Current practice

Harold is partner in the national Employee Relations team.

Harold’s practice focuses on strategic planning and advice for all aspects of employee relations. This includes selection and implementation of industrial instruments, dealing with industrial disputes at enterprise and industry levels, award and employment contract matters, managing organisational change and restructuring, contract and award breach matters, contractor and individual employee issues including dismissals and managing absenteeism and performance issues. Harold’s practice includes a particular focus on workplace health and safety issues.

Industry experience

Harold practised as an attorney in South Africa from the early 1980’s, with 10 of those years as a law firm partner. His experience in industrial relations was shaped during the dynamic and rapidly changing political and legal environment in South Africa at that time.

Harold practised in the area of industrial relations, representing employers and industry groups across all sectors. He provided high-level strategic advice to employers on the rapidly changing legislative landscape and advised on enterprise bargaining and conducted training. Harold was also active as an advocate in the Industrial Relations Commission.

Since arriving in Australia in 1999, Harold has applied his experience in representing major employers, particularly in the resources sector, oil refining and service and hospitality industries.

Harold assists employers with their day-to-day employment, industrial and workplace health and safety issues. He seeks to prevent problems arising by providing practical, commercial advice.

He also enjoys assisting his clients in preparing for and conducting bargaining for collective agreement and otherwise developing industrial strategies.

Harold has developed a focus in workplace health and safety with particular reference to advice on compliance and dealings with regulators, representing corporations and their executive officers who are prosecuted and providing management training in this area.

Professional background

Harold has a law degree and advanced diploma in labour law and is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and the High Court of Australia.

Harold has been with Freehills since May 2002, working exclusively in the Employee Relations section since that date, and was appointed partner in July 2006.