EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Louise has an in depth knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and its application to the employment relationship, including enterprise bargaining, industrial disputes, right of entry, interpretation of industrial instruments, general protections claims and litigation relating to termination of employment.  She is also experienced in interpreting and applying the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld) and other legislation regulating to public service employment in Queensland, particularly in the health sector. 

Louise holds a particular interest in workers’ compensation matters and has extensive experience in this area of law. This extends to:

• making submissions as to why a claim should be accepted or denied;
• disputing claim determinations;
• litigating, by way of external appeal, claim determinations;
• managing the return to work process for ill/injured employees; and
• managing statutory and common law claims.

Louise regularly advocates on behalf of clients in a variety of matters in the Fair Work Commission, Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, Federal Circuit Court of Australia and Federal Court of Australia. Most recently, she represented a peak business organisation during the Four Yearly Review of Modern Awards in the Fair Work Commission to secure sensible amendments to modern awards in the construction sector. 

Louise works closely with clients to provide commercial, realistic and practical solutions to employee and workforce issues. She believes in a proactive approach and looks to identify issues and resolve them, before problems arise. This is achieved in a number of ways, including the delivery of training to clients about relevant legislation, case law and best practice.

When litigation is necessary, Louise draws on her wealth of experience to achieve the best possible outcome for the client, whether this is a mediated settlement or pursuing the matter to final hearing. Louise can guide clients through this often difficult experience so that there are no surprises in terms of process, prospects or outcome. 

RECOGNITION

Awards & Accolades

Ranked in the peer-reviewed Best Lawyers® in Australia list for Labour & Employment Law since 2020.