Community Housing, Life Sciences, State Government QLD, Disputes, Employment Relations and Safety
Tom’s experience includes all specialised safety regimes nationally, including the Rail Safety National Law, Heavy Vehicle National Law, Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law, electrical safety and Queensland’s resources safety laws (coal, petroleum and minerals). He has had carriage of, and been involved in, some of the country’s largest WHS prosecutions and coronial inquests.
Complementing Tom’s WHS practice, is his Employment Relations and anti-discrimination experience. Tom regularly appears in the Fair Work Commission, Human Rights commissions, the various ‘CATs’ and Federal courts for employers in unfair dismissals, general protection claims and anti-discrimination matters. Tom has a specialised focus on managing senior executive issues, including for ASX listed companies, where he can skilfully navigate exits, resolve or defeat litigation and balance the commercial and reputational issues that often arise.
Tom’s employment and anti-discrimination experience covers all industries, with a focus on Food and Agribusiness, Transport, and Resources and Renewables. His clients appreciate his strategic insight to find the heart of the dispute and solve it.
Reforms to Resources Safety and Health Queensland Bill
Advising on the $10 billion Inland Rail Project, including a 1700km freight rail line, which will see freight delivered from Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Advising on one of the first reported external review applications of a SafeWork NSW inspector’s decision relating to Health and Safety Representatives. The decision dealt with untested provisions under the Model WHS Law relating to union provided HSR training.
Acting as lead investigator for a SafeWork NSW investigation following a serious incident involving an African elephant crushing a zookeeper.
Advising on Comcare investigation following the amputation of a worker’s leg by a piece of moving plant.
Advising on two separate fatal accidents, one double fatal fall from heights and a single fatal accident arising from a mud rush.
Acting in national review of construction and procurement contracts relating to the WHS Law, including drafting state specific schedules on state and territory WHS and OHS Law, and drafting clauses which practically manage the interaction of these laws with the Commonwealth WHS Law.
