Robert has over 20 years’ experience working with Commonwealth and State government agencies, universities and local councils on procurement, probity, ethics and, most recently, on AI risk management.
He regularly advises on significant procurements, including the development of market testing documents and the conduct of market testing, tender evaluations, industry briefings, negotiations, providing sign-off on plans, final reports and contracts.
Robert has guided several organisations through various challenging procurements, including advice on complex issues involving stakeholder engagement, conflicts of interest, ethics and complex probity issues beyond procurement.
Robert has a particular interest in the legal and probity challenges arising out of AI and has been a thought leader on the topic.
Experience
Department of Defence: advising on multiple logistics, telecommunications, satellite, land, air and sea based procurements as well as advising on the acquisition of vehicles, weapons systems and a pilot training school, often involving complex integration issues. Robert has also been seconded into Defence for extensive periods where he has supported various maritime projects.
Robert has also provided probity support on various complex defence projects, including numerous infrastructure projects.NDIA: advising on various service procurement and pilot activities.
Monash University: provision of probity support on numerous projects including relocation services, general maintenance, hydraulic services, waste management services, vertical transport etc. Robert has also been providing long-term advisory support on the review of Monash’s procurement processes.
City of Port Phillip: management of the processes for:
The St Kilda Marina project – long term lease.
The St Kilda revetment repair.
Renovation of the Avenue and Eildon Road Childcare centres.
Victorian Government – acting as probity advisors to the Department of Health and Human Services, relating to the implementation of recommendations of the Interim report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Various: Robert and his team have also been engaged by a variety of agencies to update and review their procurement template and policy suites.
Awards and Recognition
Best Lawyers in Australia
2024-2025 I Government Practice and Information Technology Law