Areas of Expertise
Employment, Workplace Relations and Safety, Immigration Law, Dispute Resolution
Rachel Drew is an experienced workplace relations and safety lawyer with extensive expertise advising on high-stakes workplace relations litigation, high-value infrastructure projects, complex WHS prosecutions, industrial disputes and regulatory compliance.
She has a proven track record in managing multi-jurisdictional industrial relations, strategic risk mitigation and high-stakes litigation.
Rachel is skilled in navigating legislative frameworks, workplace investigations and government dealings to deliver practical, business-critical legal solutions across diverse industries.
What others say
"Best Lawyer - Labour and Employment Law"
Best Lawyers Peer Review 2014 - 2026
"Recommended and Leading Lawyer, Employment (Employer Representation)"
Doyle's Guide 2014 - 2026
"Leading Immigration Lawyer, Queensland"
Doyle's Guide 2020 - 2022
"Legal Influencer – Employment and Immigration Australasia"
Lexology, Q2:2023
Experience
Industrial Strategy
Advised on complex industrial arrangements for A$251 million channel upgrade project for port redevelopment. Guided application of maritime Awards and EBAs to subcontractor workforce, conducted wage compliance reviews and resolved coverage disputes. Strategic advice ensured lawful engagement of labour and minimised IR risk across a high-profile infrastructure project.
Workplace fatality
Acted in a complex WHS prosecution arising from a workplace fatality involving multiple duty holders and disputed harm categorisation. Provided strategic legal guidance on liability apportionment, evidentiary issues and regulatory engagement. Critical advice provided to manage significant legal, reputational and operational risk.
Hotels and resorts
Managed industrial relations for A$1 billion proposed divestment of AU/NZ properties, advising on transfer of employment, due diligence and employee consultation, ensuring compliance and smooth operational transition across multiple jurisdictions.
“Numpty” email case
Defended employer in complex proceedings after a manager accidentally sent an email labelling an employee a “numpty” to all staff. Responded to three Fair Work Commission applications and a Federal Circuit Court adverse action claim arising from the same incident.
Fair Work Ombudsman investigations
Advised ASX-listed master franchisor on time pay and wage compliance across its national franchise network. Led business-critical audits and responded to Fair Work Ombudsman investigation into Award coverage. Delivered strategic solutions to resolve regulatory risk while preserving business continuity and protecting brand reputation.
A$8B State asset transfer
Led industrial relations strategy for transfer of A$8 billion State asset. Provided critical advice on legislative powers, enterprise agreement variations and multi-party deed negotiations. Ensured industrial instrument consolidation and risk mitigation in a high-value, high-stakes public asset restructure.
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About us
Thomson Geer is one of Australia's largest independent corporate law firms. We are trusted by companies, governments and institutions to act for their commercial and legal interests.
Thomson Geer acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Thomson Geer acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.