Acting on and drafting documentation for land transactions (sales, purchases, leases, share farming agreements etc.), water transactions (sales, purchases, leases etc. of water entitlements) and rural business transactions.

Advising the receivers and managers of a manufacturing facility on a negotiation of a 10 year EPA licence (the first to be granted by the regulator).

Advising General Dynamics on a contract for the deployment of complex technology for the Australian Defence Force.

Acting for financial institutions in relation to loan transactions and securities, including drafting security documentation involving rural properties, water entitlements, livestock and crops.

Advising defence contractors in connection with the Australian Government’s Offshore Patrol Vessel Program and the Future Submarine Program.

Advising UK-based investment advisor ARCH Emerging Markets Partners on the cornerstone investment by ARCH Sustainable Resources Fund in Evolution Energy Minerals. The funds raised will enable Evolution to continue development of its Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania.

Working with Melbourne school Parade College to partner with English Premier League champions Manchester City to launch the first Manchester City Football School in Australia.

Acting for DHL Supply Chain, part of Germany-based Deutsche Post Group, in acquiring Australian logistics company The Glen Cameron Group. Strengthening DHL’s position in the Australian road freight market, creating one of the country’s largest logistics companies with combined revenue over A$1 billion.

Assisting Australian biogas systems provider Energy360 on its acquisition by energy giant AGL. Thomson Geer advised Energy360 on all aspects of the deal, including due diligence, drafting and negotiation of the transaction documents and implementing the acquisition.

Acting for Victor Smorgon Group subsidiary VBS Exchange on its off market bid for ASX-listed base and battery metals producer Altamin Ltd.

Joanne regularly advises clients on Code of Conduct investigations and breach and sanction decisions.

Advising J.G. Boswell Company on the sale of one of Australia’s largest land, water and infrastructure agribusinesses, Australian cotton grower and producer Auscott Limited to Australian Food & Fibre following a competitive sale process run by PwC.

Drafting Member Protection Policies including membership applications, Code of Conduct, training materials, management guides and tribunal rules. For a State constituent of the same organisation, advised about constitutional reform, including drafting new constitutions for the umbrella body and its affiliate clubs.

Acting for a leading global plant construction and mechanical engineering group domiciled in Germany in its defence of a EUR 100 million Singapore International Arbitration Centre arbitration brought by an Indian counterpart for breach of contract.

Advising health, educational, charitable, and religious groups on obtaining federal, state and territory revenue concessions for restructuring of their tax exempt entities and dealing with revenue authorities to obtain concessions.

Developing and implementing training packages for aged care providers and retirement village operators.

Advising National Rugby League club Sydney Roosters on the partnership deal that will see it play home games and finals at the Allianz Sydney Football Stadium for at least the next 25 years when it opens in 2022.

Assisting Resolute Mining with a US$90 million sale process for its Bibiani gold mine in Ghana which involved multiple bidders from a range of jurisdictions as well as co-ordinating the sale process with other advisors both in Australia and in Ghana.

Acting for The Herald Sun newspaper in a five year campaign to overturn suppression orders in the “Lawyer X” scandal that reached the High Court. Also appeared in The Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants in relation to the matter.

Acting on the development of “Divercity” at Waterloo, Sydney, a 30,000m2 multi-tower residential property project, advising Becton Property Group on initial set up, titling, financing and selling of residential and mixed use lots.

Acting for the liquidators of a high-profile corporate collapse and associated proceedings to recover unfair preferences, obtain court approval for litigation funding and act in contested proceedings concerning proofs of debt and the application of rights of set-off under the Corporations Act (2001) (Cth).

Acting for seven local councils in relation to the 'China Sword' issue, the ban on sending paper and plastic to China which is forcing up recycling costs. This is a national problem with Councils reaching out to State Governments for funding to cover the gap and provide a solution.

Advising an international government body on the development of policy around digital assets.

Acting for Mitsubishi in a class action relating to allegedly misleading fuel consumption claims for its popular Triton ute.

Advising Burswood Care on the $25 million Duncan Street, Victoria Park Nursing Home development. This involved providing strategic advice and advocacy through Council, JDAP and ultimately SDAU process and resulted in the SDAU approving a new 4 storey, 120 bed, high care facility with significant variations to the existing planning framework.

Advising integrated communications solutions provider Rohde & Schwarz Australia on the awarding of a major contract to supply the integrated communications systems for Australia’s new Hunter class frigates being built in South Australia by BAE Systems Maritime Australia.

Joanne has extensive experience in assisting Commonwealth Departments and Agencies to manage employees with long term illness or injury.

Acting for Licella Holdings Limited in relation to its commercialisation of its patented Cat-HTR technology for conversion of waste feedstocks into biofuels including licensing of international and Australian joint venture entities and advising in relation to participation in a CRC-P Partners Agreement.

Acting for GeelongPort in negotiating a complex Agreement for Lease and Lease with TT-Line in relation to the relocation of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne’s Station Pier to Geelong.

Advising Oracle on large SI contracts (billing system and CRM) involving customers such as AGL, Alinta, Aurora, Delta, EnergyAustralia, Envestra, Integral, Hunter Water, Hong Kong Light and Power, Transurban, TRUenergy, TrustPower, United Energy, and Yarra Valley Water.

Successfully acting for Blackstone in respect of a significant leasing dispute. Successfully obtained an order and recovered possession of an industrial property and managed responses to statutory Notices to Produce issued by EPA Victoria regarding the tenant's actions.

Helping Australia-based packaging and recycling company Close the Loop become a key player in the world’s rapidly growing circular economy through a strategic merger and oversubscribed A$12 million initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

Advising Norman & Associates, in their role as Development Manager, on securing approvals for waste water treatment and disposal system and project advice related to the freeholding of 432 licensed allotments at the Fishermans Bay, South Australia, existing development.

Involvement in one of the largest civil trade practices cases in Australia’s history involving allegations of contravention of Part IV of the then Trade Practices Act.

Assisting ASX-listed LBT Innovations throughout the development, prototyping, and commercialisation of its medical technology products. Recently assisted in concluding a A$6 million joint venture based in Switzerland to develop and distribute a diagnostic imaging device.

Advising clients on the application of the unfair contracts regime under the Australian Consumer Law, including conducting contract review, assessing risk and drafting necessary amendments.

Acting for Village Roadshow Limited in obtaining a Class Ruling from the Australian Taxation Office confirming the taxation treatment of a return of share capital to shareholders.

Partner Jae Lemin has experience advising Standard Chartered Bank and GuarantCo, on the project financing of the 28 MW Teknaf Solartech solar project in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. The project was the first utility-scale, grid-connected solar project in Bangladesh and won “Asia-Pacific Solar Deal of the Year” at the Infrastructure Journal awards.

Regularly advising clients on whether transactions are at risk of substantially lessening competition, and if so, advising on the appropriate approach to the regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Acting for Queensland University of Technology in relation to rationalisation of its complex intellectual property ownership and commercialisation agreements with respect to gene edited bananas including drafting and negotiation of a Master Commercialisation Agreement with Australian Banana Research Pty Ltd, and subsequently acting in relation to drafting and negotiation of new research agreements.

Acting for three broadcasters challenging the imposition of a no-fly zone over public protests that stopped a media helicopter from filming them. The no-fly zone was revoked.

Acting for Qualcomm Inc and Qualcomm Australia Pty Ltd advising on protection of Qualcomm’s confidential commercial information including source codes in the Apple and Samsung patent and anti-trust Federal Court proceedings.

Advising on senior and mezzanine financing of construction of a 123 lot mixed residential and commercial development in Bondi Junction, Sydney.

Advising ASX-listed Australian minerals explorer, Havilah Resources Limited on the proposed A$205 million acquisition of its Kalkaroo Project by OZ Minerals.

Advising ASX-listed gold explorer, Oklo Resources Limited, in relation to its acquisition by Canada-based gold miner, B2Gold Corp, in a cash and scrip deal valuing the company at A$90 million.

Advising a Local Government on conditional land sale provisions incorporating the redevelopment of a strategic CBD landholding in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government, including ensuring compliance with statutory provisions relating to a major land transaction.

Assisting major club hospitality group with diversification projects including establishing an innovation and incubation hub, and facility for manufacture of pulp-based products, with international licensors and distribution channels.

Successfully representing a business owner in a claim alleging breach of the Franchising Code of Conduct and seeking damages with respect to the alleged claim.

Advising on a two stage development of three jetties, three wharves, associated channel dredging and a 62 hectare seabed reclamation at Cockatoo Island in the Port of Yampi Sound in Western Australia.

Advising and representing clients in actions against them by regulators such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleging misleading or deceptive conduct in relation to advertising claims.

Acting for a major developer in respect to A$1.2 billion in debt facilities. Works included drafting and negotiating loan note subscription agreements, syndicated facility agreements and associated securities, comprehensive due diligence and providing advice on complex financial structures and trust arrangements.

Advising Australian mining and infrastructure services company Tasmea Limited on its successful initial public offering and capital raising giving it an indicative market capitalisation of approximately A$360 million.

Assisting Bankstown RSL Club on procuring tenders and anchor tenants for its $100 million mixed use development and ongoing advisory work with catering, licensing and tenancy operations.

Advising leading marine and subsea services company MMA Offshore on its acquisition by Cyan Renewables by way of scheme of arrangement for A$1.1 billion. The deal is reportedly the largest takeover deal in the wind power segment in the Asia-Pacific region for 2024.

Acted for Kimberley Ports Authority on port management agreement and associated arrangements for appointing a port manager at the Port of Wyndham, Western Australia.

Acting on all business-related matters for the well-known, WA-based, franchise network, Auto Masters, including annual reporting and compliance.

Advising the South Australian National Football League on the disposal of AAMI Stadium. The site is to be developed on a stage by stage basis with the developer gaining control on a progressive basis. The 23.5ha site will be redeveloped to include around 1600 homes along with cafes, restaurants and a “boutique shopping strip”.

Advising food technology company Dragontail Systems on its acquisition by restaurant company Yum! Brands via a scheme of arrangement for A$93.5 million.

Thomson Geer advised Perth-based ASX-listed mining and infrastructure services company MACA Ltd on the approx. A$350 million takeover bid announced by Thiess.

Advising Gamuda Australia on its successful bid with consortium partner Laing O’Rourke for a A$2.16 billion contract to deliver a major tunnels and civils package for the Sydney Metro West project. Thomson Geer supported Gamuda on all contract documentation issued by Sydney Metro.

Advising ASX-listed gold explorer, Oklo Resources Limited, in relation to its acquisition by Canada-based gold miner, B2Gold Corp, in a cash and scrip deal valuing the company at A$90 million.

Advising CO2CRC on the commercialisation of intellectual property and structuring of entities and constitution, membership, subscription agreements and project Agreements.

Acting for a superannuation trustee in an appeal to the Federal Court regarding the manner of distribution of a superannuation death benefit.

Lead adviser to Toll Holdings and other successful parties in their bids and associated contracts for the major port, tug, barge, roro and marine supply base logistics contracts to support the $50 billion Gorgon gas project. These contracts are amongst the largest and most complex marine supply base and logistics contracts ever entered into in Australia.

Thomson Geer advised Domino’s Pizza Enterprises on its acquisition of Domino’s Pizza in Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia for A$214 million with an earn-out of up to A$142 million.

Acting for a residuary beneficiary to defend a claim by the executor to be paid executor's commission for their work administering the estate in circumstances where the executor was also a beneficiary and had delayed the administration of the estate.

Advising the supplier of batteries to the Collins Class submarine on many aspects of the company’s operations and legal needs.

Acting for ASX-listed Australian dental surgery chain 1300Smiles on its A$165 million sale to trans-Tasman dental operator Abano Healthcare Group.

Acting for a US-based global leader in aircraft leasing in respect of a London Court of International Arbitration commenced against a Chinese cargo operator for delivery up and US$150 million in contractual damages for ongoing breaches of a 747 freighter lease.

Acting for the former directors of an ASX-200 company in multi-party litigation alleging breach of directors duties in respect of the company's accounts.

Acted for Liebherr Australia in negotiating an agreement for the joint development and supply of hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric mining haul trucks to Fortescue Future Industries.

Advising a group wishing to form and register a national brand, in relation to the registration, supply agreements, the franchise system to support the formation of the brand and the acquisition of the warehouse business.

Advising a range of clients on COVID-19 related privacy considerations, including a global waste-management solutions company who was developing an app to manage COVID-19 employee risks. This matter required us to advise on various aspects of app implementation, and to prepare appropriate policies and documentation to meet Australian laws whilst maintaining one set of documentation globally.

Advising multiple retail funds on licensing, disclosure and compliance set-up and operations.

Advising Carino Care on employment matters relating to the acquisition of a portfolio of residential aged care facilities from Ark Health Care.

Advising on production of Australia’s most downloaded podcast “The Teacher’s Pet” about a man accused of murdering his wife in 1982. Providing extensive pre-publication advice through the production phase of the podcast, and dealing with a journalist’s involvement in the criminal trial of the accused, who was found guilty of murder 40 years after his wife disappeared.

Advising a large education provider in relation to a series of performance and conduct management processes, including two involving formal external investigations. Some of these processes led to termination of employment/engagement and some to negotiated resignations and demotions.

Advising mining and infrastructure services company MACA Ltd on a $367 million takeover bid by Thiess.

Acting on large infrastructure related adjudications under Security of Payment legislation ranging from A$1 million to $80 million in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia.

Advising shareholders of Freight Management Holdings (owners of leading 4PL service provider efm Logistics) in multiple transactions with Singapore Post. Across four transactions from 2020 to 2023, Singapore Post acquired 100% of FMH for A$500 million. Our team guided FMH shareholders throughout.

Commencing urgent interlocutory injunctive proceedings in respect of misleading or deceptive television commercials produced by the clients’ competitors and managing vigorously contested litigation up to and including final hearing.

Advising multiple insurers around licensing, and product design aspects.

Working with a beneficiary of farmland to defend a claim by a relative of the deceased who was seeking a significant portion of the land on the basis that the claimant was not adequately provided for in the deceased’s will.

Advising Southern Palladium Ltd on its successful dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange after an oversubscribed A$19 million initial public offering.

Successfully acting for major Australian private higher education provider in having a decision of the Commonwealth regulator (TEQSA) to deregister the Australian business overturned and the client’s accreditation was renewed for a further six years.

Representing US and Australian companies resisting enforcement of a foreign arbitral award made in Singapore at both trial and appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Victoria. 'First of kind' defence in Australian courts based on 'double recovery' as breach of public policy.

Acting for InterGrain, a wheat, barley and oat breeder, in relation to multiple strategic alliances and technology commercialisation, including most recently in relation to the acquisition of a crop breeding program and commercialisation licence.

Successfully represented a former company director of a mining company who was sued by the company for damages for breaches of the Corporations Law resulting in a finding of no liability.

Advising a major managed investment scheme manager on all aspects of AFSL requirements.

Advising ASX on the acquisition of new technology from a Swedish company to support and operate a new share trading platform.

Acting for Mitsubishi in a class action relating to allegedly misleading fuel consumption claims for its popular Triton ute.

Acting for Paraway Pastoral Company (Macquarie Pastoral Fund) on its purchases, divestments, and leases of rural properties in NSW, including the purchase of access rights, water rights, and licences.

Assisting energy consulting firm CQ Energy on its acquisition by software and services company Energy One in a deal valued at A$36 million. Thomson Geer acted for CQ Energy on all aspects of the acquisition, including a restructure of the firm, tax matters, share agreements, property leases, ASX listing rules and compliance matters.

Advising medicinal cannabis pharmaceutical company Incannex Healthcare on a A$23.6 million capital raising through the exercise of loyalty options.

Advising one of Australia's largest health care providers on an audit of alleged underpayments of wages and allowances and managing notifications to affected employees and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Advising Ingenia Communities on its acquisition of five rental retirement villages and a tourist park. The purchases incorporated 274 senior village rental units and 236 cabin and camp sites. The units are located throughout New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.

Advising ANZ in relation to the leasing of helicopters to the Victorian police and New South Wales ambulance services.

Advising residential aged care providers in relation to complex resident issues including security of tenure, substitute decision making and financial arrangements.

Advising New Zealand wind farm companies on the regulatory regimes for the establishment of wind farms in Australia.

Assisting a global luxury goods conglomerate on a range of privacy and surveillance matters, and advice on compliance framework and enforcement matters.