Brett delivers legal solutions in complex, highly regulated environments across all domains, including air, land, maritime, joint and space. His unique combination of military, executive leadership and private practice credentials drives optimal strategic, legal and commercial outcomes.
Biography
A distinguished graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, Brett served 15 years in Special Operations Command before holding senior executive roles across the defence industrial base, including as Chief Executive Officer of a 250-person science, technology and engineering company and leading national defence businesses. This operational and commercial background gives him a pragmatic, outcomes-driven lens, enabling him to move between legal, strategic and commercial considerations with fluency.
He has practical experience in regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions including Australia, the US and the UK, and is equipped to assist private organisations to operate effectively and securely under the AUKUS framework. He delivered on one of the first AUKUS Pillar II contracts for an Australian technology SME. His expertise spans corporate and commercial structuring, intellectual property protection, mergers and acquisitions, workforce and security considerations, and the development of supporting infrastructure and supply chains.
With a deep passion for advancing sovereign capability, Brett works closely with Australian SMEs to contribute to the fabric of Australian national security. He also serves as Chairman of Wandering Warriors, supporting special forces veterans and their families.
Brett's experience
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AUKUS-Enabled defence contracting
Drafted and negotiated the first AUKUS enabled contract between the United States Department of Defence and an Australian defence technology provider. -
US Aerospace Platform
Negotiated a complex commercial settlement on behalf of a US aerospace client with the Commonwealth in relation to a major military platform. -
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading
Advised on private sector investment into the Indo Pacific region. -
Defence Cyber Investment
Advised on a significant private equity investment into an Australian defence cyber SME. -
Australian Defence Company
Advised on Series A and Series B capital raises for an Australian defence SME developing new maritime technologies. -
Commonwealth Defence Contracting
Advised industry participants on the Commonwealth suite of defence contracts, including ASDEFCON. -
Santos / GLNG Project
Provided legal support to the upstream GLNG oil and gas project, valued at $1.5bn including regulatory and commercial matters.
Awards, recognition and rankings
- NATO Medal for service in NATO Operations
- Selected for service in the Special Operations Command, qualifying as a Commando Officer
- Chief of Army Commendation for Superior Performance as a Legal Officer on Operations in the Middle East