Expertise

Peter has over 20 years' experience acting for operators in the construction industry, and is sought by major national contractors for his legal expertise, industry knowledge, ability to comprehend and negotiate complex technical issues, as well as his sound commercial advice.

His clients find his experience is invaluable in contract negotiation, drafting and administration - particularly contracts involving large scale infrastructure projects that incorporate telecommunications and other technology. He also advises in dispute resolution and, where required, conducts complex litigation.

Peter is committed to his role as leader of our Construction group, which provides a full range of legal services to clients in the construction industry, including owners, developers and contractors.

Experience

Peter has acted for and advised:

• a major client involved in the extractive industry on contracts for the design, construction, commissioning and integration of sand and concrete processing plants involving complex automated equipment
• Ericsson Australia regarding claims made across Australia, which arose out of the construction of the 3G telecommunications network
• Ericsson Australia regarding aspects of its contract negotiation with NBN Co for the roll out of the National Broadband network
• Barco Systems (a subsidiary of Barco NV, a major international communication technology company based in Europe) relative to contracts including those for the design, supply, installation, integration and commissioning of:
  • large screen video wall signage equipment, software and technical support including the icon signage wall installed atop Melbourne's Young and Jackson Hotel opposite Flinders Street Station
  • video display equipment, software and technical support integrated into the control equipment  for a New Zealand hydro power station
  • video display equipment, software and technical support  for road and rail network control rooms in Victoria and New South Wales
  • of equipment, software and technical support for incorporation into mission and support systems for defence purposes under a confidential contract and in particular for the protection of Barco's intellectual property
• Barco Systems on the negotiation and drafting of the overarching terms and conditions of a long term supply of information technology and associated hardware and software and related services by Barco to the New South Wales Roads and Marine Services Authority
• Webb Australia, a company that specialises in the design, manufacture and implementation of materials handling solutions regarding contracts including those for the design, supply, installation, integration and commissioning of specialist equipment for:
  • an explosives plant
  • a cyanide processing and packaging plant
• SRS (a food packaging company) regarding a contract for the purchase, installation, integration and commissioning of a new automated production line
• the statutory body owner of a major sewage treatment plant regarding technical difficulties associated with its contract for major upgrade works including the implementation of secondary treatment facilities
• a major construction group on its acquisition of civil construction assets throughout Australia, including undertaking due diligence relative to their construction contracts
• various clients on major infrastructure projects, including PPP, Alliance and other hybrid contracts
• the owners of Melbourne CBD sites, including preparing the construction documentation for a 50 level apartment and retail complex.

Pro bono and Community Work

Peter has undertaken varied pro bono work throughout his career, including his position on the board of a charity that supplied crisis housing for homeless children.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws (the University of Melbourne)

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practise

Victoria

High Court of Australia