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Vanessa McBride
Special Counsel
Experienced construction lawyer with 20+ years in Government procurement and major infrastructure projects. Skilled in contract negotiation, drafting and administration, with expertise in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), Australian Standards, Defence templates and complex delivery models.

Recognised for thought leadership in innovative contractual structures and strong stakeholder relationships. I deliver commercially sound, safety-conscious outcomes in high-stakes infrastructure environments. My background spans senior Government roles and top-tier private practice, bringing market-leading expertise in tailoring contracts including PPPs, Australian Standards, Defence templates, and various Design & Construct, Managing Contractor and Alliance models.

Career highlights

  • Department of Infrastructure: Acted for the Department in negotiations on the Airport and Rail Integration Deed, governing the interface and integration arrangements for the construction and operation of new rail services alongside the $5.3 billion Western Sydney (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport.

  • Department of Defence (Estate): Advised the Security & Estate Group on renewable energy projects in northern Australia to leverage solar energy opportunities. Supported the CFI team on the Cultana Expansion Area project, including capital works in South Australia such as underpass works and highway alterations, and prepared access licence agreements and third-party interface arrangements.

  • Various Commonwealth clients: Prepared contract templates, including construction works templates, for a range of Commonwealth NCEs and CCEs such as the High Court, Federal Court, Old Parliament House, Department of Parliamentary Services, Air Services Australia, and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Assisted DFAT with preparing contracts for works at its overseas embassies, including security upgrades at the Paris Embassy, refurbishment of the Washington DC Embassy, and remediation works at the Jakarta Embassy.

  • Australian Institute of Marine Science: Supported AIMS with its vessel replacement project by drafting a Design Services Contract and an ASDEFCON-based acquisition contract for tender, aligned with a potential novation of the design contract. Advised AIMS on procurement strategy for the project.

  • Office of National Intelligence: Advised ONI on its procurement of a smart satellite project for development of new artificial intelligence technology supporting ONI and the broader National Intelligence Community. 

  • Old Parliament House: Developed a Managing Contractor Contract for a long-term capital works program and delivering Just in Time training. Advising the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House on variations during the COVID-19 shut down period to expedite building works and avoid future shut downs.

  • Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation: Assisted CSIRO with the preparation of a suitable draft contract based on the Defence Suite of Facilities Contract templates to be included in its procurement for the Black Mountain National Collections Building construction project. Delivered contract management training (Just in Time training) to all parties upon execution of contract.

  • Department of Defence (CASG): Provided contract drafting and legal advisory services on a range of significant Defence acquisition procurements and projects for CASG and NSSG, including major shipbuilding, combat system, and land consolidation projects.

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