Partner, Commercial Division

A long association with the Northern Territory, having being born and raised in Darwin. Strong relationships with government departments and extensive experience in advising interstate and overseas clients on Territory laws and issues. A partner of Ward Keller from 1998 and managing partner from 2004 to 2007.

Mining and Energy Lawyer for Territory gold producers and lawyer for base metal mines, lawyer for explorers (both majors and juniors) and lawyer for royalty holders. Experienced in negotiation and preparation of mine and tenement acquisitions, joint venture, royalty and exploration agreements, mining and supply contracts, advise on revenue law issues, advise on native title and land rights, advising on application of NT laws, indigenous agreements and issues. Territory lawyer for a local company that has provided wind generated electricity and electrical systems in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and overseas. Acting in relation to the Territory’s first exporting LNG Project. Lawyer for extractive mining operators and honorary lawyer for Extractive Industry Association of the Northern Territory, member of Australian Mining and Petroleum Lawyers Association.

Projects and Infrastructure Territory lawyer for the operator of the main gas transmission pipeline in the Northern Territory: undertaking tenure acquisition and maintenance, regulatory compliance, corporate advice and gas sales and transmission contracts. Territory lawyer for the consortium that successfully bid for and operates the Alice Springs to Darwin Railway Project, a PPP project involving due diligence, tenure acquisition and maintenance, regulatory compliance and commercial contracts. Participated in the deregulation of the Northern Territory electricity market providing regulatory advice and preparation of tender documentation and electricity purchase agreements.

Pastoral Lawyer for one of the Territory’s largest pastoral operators and land holder, lawyer for the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, involved in native title, pastoral land development and operational issues.

Gaming Lawyer for Darwin’s only Casino: over ten years experience in advising on all regulatory and commercial issues related to casino operations.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws, Adelaide University
• Bachelor of Economics, Adelaide University
• Admitted as a Legal Practitioner in the Northern Territory

Areas of Law

• Mining and Energy
• Projects and Infrastructure
• Pastoral
• Gaming