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Expertise

Ian is a corporate, commercial, media and regulatory lawyer who advises a wide range of Australian and overseas clients with particular emphasis on the media, advertising, automotive and renewable energy industries, as well as Government departments and agencies.

Ian joined Holding Redlich in Melbourne as a lawyer in 1989 and was appointed as a partner in 1990. In 1994 he relocated to Sydney to establish the firm’s Sydney office and he was the Managing Partner of the Sydney office until 30 June 2015. He was National Managing Partner from 1 July 2015 until 30 June 2023, and he has been the Chair of Holding Redlich since 1 July 2023.

He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in Australia as a leading lawyer in the categories of Corporate Law and Entertainment Law since 2011 and he is recognised as a Leading Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lawyer in Doyle’s Guide.

In January 2018, Ian was appointed as an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the arts, particularly the Australian film industry and screen production sector, and to the law.

Experience

His recent experience includes:

  • public policy, public sector governance, and regulatory issues including as the Chair and Deputy Chair of State and Commonwealth statutory agencies
  • advising global car manufacturers on Australian regulatory compliance
  • advising Australian advertising agencies on legal compliance, and approving advertisements for publication and broadcast
  • advising Australian and overseas media companies on Australian regulatory issues
  • advising several Commonwealth agencies in respect of governance issues over an extended period.

Membership

International Institute of Communications

Communications and Media Law Association of Australia

Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD)

Appointments

  • Film Victoria – President of the Board (2011 to 2020)
  • Beyond International Limited – Director (2005 to 2022)
  • Screen Australia – Deputy Chair (2008 to 2013)
  • Ausfilm International Inc. – Director (2001 to 2009) and Chair (2003 to 2007)
  • Australian Broadcasting Authority – Member (1997 – 2004)
  • Cinemedia Corporation (now called Film Victoria) – Board Member (1998 – 2000)
  • Film Australia Limited – Director (1991 – 1997) and Deputy Chair (1996 – 1997)
  • Melbourne Parks and Waterways – Director (1994 – 1996)
  • Camberwell Grammar School – Member of Council (1991 – 1994)
  • Next Wave Festival – Board of Management (1989 – 1993)

Publications

14 January 2024 - Knowledge

The ACCC has social media influencers in its sights

#Technology, Media & Telecommunications

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released a report following its internet ‘sweep’ of testimonials and endorsements by social media influencers. We look at the key findings and the regulator’s proposed action.

06 December 2023 - Knowledge

Maintaining the health of your brand names and trade marks

#Trademark and Brand Management, #Intellectual Property, #Corporate & Commercial Law

Conducting regular ‘health checks’ of a business’ trade mark portfolio and strategy is critical to brand protection.

06 December 2023 - Knowledge

Changes to the Children’s Advertising Code are here

#Technology, Media & Telecommunications, #Corporate & Commercial Law

The Australian Association of National Advertisers’ new Children’s Advertising Code came into effect on 1 December 2023. Brands and advertisers need to reassess how they advertise to children.

19 September 2023 - Knowledge

Australia is now an even more attractive destination for global screen production

#Technology, Media & Telecommunications, #Corporate & Commercial Law

Recent changes to the Australian tax incentive/rebate for large budget screen production in Australia, the Location Offset, further enhance the financial and other benefits of producing Down Under. We look at the main changes, new requirements from 1 July 2023 and who can apply.

06 September 2023 - Knowledge

Federal Court dismisses dealers’ case against Mercedes-Benz

#Corporate & Commercial Law

The Federal Court has dismissed the case brought by 38 Mercedes-Benz dealers against Mercedes-Benz following the manufacturer’s introduction of an agency model in place of the previous long-standing dealer arrangements. The case has important implications for automotive franchising in Australia.

23 January 2023 - Knowledge

Treasury commences consultation on regulation of Digital Platforms

#Technology, Media & Telecommunications

The Australian Treasury has commenced a process of consultation with stakeholders on the new, far-reaching regulation of large digital platforms which is proposed by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) in its fifth interim report of the Digital Platform Services Inquiry.

15 November 2022 - Knowledge

Media Policy Priorities of the Albanese Government

#Technology, Media & Telecommunications, #Government

In a wide-ranging keynote address to the Communications and Media Law Association in Sydney this week Federal Communications Minister, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP outlined the media policy priorities of the Albanese Government.

04 July 2022 - Knowledge

Samsung fined $14 million for misleading water resistance claims

#Technology, Media & Telecommunications

The electronics company has been fined millions after admitting it breached consumer law and misled consumers about the water resistance of certain Galaxy mobiles.

06 April 2022 - Knowledge

Planning to modify or redevelop a building site? Beware of artistic moral rights

#Property, Planning & Development

What you can and can’t do with an artwork on a building site may be determined by the artist’s moral rights.