General Counsel and Company Secretary

• Apr 2022 - Present

At CareChoice our primary goal is to support people in a way that tailors services to the needs of each individual. We provide care and support to people of all ages across Victoria. We support a diverse range of people with various complex needs including people with disability, children and young people. We are strongly committed to upholding the human rights of clients and actively promoting and empowering the dignity and respect of all people. At CareChoice our primary goal is to support people in a way that tailors services to the needs of each individual. We provide care and support to people of all ages across Victoria. We support a diverse range of people with various complex needs including people with disability, children and young people. We are strongly committed to upholding the human rights of clients and actively promoting and empowering the dignity and respect of all people.

TBA

• Apr 2022 - Apr 2022

Principal

• Jul 2018 - Apr 2022

Special Counsel - Public Law, Litigation and Aged Care

• Oct 2013 - Apr 2022

Arease of Practice: Administrative law; Statutory Interpretation; Government and Public law; Discrimination and Human Rights; and Civil law.I work with clients in the government, health, disability and not-for profit sector. I am passionate about disability rights and social policy issues and believe in working with clients to manage risk, develop strategies for sustained continuous improvement and achieve quality outcomes for their own clients. Available for:- Advice on statutory interpretation, good decision-making and natural justice requirements, privacy, records management and access to information.- Conducting legislative policy reviews, public consultation, and preparation of Cabinet documents and instructing on drafting of bills and intruments.- Reviewing and developing policies and procedures for public sector governance and compliance.- Conducting investigations and resolution of complaints at local levels. Show less

Associate

• Mar 2012 - Aug 2013

My role was to support the operational performance of the Panel through administrative and legal support as Associate.The Patient Review Panel is an independent decision making body responsible for determining complex and sensitive applications for treatment under the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008. During this time I advised and instructed on matters affecting the Panel, including, applications to the Panel, legislative amendments, legal appeals, and appointments to the Panel. I have also undertaken a number of risk and compliance reviews of internal procedures and implemented improved business and records management systems. I also managed the Victorian Government response to the Parliamentary Law Reform Inquiry into Access by Donor-Conceived People to information about their Donors and resulting legislative proposal to amend the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008. This policy reform involved the provision of advice on complex human rights and privacy implications. Show less

Legal Policy Officer

• Nov 2010 - Mar 2012

The Civil Law Policy unit is responsible for reviewing, developing and implementing civil laws in accordance with the Victorian Government’s civil law reform priorities, and supporting the Attorney-General and the Department by providing legal and policy advice. My role was to provide legal advice and develop and draft legislative proposals on novel and complex civil law matters for the Attorney-General. I have predominantly worked on legislative reform of the law of dividing fences and related property law matters with this work contributing to the Fences Act Amendment Bill 2013. Show less

Lawyer

• Aug 2004 - Oct 2010

The Commission is an independent statutory authority with responsibilities under the: • Equal Opportunity Act 2010 • Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 • Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006. These responsibilities include resolving complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment and vilification and educating people about their rights and responsibilities under these laws. My substantial time at the Commission included various senior legal roles; leading a team of three junior lawyers in the delivery of in-house legal services; principal advisor on significant legal reforms to the Equal Opportunity Act 1995; and managing a large team undertaking the investigation and conciliation of complaints. I developed extensive experience in discrimination, human rights, government and administrative law providing advice to the Commission and external clients, reviewing and developing operating policies and procedures, and representing the Commission in various forums. Show less

Legislation Officer

• Jan 2004 - Aug 2004

The Building Commission is a statutory authority that oversees the building control system in Victoria. My primary responsibilities were to draft legislative amendments to the Building Act 1993 and related laws. I also assisted the Legal Manager in processing voluminous freedom of information requests, settling contracts for services and provision of advice on government law matters including building practitioner disciplinary proceedings. The Building Commission is a statutory authority that oversees the building control system in Victoria. My primary responsibilities were to draft legislative amendments to the Building Act 1993 and related laws. I also assisted the Legal Manager in processing voluminous freedom of information requests, settling contracts for services and provision of advice on government law matters including building practitioner disciplinary proceedings.

Articled Clerk and Law Clerk

• Jun 2001 - Feb 2004

A boutique construction and planning law firm specialising in dispute resolution and litigation. As a clerk I undertook research and drafted advice and documents under the instructions and supervision of the partners and assisted with interviewing clients. I appeared independently at directions hearings and mediations for minor claims and assisted and instructed the partners in litigation. A boutique construction and planning law firm specialising in dispute resolution and litigation. As a clerk I undertook research and drafted advice and documents under the instructions and supervision of the partners and assisted with interviewing clients. I appeared independently at directions hearings and mediations for minor claims and assisted and instructed the partners in litigation.