Brendan has over two decades' experience advising on M&A transactions, project developments, financings and a range of commercial transactions and regulatory matters in Australia and abroad.

With a particular focus on renewables, gas, hydrogen and natural capital, Brendan is a trusted advisor to government and private sector entities, including leading power generators, resource companies, service providers and contractors.

Clients value his strategic and pragmatic guidance in navigating complex regulatory environments, mitigating project risks and driving projects to completion to achieve their commercial objectives.

Career highlights

• Long term advisor to government-owned energy business Stanwell Corporation on all aspects of its business, including renewable energy project developments, its participation in the proposed CQ-H2 Project, major commercial transactions and State government energy sector restructuring transactions.
• Advisor to significant gas market participants on resource and infrastructure project developments, regulatory matters, joint ventures and governance, gas sale and transportation arrangements and service contracts.
• Advisor to the Queensland Government on pipeline, rail and port infrastructure projects in several key State development areas.
• Advisor to several major resource companies on M&A transactions and the development and operation of mining projects, including land access and compensation agreements, rail haulage agreements, port access and handling arrangements, equipment finance and leasing arrangements.
• Advisor to foreign investors on their initial acquisitions and establishment in Australia.
• Member of the Resources Law Committee of the Queensland Law Society and served as Chair of the Water Law Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) and Education Officer of the council of the IBA Section on Energy, Environment, Resources and Infrastructure Law.
• Director of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce.

Education
LLB, B.A.

• Queensland Law Society Resources Law Committee
• Water Law Committee, International Bar Association, Vice-Chair

• MEROLA 2020 structural changes to Queensland energy and resources law
  

  The MEROLA 2020 bill proposes significant structural changes to the operation of energy and resources legislation in Queensland.

   

• Creating opportunities with Australia’s globally emerging pension funds
  

  In our first Australian Market Opportunity Insight Series piece, we explore the commercial risks, legal issues, opportunities and potential for doing business with Australia's globally emerging pension funds.

• Asia Report: Year in Review
  

  The 2023 Asia M&A report highlights the strong focus on investment in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, driven by emerging themes such as energy transition and strengthened bilateral relationships.

   

• Activate successful investments in Australia
  

  In this third part of our Investor Sentiment Report, we examine the top considerations for investing in Australian projects with confidence.

• Australian Gas Market Reform: 2023 in review
  

  We recap the significant reforms and developments in the National Gas Market for 2023, and look ahead to 2024.

• Essential sectors that drive Australia's economy
  

  In this second part of our Investor Sentiment Report, we delve into the essential sectors that drive Australia's economy.

• 2024 Asia Report: Year in Review
  

  Our 2024 Asia M&A report highlights the strong focus on Australia by investors from Japan, Korea, China, Singapore and Malaysia, driven by renewable energy and strong bilateral partnerships.

• Investor Sentiment Study 2023
  

  In this 3-part analysis, we reveal insights into the investment perceptions and intentions of the Australian market by international decision makers.

• Renewable energy: will the election impact the reform agenda?
  

  The party that forms government following the federal election is expected to have a marked impact on the regulatory framework for the renewable energy sector in the short to medium term.

• Hydrogen blends and renewable gases to be included in national gas framework
  

  The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released draft recommendations on amendments to the National Gas Rules (NGR) and National Energy Retail Rules (NERR) to capture low-level hydrogen-natural gas blends and renewable gases. We explore the key recommendations and next steps.