My clients call on me for advice on all aspects of the employment relationship, including day-to-day issues such as performance management, change management and termination, as well as discrimination, privacy, industrial relations, and workplace health and safety.

More specifically, I deal with senior executives, post-employment restraints, corporate transactions and corporate governance, particularly in the field of remuneration and Australia’s ‘golden handshake’ regime.

I especially enjoy drawing on my overseas experience to explain Australian concepts in a way that makes sense to our foreign clients.

Career highlights

• Defended unfair dismissal, adverse action, breach of contract, misrepresentation and discrimination claims
• Helped clients enforce post-employment restraints and confidentiality obligations, by way of injunctions and damages
• Acted as employment counsel on many leading corporate transactions for Australian and overseas clients, including IAG Limited’s acquisition of the Wesfarmers insurance business, and the sale of Lloyds Banking Group’s Australian asset finance business to Westpac Banking Corporation
• Assisted with CEO and other senior executive onboarding and exits at many of Australia’s largest listed companies
• Worked with MinterEllison’s Remuneration Governance and Tax teams to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for clients’ remuneration and incentive needs
• Advised American Express, BlackRock, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Challenger, Grant Thornton, IAG Limited, LinkedIn, Pfizer, Qantas, Swiss Re and 20th Century Fox
• Provided significant pro bono advice and support for the LGBTI community, including as client relationship partner for and adviser to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Australians for Equality
• Delivered annual training to Europe-based human resources professionals to help them support their Australian operations 

Education
LLB (HONS)

• Understanding the COVID-19 'JobKeeper Payments'

  By Gordon Williams, Courtney Chan |May 2020

• Understanding the COVID-19 'JobKeeper Payments'

  By Gordon Williams, Courtney Chan |May 2020

• New whistleblower laws to take effect soon
  

  This article examines the implications of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Whistleblower Protections) Bill 2018 and provides tips on what employers should be doing now to prepare for the changes.

• Financial Accountability Regime Status update: FAR Bill introduced
  

  The Bill to establish the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) was introduced into the House of Representatives on 28 October 2021. While the Bill is similar in most respects to the draft legislation released for consultation in July-August 2021, it is not identical. The proposed FAR is also not identical to the existing Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR) which, if legislated, it will replace.

• ‘Super stapling’ is here! What employers need to do
  

  Here we explain how ‘super stapling’ works and the steps employers need to take to ensure they comply with the new rules.

• FAR preparation for the insurance and super sectors
  

  The Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) Bill and its associated rules have been passed, setting new accountability standards for the banking, insurance, and superannuation sectors starting from March 2024, with regulators releasing detailed guidelines and transitional rules.

• It's time to RISE because inclusion and diversity has never been more important
  

  In a year dominated by COVID-19, it’s fair to say that 2020 gave everyone pause to consider what’s important to them. And for us at MinterEllison, staying connected with our clients and our people, looking out for one another, and creating inclusive spaces has never been more important.

  That’s why we’re delighted to be celebrating both the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and International Women's Day this month.

• Closing Loopholes No. 2 Bill passes both Houses
  

  The Closing Loopholes No. 2 Bill includes significant, further reform to Australia's employment laws.

• Federal Government secures deal on Closing Loopholes reforms
  

  The deal secures passage of the Government's labour hire and other less controversial reforms, leaving its other proposals for a Senate Inquiry and negotiation in 2024.

• COVID-19: Increased restrictions in New South Wales – What employers need to know
  

  Following increased restrictions introduced in New South Wales, we discuss the further changes impacting employers.

• What you need to know about the JobKeeper Announcement
  

  JobKeeper Payment – extended but reduced. On 21 July 2020 the Government announced that it will be extending the JobKeeper scheme until 28 March 2021, but with reduced payments.

• APRA finalises remuneration disclosure requirements for  APRA-regulated entities
  

  Overview of new disclosure requirements under CPS 511

• Federal Government's third IR reform package
  

  The Federal Government introduces the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023.

• FSRC Final Report: BEAR Regime
  

  FSRC Final Report BEAR Regime insights for industry

• APRA consults on new and more prescriptive remuneration requirements
  Overview | APRA discussion paper and draft new Prudential Standard CPS 511
• Latest workplace reforms in the Protecting Worker Entitlements Bill have passed
  

  The Federal Government's second round of workplace reforms in the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Bill 2023 has passed.

• Senate Committee paves the way for the passage of FAR and CSLR Bills
  

  We summarise the Senate report into the package of legislation that if passed, would establish the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) and the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) and provide an update on the status of the Bills.

    
• Whistleblower Bill update – what you need to know and do next
  

  How to prepare for Australia's new whistleblower protection regime

• COVID-19: Clarification measures to the JobKeeper Rules announced
  

  On 24 April 2020 Treasury announced a number of measures which will be enacted to clarify the operation of the JobKeeper rules. We discuss these measures in detail below.

• FAR transition | Regulators issue final Rules
  

  ASIC and APRA have finalised new Rules setting out what information they need from ADIs about their Accountable Persons (APs) at the 'transition point' from the BEAR to the FAR - Financial Accountability Regime (Consequential Amendments) Transitional Rules 2024 (Transitional Rules) - and confirming the information to be included in the FAR register of accountable persons -Financial Accountability Regime Act (Information for register) Regulator Rules 2024 (Regulator rules).  Here's what you need to know.

• FAR status update: Regulators consult on FAR implementation
  

  The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) have opened a four week consultation on draft rules to support the transition from the existing BEAR to the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) and implementation of the FAR.  Here’s what you need to know.

• HR&IR Update: What you need to know coming into 2019
  

  Key developments that should be top of mind as you start thinking about 2019 include unpaid domestic violence leave, flexible work arrangement discussions, casual conversion rights notice, offsetting casual loading, prompt termination entitlements payment, enhanced whistleblower protections, and updates to bargaining notice requirements and enterprise agreement declarations.

• Understanding the COVID-19 'JobKeeper Payments'
  

  Many employers have been considering workforce changes to address the economic downturn and cash flow issues caused by COVID-19. Yesterday's announcement by the Federal Government about wage subsidies (known as 'JobKeeper Payments') has been welcomed by employers and unions, and should be closely considered by employers before implementing any changes.

• FAR status update: FAR Bills now law
  

  Legislation to introduce the long-awaited FAR - the Financial Accountability Regime (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023 and Financial Accountability Regime Bill 2023 – received Assent on 14 September 2023.

• Financial Accountability Regime: Bills (re)introduced
  

  The long-awaited Bills to established the proposed FAR were (re)introduced into the House of Representatives on 8 September 2022

• JobKeeper Legislation - What does it mean for businesses and workers?
  

  With the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Act 2020 and Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus (Measures No. 2) Act 2020 passed by Federal Parliament late last night, we now have answers to many of the questions being asked by employers about the JobKeeper wage subsidies and the consequent amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act).

• Employment Law in Australia – latest developments
  

  Australian employment law is rapidly changing, and businesses operating in Australia may be impacted. Recent developments and more are explored in our latest update on employment law in Australia.

• COVID-19: Common employment issues following increased NSW restrictions
  

   Following the NSW Government’s announcement over the weekend, we answer some of the key questions about standing down impacted employees in NSW. 

• FAR update | ASIC and APRA release information package
  

  APRA and ASIC will jointly administer the FAR, coordinating closely to streamline reporting through a single portal, APRA Connect, while ensuring consistent monitoring, investigation, and communication regarding FAR compliance and enforcement.

• Consultation on draft legislation to establish the Financial Accountability Regime
  

  The government has released long awaited draft legislation that will establish the Financial Accountability Regime. We provide an overview and discussion of the key measures.