Val Gostencnik

Partner. Melbourne.

+61 3 9672 3093 |   |  vCard

Val Gostencnik has helped shape the way we work.

He is sought equally by governments, corporations and charitable organisations and is an expert and author on workplace legislation and its impact on business and society.

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Val Gostencnik has helped shape the way we work.

He is sought equally by governments, corporations and charitable organisations and is an expert and author on workplace legislation and its impact on business and society.

Val is at the forefront of workplace reforms - leading the Corrs’ National Workplace Relations Practice Group to act for major Australian and international companies on enterprise agreements and workplace practices, including Multiplex, Downer EDI, Thiess and Transfield Services.

From test cases before the High Court to coronial inquiries, Val works across all court and tribunal jurisdictions, and was Solicitor Instructing Counsel Assisting the Victorian 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission.

Val’s other passion is managing Corrs’ Giving Back program, which covers the firm’s pro bono legal offerings, philanthropy and staff volunteering.

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“A very broad knowledge of IR law and policy and an excellent understanding of the workings of government”

Val's Expertise

  • Qantas Dispute Advised the Victorian and New South Wales Governments who intervened in the Qantas dispute to argue in favour of the termination of the recent industrial action that had led to the grounding of the entire fleet around the world.
  • Industrial Reforms Advised the Australian Government on federal industrial relations reforms including the drafting of the Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Act 2008, the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009.
  • $3 billion Wonthaggi desalination project Advised the Victorian Government and provided ongoing industrial relations and OHS advice.
  • Enterprise Bargaining Agreement Acted for the Victorian Government and for Multiplex, Baulderstone Hornibrook, Thiess, Downer Engineering, Transfield Services, Mirvac, Probuild and Salta Constructions in Enterprise Bargaining Agreement related negotiations.
  • Royal Commission into the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Led the Corrs team that acted for the Royal Commission into the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. The final report of the Royal Commission was delivered to Government in July 2010 following 155 sitting days, 1700 public submissions, 434 witnesses, more than 100 exhibits and 20,767 pages of transcript.

Val's Leadership

  • The University of Melbourne Advisory Board Member, Centre for Employment and Labour Relations Law
  • Building Industry Consultative Council Chair
  • Public Interest Law Clearing House Board Member
  • The Conversation Board member

What others say

  • “His advice provides real value, because he is able to apply his knowledge of government policy and strategy to the resolution of legal issues... Val is also very responsive and can really deliver when we need advice urgently.” Matt O’Connor, Deputy Secretary, Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
  • “Val Gostencnik is our partner of choice in this field… he leads a team that is pragmatic, understands our business, and can work collaboratively with us…Corrs works with us to make sure we are asking the right questions.” Former Acting Executive Director of Health and Safety, Victorian Workcover Authority
  • “Leading Lawyer in Employment Law” “Highly regarded... and an excellent lawyer who is well respected throughout the industry”
    Chambers Global Guide 2009
  • “Leader Lawyer – Employment Law” “With over 25 years of experience Val Gostencnik is a trusted adviser to private organisations including BP and Downer EDI”
    Chambers Global Guide 2011
  • “Leading Individual” The Asia Pacific Legal 500, 2011; Chambers Asia Pacific 2011; Expert Guides 2010-11; ALB Guide: Employment Law 2009; and Doyle’s Guide lists Australia’s Leading Lawyers 2011
  • “Best Lawyer – Labour and Employment” Best Lawyers Peer Review 2010; Best Lawyers Peer Review 2011
  • “Leading Employment and Workplace Relations Lawyer” Doyle's Guide to Australia’s Leading Lawyers, 2011