Presenters

Jessica Mackenzie, Partner, Rankin Ellison Lawyers
Jessica specialises in insurance litigation with an emphasis on Dust Diseases litigation. Jessica joined Rankin Ellison in 2020 as Special Counsel and was appointed as a Partner in 2022. She has worked in personal injury litigation since 2005. Following her admission in 2009, Jessica proved her ongoing commitment to personal injury litigation by achieving her Law Society Specialist Accreditation in personal injury law in 2014. Practicing solely in Dust Diseases litigation since 2013, she has conducted claims in both New South Wales and Queensland. Jessica has worked for both Plaintiff and Defendant law firms, developing a diverse range of skills. Now litigating complex liability and damages claims, she pays particular attention to evidence presented by her opposition in order to ensure the most appropriate response to claims. Jessica prides herself on providing timely and quality advice, ensuring that the forensic and strategic direction of a case is taken care of. Her strong advocacy skills have earned her a well-deserved reputation in the NSW Dust Diseases jurisdiction.

Spiro Tzouganatos, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers
Spiro Tzouganatos is one of Australia’s leading barristers in Dust Diseases and Toxic Torts litigation. He specialises in complex and challenging cases and has acted in many test cases relating to injuries including cancer caused by asbestos, silica, other substances, and products. Appearing in Courts and Tribunals throughout the Commonwealth including in the High Court, Spiro practises in all areas of the common law including medical and professional negligence, product liability, class actions, motor vehicle accidents, and abuse litigation.

Amy Vincent, Director & Occupational Therapist, The Therapy Collective
Amy Vincent is an experienced Occupational Therapist with over 19 years of practice across Australia and the United Kingdom. She is the Founder and Director of The Therapy Collective and has built a strong reputation as an expert witness, with particular expertise in dust diseases matters. She is known for her clear, balanced, and evidence-based reporting. Key dust diseases matters in which Amy has prepared expert reports include Bradley v Amaca Pty Ltd [2024] NSWDDT 1 and Boland v Amaca Pty Ltd [2020] NSWDDT 4.

Mark Thompson, Director - Forensic, Vincents Chartered Accountants
Mark Thompson is one of the founding directors of Vincents Chartered Accountants. Mark’s key area of expertise is in the assessment of damages in personal injury matters. Notable general matters Mark has prepared expert reports in relation to include: The Australian victims in the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York; The Blackhawk helicopter incident; DePuy Hips and Knees class actions; The QF32 Class Action; Dreamworld “White Water Rapids” claims; MH370 & MH17 Victims claims. Notable dust diseases matters that Mark has recently prepared reports in, include: Werfel v AMACA [2019] SAET 22; Latz v AMACA P/L (formerly James Hardie & Co P/L [2017] SADC 56; and Parkin v AMACA WASC 306.