A commercial litigator who specialises in large-scale corporate and ‘bet the company’ litigation, Michael has acted for both government clients and major companies for over 30 years.
Michael has expertise across a wide range of industries, including the resources, energy, manufacturing, aircraft, regulatory, banking and superannuation sectors, and he regularly represents clients before the superior courts of Australia as well as before royal commissions and commissions of inquiry.
Key deals
CS Energy Limited
Acted in a major dispute with Anglo American related to the supply of coal from the Callide Mine to the Callide B Power Station. The disputes relate to the quantity and quality of coal supplied as well as Anglo’s entitlement to have the terms of the Coal Supply Agreement revised.
Queensland Alumina Limited
Acted on recovery of money from Alinta Limited pursuant to a gas transportation agreement. The case involved several causes of action including breach of contract. QAL succeeded in the High Court and recovered A$30 million.
Macarthur Coal Limited
Acted in proceedings for specific performance of a Loan Facility Agreement which would entitle the client to convert a A$360 million loan to 90% equity in a mineral development licence. The matter was resolved on terms favourable to Macarthur Coal.
Queensland Alumina Limited
Advising client on implications arising from United States sanctions directed at Russian corporate entities. The issue arose due to the identity of one of the owners of QAL.
Suncorp
Acted on the court applications for the approval of a scheme of arrangement to restructure Suncorp.
QGC Pty Ltd and BG International Ltd
Acted against Linc Energy Ltd and Arrow Energy Ltd in a dispute over competing mining interests in an area in the Surat Basin. Advised on whether a petroleum lease application or a mining lease application should be granted over the same area. Proceedings resolved in QGC’s and BG’s favour.