Brendan has over two decades' experience advising on M&A transactions, project developments, financings and a range of commercial transactions and regulatory matters in Australia and abroad.

With a particular focus on renewables, gas, mining, water and related infrastructure, Brendan is a trusted advisor to government and private sector entities, including leading power generators, resource companies, investors and financiers, service providers and contractors.

Clients value his strategic and pragmatic guidance in navigating complex regulatory environments, mitigating project risks and driving projects to completion to achieve their commercial objectives.

Career highlights

• Stanwell Corporation: Long term advisor on State government energy sector restructuring transactions, acquisitions and divestments, renewable energy project developments, and major commercial transactions, including:
  
  • Wambo Wind Farm: Advised on Stanwell's acquisition of a 50% interest in Stages 1 and 2 of the 506MW Wambo Wind Farm to be owned and operated in joint venture with Cubico Sustainable Investments
  • CQH2 Project: Advised on consortium arrangements, project structuring, ARENA funding, procurement and proposed offtake terms for the CQH2 Project proposed to produce green hydrogen for ammonia and export
  • Coronado Curragh: Advised on the relinquishment to Coronado Curragh of Stanwell's interest in the Curragh Mine to Coronado and the associated negotiation of a long-term coal supply agreement to ensure fuel supplies for the remaining life of Stanwell Power Station
  • Tarong West Wind Farm: Advised on the acquisition of an option to acquire the proposed 436 MW Tarong West Wind Farm
  • Energy and water: Advised on renewable energy power and capacity purchase agreements, battery use agreements and bulk water supply agreements. 
• ConocoPhillips: Long term advisor on its interest in the APLNG joint venture and on its farm-in and joint operating agreements with 3D Energy and Korea National Oil Corporation to develop its offshore Otway Basin exploration permits T/49P and VIC/P79, and the procurement of the Transocean Equinox for its exploration drilling program.
• Gamuda: Advised on its acquisition and co-development arrangements with development partners, Alternate Path and the Downie family, of a portfolio of several large-scale wind and solar energy projects and a BESS project in central Tasmania.
• Queensland Government: Advisor to State government departments, agencies and government owned corporations on several high-profile infrastructure, energy, and water projects, including: the Western Corridor Recycled Water System and the establishment of the South East Queensland Water Grid; the development of the Bundaberg Port Gas Pipeline; the development of the Carmichael Rail Network; the Callide Infrastructure Corridor for the co-location of gas pipelines supporting LNG export projects; and the divestment of the T1 terminal at Abbot Point by long term lease.
• Anglo American: Advised on the development of the Grosvenor, Moranbah North and Moranbah South mining projects and on rail haulage, port access and coal handling arrangements.
• Advised significant gas market participants on resource and infrastructure project developments, regulatory matters, joint ventures and governance, gas sale and transportation arrangements and service contracts.
• Total Energy Services (Diversified energy supplier to the international marketplace): Advised on the acquisition of Saxon Energy Services from SLB.
• Freeport-McMoRan (leading international metals company) : Advised on the sale of its Australian interests to Newmont.
• Loram Maintenance of Way Inc (Global leader in digital transformation of railway maintenance): Advised on the acquisition of the rail grinding business of Aurizon Operations Limited.
• Advised foreign investors on market entry into Australia, including structuring joint ventures, navigating regulatory frameworks, and negotiating commercial agreements to facilitate successful investments and project developments.
• Board member of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC); member of the Resources Law Committee of the Queensland Law Society; former Chair of the Water Law Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) and Education Officer of the council of the IBA Section on Energy, Environment, Resources and Infrastructure Law.

Education
LLB, B.A.

• 2024 Asia Report: Year in Review
  

  Our 2024 Asia M&A report highlights the strong focus on Australia by investors from Japan, Korea, China, Singapore and Malaysia, driven by renewable energy and strong bilateral partnerships.

• MinterEllison advises Gamuda on landmark Tasmanian renewables deal
  

  MinterEllison has advised global engineering, property and infrastructure group Gamuda on its expected acquisition and co-development arrangements with development partner, Alternate Path, and the Downie family, for a portfolio of large-scale renewable energy projects in central Tasmania, representing a combined capacity of up to 600 MW of wind and solar energy generation and up to 600 MW of battery energy storage (BESS).

• Renewable energy: will the election impact the reform agenda?
  

  The party that forms government following the federal election is expected to have a marked impact on the regulatory framework for the renewable energy sector in the short to medium term.

• MEROLA 2020 structural changes to Queensland energy and resources law
  

  The MEROLA 2020 bill proposes significant structural changes to the operation of energy and resources legislation in Queensland.

   

• Revitalising Australia's water policy: Renewed national agreement
  

  A new national water agreement is proposed for Australia that is intended to replace the long-standing National Water Initiative . This article explores key reform areas and provides an overview of the draft agreement and the proposed implementation steps.

• Brexit UK votes 'leave'
  

  The Referendum has run and the votes are in. The people of the United Kingdom (UK) have voted to leave the European Union (EU). Commentary on Brexit and its impact in Australia

• 2025 Asia Report: Year in review
  

  Our 2025 Asia report highlights deal activity in Australia during 2024 which involved major corporates from Japan, Korea, China, Singapore and Malaysia and we identify key M&A deal predictions for 2025.

• Hydrogen blends and renewable gases to be included in national gas framework
  

  The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released draft recommendations on amendments to the National Gas Rules (NGR) and National Energy Retail Rules (NERR) to capture low-level hydrogen-natural gas blends and renewable gases. We explore the key recommendations and next steps.

   

• Creating opportunities with Australia's globally emerging pension funds
  

  In our first Australian Market Opportunity Insight Series piece, we explore the commercial risks, legal issues, opportunities and potential for doing business with Australia's globally emerging pension funds.

• 2023 Asia Report: Year in Review
  

  The 2023 Asia M&A report highlights the strong focus on investment in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, driven by emerging themes such as energy transition and strengthened bilateral relationships.

   

• Investor Sentiment Study 2023
  

  In this 3-part analysis, we reveal insights into the investment perceptions and intentions of the Australian market by international decision makers.

• 2026 Asia Report: Year in Review
  

  Our Asia report highlights deal activity in Australia during 2025 involving major corporates from Japan, Korea, China, Singapore and Malaysia, and identifies key M&A predictions for 2026.