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David is a partner in the Corporate Group specialising in energy, resources and infrastructure transactions and regulation.

David advises clients on major commercial transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He is listed as a leading lawyer in energy, infrastructure, oil & gas, mining and M&A by various publications, including Chambers, Best Lawyers and Doyle’s Guide.

Background

David holds a LLB (Hons) and BComm from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. He is a member of the Australian Resources & Energy Law Association (AMPLA).

Prior to joining Herbert Smith Freehills David was the global head of mining for another large international law firm.

Experience & expertise

Selected matters

  • NSW Department of Planning & Environment on the procurement of renewable energy zone transmission infrastructure
  • NSW Department of Planning & Environment on the implementation of the NSW electricity strategy
  • NSW Department of Planning & Environment on the underwriting of transmission developments and grant funding gas/hydrogen project development
  • TasNetworks on development of the Marinus Link electricity interconnector
  • Origin Energy on closure of the Eraring coal-fired power station
  • Origin Energy on its acquisition on an interest in Octopus Energy
  • Origin Energy on its asset sales programme, including the sale of the Mortlake terminal station, Mortlake pipeline, Cullerin Range wind farm and Stockyard Hill wind farm development
  • ENGIE on establishment of its renewable energy platform with Infrastructure Capital Group
  • Synergy on establishment of its Bright Energy renewable energy platform with DIF
  • IFM on the sale of the Ecogen generation portfolio
  • IFM and AustralianSuper on $16.2 billion acquisition of the Ausgrid electricity network business
  • IFM on its sale of the Pacific Hydro renewable energy business in Australia, Chile and Brazil
  • OMERS on acquisition of a 49% interest in the FRV Australia renewables business
  • OMERS on acquisition of a 19% interest in the Transgrid transmission network
  • The Hastings, Spark, ADIA, Wren House and CDPQ consortium on their $10.6 billion acquisition of the Transgrid electricity network business
  • Ausgrid on its acquisition of the Active Stream smart metering business
  • CBRE Investment Management on its acquisition of Green Peak Energy
  • CBRE Investment Management on its co-investment in the Vector and Maui gas pipeline, Ahuroa gas storage and RockGas business
  • MM Capital Partners (a partnership between Marubeni and Mizuho Bank) on the establishment of the MM Capital Infrastructure Fund 1 L.P
  • bidders for the WestConnex, Clem 7 and Cross City Tunnel tollroads
  • bidders for the Ports of Newcastle, Darwin, Melbourne and Geelong
  • bidders for the Brisbane, Sydney, Sydney Basin and Hobart airports
  • bidders for Australian mobile tower networks
  • Mitsubishi Electric on its successful consortium bid for development of the $2.3 billion New Intercity Fleet rail rollingstock programme
  • NSW Treasury on the sale of its 58% interested in Snowy Hydro Limited
  • NSW Treasury on the reform and privatisation of the NSW electricity retail and generation sectors
  • Queensland Treasury on its privatisation programme for the State electricity generators and establishment of CleanCo
  • sell side processes for multiple renewable energy projects including Clarke Creek wind farm, Dulacca wind farm, Avonlie solar farm, Beryl solar farm, Manildra solar farm, Daydream solar farm, Hayman solar farm, Cherry Tree solar farm, Murra Warra wind farm, Stockyard Hill wind farm, Cullerin Range wind farm, Hallett 4 solar farm and the Ararat wind farm
  • purchasers, sellers and developers of wind, solar, battery, pumped hydro and other renewable energy projects in Australia and Asia
  • The Australian Energy Markets Commission on reviews of the National Electricity Market and changes to the National Electricity Rules