Presenters

Ashleigh Harrold, Barrister, Greens List
Ashleigh has a broad practice in administrative and public law, including regulatory and disciplinary prosecutions, as well as criminal law. Ashleigh has a particular interest in areas of administrative and public law which overlap with the criminal jurisdiction, including Civil penalty prosecutions; professional disciplinary proceedings and licensing matters in relation to all professions, including teachers and health practitioners; Inquisitorial proceedings including Royal Commissions and other Inquiries, as well as coronial inquests; Coercive powers applications at both state and federal levels; Disclosure and privilege matters, particularly in relation to public interest immunity claims and disclosure considerations as they apply to investigative agencies and Whistleblower and public interest disclosure protections. Ashleigh has also appeared as counsel assisting in numerous private examinations before the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and provides advice in relation to IBAC matters. She has a thorough understanding of investigative processes and procedures, particularly in relation to anti-corruption investigations. In 2021, Ashleigh was hand-picked by the Honourable Geoffrey Nettle AC KC, former Justice of the High Court, to act as Assistant Counsel to the Office of Special Investigator (OSI). In this role she developed expertise in issues of disclosure, public interest immunity and whistleblower protections, particularly as they apply to criminal investigations. Ashleigh is also available to advise and appear in human rights and discrimination cases. She has previously acted in applications for review of NDIS decisions, and in discrimination claims brought against government and private bodies.


Catherine Dunlop, Partner, Employment, Safety & People, Maddocks
Catherine Dunlop is a Partner in the Employment, Safety and People team and heads the Maddocks safety practice. She advises clients on workplace and public health and safety compliance, good regulation and conduct. She acts in a wide range of Inquests and Royal Commissions and safety matters and prosecutions. She is ranked as a leading lawyer in Legal 500 and Doyles and listed in Chambers and Best Lawyers,and is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Melbourne lecturing on health and safety law.


Natalie Speranza, Partner, Clayton Utz
Natalie Speranza is a Partner in the Major Projects and Construction team, advising both the public and private sectors on some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in Australia. Natalie has significant experience in providing strategic and commercial advice in procuring complex and cutting-edge projects, including East West Link, West Gate Tunnel, Canberra Light Rail, Queensland Rolling Stock Expansion, North East Link, and MR5 procurement. Natalie advises on all aspects of major infrastructure projects, including the development of the business case, market engagement, delivery strategy and procurement process. Recently, Natalie was integral to the development of commercial regimes to manage the interface challenges presented by the multi-packaged delivery strategy for the North East link and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the first of its kind PPP, implementing an incentivised target cost risk sharing mechanism within an availability PPP framework, and doing so in the context of private finance. Natalie's insightful knowledge of the continuing evolution of PPPs and other delivery methods means that she understands the commercial drivers that underpin a range of contract models and risk sharing and performance regimes. Natalie was also a key member of the legal team that developed and drafted the Standard Form Project Deed and Guidance Notes for the Victorian Government. Recently, Natalie also undertook a peer review of the new form of PPP project documents for the NSW and Victorian Governments.