I have also conducted a wide range of proceedings in various courts and tribunals. These cover matters such as unfair and unlawful dismissals, discrimination claims and coronial inquests.

My practice spans sectors as diverse as construction and infrastructure, education, manufacturing and aviation. I am also a prolific speaker, author, lecturer and trainer, with a strong interest in workplace relations public policy.

Career highlights

• AGL – assisted the energy provider achieve a step change in the industrial arrangements at its Loy Yang A power station and associated coal mine. This involved working in a sensitive social and political environment and against highly organised and entrenched union opposition
• Brookfield Multiplex; Laing O’Rourke; Lendlease – counselled top tier construction companies on industrial relations and Building Code issues, delivering strategic litigation support in urgent timeframes as well as strategic and legal advice regarding unlawful industrial action and other relevant issues

Independent recognition

• Recommended, Education – Best Lawyers
• Recommended, Employee Benefits – Best Lawyers
• Recommended, Labour and Employment – Best Lawyers
• Band 1 Employment Law – Chambers Asia - Pacific
• Leading Individual, Labour and Employment – The Legal 500

Industry and legal affiliations

• Member, Industrial Relations Subcommittee, Federal Law Council
• Member, Industrial Relations Subcommittee, Queensland Law Society
• Member, Industrial Relations Society of Queensland
• Member, Australian Corporate Lawyers Association

Education
BA, LLB (Hons)

• Federal Law Council Industrial Relations Sub-Committee, Member
• Queensland Law Society Industrial Relations Sub-Committee, Member
• Queensland Industrial Relations Society, Member
• Australian Corporate Lawyers Association, Member

• Debating the future of work in the resources sector
  

  In this article Dan Williams shares his insights from chairing an employment law panel at the recent AMPLA national conference held in Brisbane.

• Decision on requirements to work public holidays
  

  An important decision significantly affects how employers must handle requirements that employees work public holidays.

   

• Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill introduced to Parliament
  

  The Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill represents the largest proposed workplace relations reform since the government came to power earlier this year. We break down the proposed changes and what they mean for organisations.

• Universities' power to discipline students who engage in misconduct
  

  The Queensland Court of Appeal has confirmed that universities can discipline students that engage in misconduct that could amount to a criminal offence if the conduct was separately proven before a Court exercising criminal jurisdiction. The Court of Appeal has given the sector a timely reminder of the challenges of ensuring procedural fairness in student disciplinary proceedings involving such conduct.

• HR&IR Update: Developments on Labor’s employment and industrial relations policy
  

  As the Federal election campaign gathers pace over the coming months, we are monitoring developments around employment and industrial relations and will keep you updated on the potential implications for your organisation, particularly if we see a change in government.

• Boycott agreements between contractors and unions in the construction industry
  

  We analyse a recent decision of the Federal Court: ACCC v Hutchinson & CFMMEU and consider the implications for the construction industry.

   

• Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill is now law
  

  The Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill represents the largest proposed workplace relations reform since the Fair Work Act commenced. We break down the changes and what they mean for organisations.

   

• Rossato decision by High Court: Our Review
  

  WorkPac Pty Ltd v Rossato [2021] HCA 23

  In a much-anticipated decision, the High Court of Australia has upheld an appeal by WorkPac against a decision of the Federal Court and, in doing so, provided greater certainty about the role of written contracts in determining the rights of employees. Below we set out the details of the case, and what this decision means for employers.

• Federal Budget 2022/23: Workplace and migration Implications
  

  A number of measures announced in the Federal Budget will impact on Australian workplaces, migration and global mobility. We explore them and their implications.

• High Court clarifies test for determining employee or independent contractor
  

  The High Court of Australia yesterday clarified that generally only the rights and duties provided under a contract must be considered to determine whether a person is an employee or independent contractor. We set out the details and implications of these timely decisions.

• Resolution of protracted industrial dispute for AGL
  MinterEllison acted for AGL in relation to a protracted industrial dispute culminating in unprotected industrial action at the Loy Yang A Power Station in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria.
• High Court provides guidance on academic freedom: Ridd v James Cook University
  

  Most universities in Australia have an academic or intellectual freedom clause in their Enterprise Agreement. We discuss why the High Court's recent interpretation and application of this clause is useful guidance for universities.