John has extensive experience as lead adviser to the public and private sectors on major projects.
He led the legal function on Melbourne Citylink and EastLink tollways, the Brisbane Airport Link, the Melbourne Convention Centre, the South Australia Desalination Project, South Australia Schools, and the Victorian Desalination Projects.
John also led the legal team on the review and subsequent reform of the Victorian gambling industry and led the competitive relicensing process for the industry.
He also was lead advisor to the State of Victoria on the restructure of the Hopkins Prison Project (Ararat) caused by builder failure.
John has previously held the position of Chairman of the Transport Accident Commission and chair of the Responsible Gambling Ministerial Advisory Council. He is a director of WorkSafe, was the Inaugural Chairman, and since 2008 has been a member the Regulatory Policy Taskforce for Infrastructure Partnerships Australia. John is Chairman of the Commonwealth Statutory Authority and a member of the Panel of Senior Experts to Promote Infrastructure PPPs in the Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC/APEC Business Advisory Council sponsored).
Key deals
Victorian Public Housing Renewal Program
Leading the legal team advising the Director of Housing and the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority on all aspects of this major reform project, which encompassed a redevelopment of 11 sites with the private sector investment.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Acted as lead negotiator for the State through the tender phases of the project and has since acted as the lead advisor to the State, which has extended to advising on the Melbourne Exhibition Centre Expansion Project.
Melbourne Markets Relocation Project
Served as lead transaction advisor and senior partner to the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources on the Melbourne Markets Relocation Project.
EastLink
Led the legal team for the Victorian State Government in the A$3.5 billion Mitcham-Frankston Freeway Project, particularly in relation to project documentation, risk allocation, bid processes and legislation. He also interacted with the rail network and franchise holders.
Melbourne CityLink
Advised the State of Victoria on the development of Melbourne CityLink, a world benchmark for electronic road tolls.
Ararat (Hopkins) Prison
Lead advisor to the State in the restructure of the PPP project caused by the failure of the builder.