Hall Of Fame

Leading Associates

Labour and employment: workplace health and safety (WHS) in Australia

Ashurst

Ashurst‘s workplace health and safety practice houses a ‘very strong team‘, which is well known for representing a wide range of major domestic and international corporations and businesses in high-profile health and safety prosecutions. Team head Lea Constantine is well known for handling investigations, inquests and inquiries, while Perth-based Julia Sutherland is very experienced in advising public sector entities on workplace fatalities. In Brisbane, James Hall regularly acts for state and local government entities. Stephen Woodbury, Scarlet Reid, Ian Humphreys and Jacqui Brinckmann are key practitioners to note.

Practice head(s):

Lea Constantine


Other key lawyers:

Julia Sutherland; Stephen Woodbury; Ian Humphrey; Jacqui Brinckmann; Scarlet Reid


Testimonials

‘Scarlet Reid and Jacqui Brinckmann are highly experienced workplace health and safety practitioners. The practice is unique due to the intimate knowledge of the laws that govern workplace safety, regulatory issues and being able to provide practical solutions for issues.’

‘Scarlet Reid and Jacqui Brinckmann are a true team. They are both highly knowledgeable and available. Their depth of knowledge and understanding of our business, with our legal issues or compliance focus, truly assists us.’ 

‘The team’s strength is going above and beyond to help the client address the concerns that they are facing. They are ultra reliable, approachable and knowledgeable.’

‘Ashurst has a very strong team with exceptional leadership. The partners provide support for all members which has created an environment that fosters collaboration and excellence. All members of the team are skilled in health and safety law.’

Key clients

NSW Government


Woolworths Group Limited


AGL Energy Limited


Qantas Airways Limited


Commonwealth Government


Queensland Government


Boral


University of NSW


Lendlease


PricewaterhouseCoopers


Work highlights


  • Advising AGL Energy Limited on a regulatory matter.
  • Representing NSW Health in two prosecutions brought by SafeWork NSW against Western Sydney Local Health District.

Clyde & Co LLP

The workplace health and safety practice at Clyde & Co LLP has a broad geographic footprint in Australia, with the team often instructed in investigatory work, cybersecurity matters and criminal prosecutions. The group also regularly advises on contract matters, as well as major health and safety incidents in the infrastructure sector. Former practice head Alena Titterton departed to Johnson Winter Slattery in February 2o25.

Clayton Utz

Led by Shae McCartney, the workplace health and safety team at Clayton Utz has a solid track record in acting for a client roster of public and private sector entities and mining, construction, and manufacturing sector companies. The group's workload includes handling prosecution management, industrial relations, incident response, policy review and compliance matters. McCartney has established strength in advising on safety-related issues, and Hilary Searing handles harassment and discrimination cases.

Practice head(s):

Shae McCartney


Other key lawyers:

Hilary Searing; Jennifer Wyborn


Testimonials

‘The team are very responsive and give practical advice.’

‘The team has the depth and quality of experience to think 10 or 20 steps ahead. There are lots of firms in this space, but very few with the wisdom that the CU team brings to the table. ’

‘You can talk to Shae McCartney like a best friend as well as a trusted advisor. She isn’t afraid of telling executive leaders things they don’t want to hear, but that they certainly need to hear. This makes her an invaluable weapon in every in-house counsel arsenal. ’

Key clients

Suburban Rail Loop Authority


Fortescue Future Industries


Energy Corporation of NSW


Work highlights


  • Acting as counsel to Fortescue Future Industries on the establishment of a major hazard facility.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Corrs Chambers Westgarth‘s workplace health and safety team is sought after for its expertise in advising on compliance matters, workplace fatalities, the safety-related aspects of commercial agreements, and safety governance issues. The group has particular strength in acting for clients in the mining sector, and is jointly led by Stephen Price and Nick Le Mare. Another key name in the team includes special counsel Marie Costa, who advises on regulatory issues and prosecutions. John Tuck, Giacomo GiorgiKirsty Faichen and Anthony Longland  joined King & Wood Mallesons at the end of 2024.

Practice head(s):

Nick Le Mare; Stephen Price


Other key lawyers:

Marie Costa


Key clients

State of Victoria


ALTRAC Light Rail Partnership


Work highlights


  • Acting for the State of Victoria in a prosecution involving issues of psychosocial risk.
  • Acting for Western Power in a prosecution related to the new discrimination provisions under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA).
  • Advising ALTRAC in relation to a fatal incident involving a member of the public on the Sydney Light Rail.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP' workplace health and safety team stands out for advising a broad range of corporate and financial clients on the full gamut of WHS matters. The practice is jointly led by the quintet of Steve Bell, who has expertise in handling risk management issues; Aaron Anderson, who acts as health and safety counsel to clients in the mining sector; Nicholas Ogilvie, who represents major clients in the aviation sector in industrial relations matters; Nerida Jessup, an expert in advising on safety issues pertaining to major construction projects in the energy sector; and Anna Creegan, whose workload includes regulatory cases. Miles Bastick is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Steve Bell; Aaron Anderson; Nicholas Ogilvie; Nerida Jessup; Anna Creegan


Other key lawyers:

Miles Bastick


Kingston Reid

Kingston Reid's broad national offering, with partners based in all major Australian cities, allows the team to regularly represent a diverse range of public and private sector clients. The group is well-versed in advising corporate entities on the development of compliance frameworks and safety management systems. The practice is jointly led by the quartet of Duncan FletcherJohn Makris, Brendan Milne and Liam FraserMichael Stutley and special counsel Erica Elliott are other key names to note.

Practice head(s):

Duncan Fletcher; John Markis; Liam Fraser; Brendan Milne


Other key lawyers:

Michael Stutley; Erica Elliott


Testimonials

‘John Makris is a highly experienced partner who leads a very capable team, supported by the extremely sharp mind of Erica Elliott.’

‘Their expertise is second to none. The team makeup ensures full serviceability regarding any WHS issue an organisation may face. They are always available to discuss matters.’

‘John Makris is the right-hand for any WHS leader in an organisation.’

Key clients

Australian Taxation Office


Australian Clinical Laboratories


BGC


Big Hill Cranes Pty Ltd


BlueScope Steel


Boral Australia


Capricorn Metals Limited


Captain Heath Daniel/Pilbara Ports Authority


Catholic Schools NSW


Coates Hire Operations Pty Ltd


Coles


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Commonwealth Government


CPB Contractors


CSR Limited


Department of Health


dnata


DP World


Essential Energy


Experience Co


Fortescue Metals Group


Fuji Xerox


Goondiwindi Regional Council


Illawarra Retirement Trust


Qenos


Macquarie Bank


Menulog Pty Ltd


McConnell Dowell Constructors


Mondiale VGL


Newmont Mining


NSW Government


Pacific National


Rehabilitation Injury Management


Serco Australia


Seven West Media


Southern Cross Electrical Engineering


SRG Global


Teekay Shipping


University of Western Australia


Ventia


Work highlights


  • Advised NRW Holdings Civil and Mining on the development of a uniform compliance framework across three separate corporate entities with differing operational requirements.
  • Representing Goondiwindi Regional Council in relation to a prosecution arising from an employee being exposed to toxic chlorine gas while repairing a pipe at the Council’s sewerage treatment plant.
  • Advised RACWA Tourism Assets on a regulatory investigation following a workplace fatality at one of its sites.

Maddocks

Catherine Dunlop leads Maddocks' workplace health and safety team, which garners praise for its 'deep working knowledge' and excellent track record in advising the Commonwealth and other government bodies on, among other areas, criminal prosecutions and psychosocial risk management. Dunlop is well versed in advising healthcare clients on cases involving alleged health and safety breaches, while Bruce Heddle regularly advises on sensitive sexual harassment and discrimination matters. Amber Davis and newly promoted partner Dale McQualter have expertise in advising on serious workplace incidents.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Dunlop


Other key lawyers:

Bruce Heddle; Dale McQualter; Amber Davis


Testimonials

‘Pragmatic, responsive and easy to work with. Deep working knowledge of the area of law. ’

‘Dale MacQualter is an outstanding lawyer with a calm, pragmatic and knowledgeable approach. Catherine Dunlop is a very safe set of hands, exudes competence and is excellent at mapping out a way through.’

Key clients

ORIX


Epworth Health Board


Work highlights


  • Advising the Country Fire Authority on major safety prosecutions.
  • Advising Epworth Health on occupational health and safety matters.

Norton Rose Fulbright

With a solid track record in acting for clients in the energy and resources sectors, the workplace health and safety team at Norton Rose Fulbright is well versed in advising on psychosocial risk management. Compliance expert Katherine Morris heads up the practice, and is sought after by major engineering and construction companies, while Martin Osborne advises on a broad range of investigatory matters. Nicki Milionis acts for government and public sector clients in risk management matters, as well as advising on serious safety incidents in the railway and infrastructure sectors.

Practice head(s):

Katherine Morris


Other key lawyers:

Martin Osborne; Nicki Milionis; Annika Martz


Testimonials

‘The advice Katherine and Annika have provided has been of significant value and strategic importance to our business.’

‘All team members are highly responsive.’

Key clients

5B


Accenture


Acciona Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd


Ampol


APA Group


Arrow Energy


Asahi


Australian Gas Infrastructure Group


Centennial Parklands


Chevron Australia Pty Ltd


Coleman Rail


Commonwealth Department of Science, Industry, Energy and Resources


Compass Group


CWP Renewables


D & R Henderson


Department of Defence


Department of Families, Fairness and Housing


Endeavour Energy


Energy Queensland


Fulton Hogan


Goodman


Kyle Road


Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd


Laser Clinics Group


Logos


Luxxotica (OPSM)


McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd


Mirvac


Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions


QBE Insurance Group


Schlumberger


Service Stream


Thales


Veolia Environmental Services


Windlab


Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Seyfarth Shaw LLP‘s team stands out for its ‘expansive knowledge of the sector‘, and offers clients assistance across the full range of workplace health and safety issues. Key areas of instruction for the group include advising on incident management and prosecutions. The practice is jointly led by the trio of managing partner Darren Perry, Paul Cutrone and Penny Stevens. Sarah Goodhew and counsel Nicholas Neil often handle litigation brought under the Work Health and Safety Act, often for clients in the mining sector. Newly promoted partner Marissa Dreher is very experienced in acting for regulatory authorities.

Practice head(s):

Darren Perr; Paul Cutrone; Penny Stevens


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Goodhew; Nicholas Neil; Marissa Dreher


Testimonials

‘This team is excellent. They take a very practical approach to the support they provide and the advice.’

‘The individuals that advise our business are leaders in their area of practice. They take a practical approach, listen to the objectives you have as a client, are open to the hard conversations and above all accessible.’

‘Standout partners for me are Paul Cutrone, Erin Hawthorne and Sarah Goodhew. I would also like to recognise the advice and support provided by Nick Neil.’

Allens

Allens‘ team offers support to a broad client roster of corporate, commercial, and energy entities on workplace health and safety proceedings, including investigations and fatal workplace incidents. Simon Dewberry co-heads the practice with Samantha Betzien, who fields expertise in advising on compliance and risk management. Emma Gillman‘s ‘depth of knowledge and experience is excellent‘.

Practice head(s):

Samantha Betzien; Simon Dewberry


Other key lawyers:

Emma Gillman


Testimonials

‘Simon Dewberry is an exceptional and efficient communicator. He understands how businesses work, their decision making, their approach to risk and can tailor legal advice through a practical business lens. His experience working on large and complex disputes and projects comes through in the confidence and clarity of his advice that he delivers.’

‘I have only worked closely with Samantha Betzien and Emma Gillman at Allens, but their depth of knowledge and experience is excellent. Sam and Emma consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to provide clear, commercially-relevant legal advice and we are very grateful for their support. ’

‘Emma Gillman is an absolute standout star performer!’

K&L Gates

The WHS team at K&L Gates is well equipped to advise corporate, commercial, and energy sector clients on a wide spectrum of safety regulatory matters. The group's workload includes handling regulatory investigations, incident response and psychosocial risk management. Paul Hardman has expertise in assisting clients in the agriculture sector with prosecutions arising from fatal incidents; he co-heads the practice with Dominic Fleeton and Stephen HardyAlanna Fitzpatrick regularly represents clients in the retail, construction and aviation sectors in workplace investigations.

Practice head(s):

Paul Hardman; Dominic Fleeton; Stephen Hardy


Other key lawyers:

Alanna Fitzpatrick


Testimonials

‘Stephen Hardy and the K&L Gates team provides incredibly high quality legal advice.’

‘The team are leaders in their field. They have exceptional knowledge of the relevant law and communicate advice and practical recommendations clearly.’

‘Alanna Fitzpatrick and Paul Hardman have excellent knowledge of the law, a rare ability to communicate clearly and effectively to clients of varying expertise and are always accessible, even on short notice.’ 

Key clients

Onsite Rental Operations


Master Builders Association Victoria


Serco Asia Pacific


VMIA


King & Wood Mallesons

King & Wood Mallesons has a strong track record in handling the full gamut of WHS governance issues. Andrew Gray often acts for asset and global infrastructure managers in the space, with experience in advising on major workplace safety incidents; he co-heads the practice with Philip Willox, who handles industrial relations matters and regulatory compliance work. Other key names in the team include Ruth Rosedale, who is sought after for her expertise in advising on sexual harassment and discriminatory matters and workplace compliance issues, often for companies in the construction industry. Cilla Robinson joined from Clayton Utz in August 2024, and John Tuck, Giacomo GiorgiKirsty Faichen, and Anthony Longland joined from Corrs Chambers Westgarth at the end of 2024.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Gray; Philip Willox


Other key lawyers:

Ruth Rosedale; Cilla Robinson; Caitlin Babington; John Tuck; Giacomo Giorgi; Kirsty Faichen; Anthony Longland


Testimonials

‘Ruth Rosedale and Caitlin Babington provide exceptional service. Ruth consistently delivers timely and expert advice that is easy to digest and communicate.’

Key clients

Macquarie Asset Management


Bloomfield Group


BHP


Glencore


Gladstone Ports


Paraway Pastoral


Citigroup


Museum of Queensland


Scentre group


Hanson Construction


Westgold


Lawson Grains


SunRice


Elanor Investors


RUC


McCullough Robertson

The workplace health and safety team at McCullough Robertson regularly acts for public sector clients and regulatory entities in mandates. Sydney-based Amber Sharp co-heads the practice with Tim Longwill in Brisbane, and Nathan Roberts is very experienced in handling litigious matters and acting as counsel to railway sector entities. Kate Peterson and the 'outstanding' Cameron Dean are key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Amber Sharp; Tim Longwill


Other key lawyers:

Nathan Roberts; Kate Peterson; Cameron Dean


Testimonials

‘First class legal knowledge and case management.’

‘The WHS team has significant depth and capability.’

‘Cameron Dean is outstanding. He is very responsive to client needs and his knowledge and practical advice are greatly appreciated.’

MinterEllison

Minter Ellison's WHS practice is praised as 'market-leading in expertise and experience'. Trent Forno acts for individual clients in prosecutions, and co-heads the department with the 'extremely knowledgeable' Deanna McMaster. Other key areas of instruction for the group include advising on serious workplace incidents, sexual discrimination claims and psychosocial risk management. Craig Boyle is 'very thorough and always available'.

Practice head(s):

Trent Forno; Deanna McMaster


Other key lawyers:

Craig Boyle


Testimonials

‘Minter Ellison has been a pleasure to deal with. Responsive and professional.’

‘Craig Boyle has been excellent. He is extremely knowledgeable and helped steer us through a very difficult situation. Very thorough and always available. ’

‘The team is able to not only to provide expert legal and strategic advice, but advise the organisation on the implementation of complex legal amendments and updates to the legislation.’

‘The practice provides exceptional legal service. The advice is always in plain English, precisely and easily understood. The team provide valuable industry-specific insights and legal updates. The team are always willing to assist and are willing to drop everything if the advice sought is extremely urgent.’

‘The Minter Ellison WHS practice is market-leading in expertise and experience. Partner availability and engagement is exceptional and advice is always practical and solutions-focused. Highly recommended.’

‘Deanna McMaster is extremely knowledgeable in her space while also being commercial and practical and willing to ‘roll up the sleeves’ when necessary. Deanna works across Australia on WHS matters and therefore is able to provide solutions and answers to issues immediately and based on real experience, which is very valuable. She is also available to assist as and when required and on limited notice – extremely important in WHS matters.’

‘Deanna McMaster approaches her work with reassuring and pragmatic advice.’

Key clients

Victorian Government


Sheena Walshaw


Queensland Rail


Ergon Energy Corporation Limited


Royal Flying Doctor Service


Dexus


Work highlights


  • Acting for the Department of Health in relation to over 30 alleged breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.
  • Advising the former managing director of a tourist attraction in relation to a prosecution under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Piper Alderman

At Piper Alderman, the WHS team's 'strength lies in its comprehensive understanding of complex WHS regulations and its ability to provide clear, actionable advice'. Under the joint leadership of Tim Capelin and Shane Entriken, the group has a solid track record in assisting engineering and manufacturing companies with workplace investigations arising from serious incidents. Andrew Jonklaas advises clients in the mining and manufacturing industries on compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Shane Entriken; Tim Capelin


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Jonklaas


Testimonials

‘Piper Alderman’s practice stands out for its exceptional team, which combines deep expertise with a client-focused approach. The team’s strength lies in its comprehensive understanding of complex WHS regulations and its ability to provide clear, actionable advice.’ 

‘The people I work with at Piper Alderman are knowledgeable and easy to deal with, always ensuring a smooth and productive collaboration.’

‘Extensive industry knowledge. Partners work really closely with associates, achieving very quick turnaround times.’

‘Shane Entriken is very collaborative in his approach. He is a great communicator. He is extremely knowledgeable on WHS legislation and his practical experience as a prosecutor makes his knowledge that more impactful.’

Key clients

Epiroc


Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency


Work highlights


  • Advised Epiroc on OHS compliance issues and product safety matters.
  • Provides ongoing assistance to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.