit and social sector entities, educational institutions and other values or mission driven organisations to present an engaging and informative session.
Kate will examine critical questions like: How does a board best navigate an individual director alleging disability exclusion? What is required if a director alleges they are experiencing unreasonably harassing conduct in connection with board duties? How does a board appropriately handle complaints about intra-board conduct, having regard to confidentiality, conflicts and impartiality? What are reasonably practicable measures to safeguard the safety risks that might arise around the boardroom table?
The session will use a scenario-based approach to provide a real world understanding of the relevant legal obligations and actionable ideas to consider in further developing and enhancing best practice in their own organisations.
Master the art of the boardroom
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