She represents a diverse range of clients from the private sector, not-for-profit organisations, Queensland State government agencies, and local councils in misconduct and disciplinary matters, underpayment disputes and dismissal proceedings, enterprise bargaining, company restructures, resulting transfers of business, redundancy issues, and managing employee exits.
As one of the heads of our Queensland State Government group, Lydia is a trusted legal adviser with a deep understanding of government operations, enabling her to navigate public sector complexities and deliver pragmatic, tailored solutions.
Having worked closely with departments, statutory authorities and local councils for over 20 years, she understands the different needs and legislative frameworks of public sector and local government clients.
Lydia serves as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Guide Dogs Queensland, where she is a member of the Board’s Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. She is a life member of the Industrial Relations Society of Queensland.
For a Hospital and Health Service and a large department, advising on strategy, document wording, timing, and responding to individual employee grievances, through ‘business case for change’ processes, ensuring compliance with industrial instrument, directives and policy requirements.
Advising a Queensland department regarding working from home arrangements, with a focus on compliance with statutory WHS requirements and meeting additional obligations relating to flexible working from home arrangements. Providing advice to multiple Hospital and Health Services regarding options to address cultural concerns and staff wellbeing within and between teams.
In response to workplace incidents and complaints, advising Boards and Executives on options to action and risks, preparing correspondence to employees, engaging investigators, and assisting with resulting management actions or disciplinary processes.
Acting for the State of Queensland to successfully defend public sector appeals, general protections claims and industrial disputes in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
Advising a large employer in relation to six years of inadvertent underpayments and overpayments to former employees, and hours of incorrect leave affecting current employees. Over several months, Lydia provided advice on correct entitlements, liability, engagement with regulators, devised a strategy for communications with staff, unions and other stakeholders, and minimised legal risk all without any media attention or claims against the client.
Preparing draft show cause and decision letters, supporting lawful decision making processes, and negotiating mutual exits of employees, in a way to minimise delay and litigation risk.
Brisbane
Level 11, 66 Eagle Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Tel +61 7 3233 8888
Sydney
Level 32, 25 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel +61 2 8241 5600
Canberra
Level 9, 2 Phillip Law Street
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel +61 2 8241 5600