Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013 
Melanie acts for Commonwealth government agencies, statutory entities and corporate clients. Melanie's clients operate across the full spectrum of Commonwealth activity. Her clients include Comcover, ATO and Departments including Finance, Defence, Home Affairs, Industry, Attorney-General's and Agriculture. Melanie joined Thomsons in July 2025 as part of the transition of the one of Australia’s premier Commonwealth government practices.
Melanie’s practice spans litigation, dispute resolution, public law, investigations and integrity matters. She represents clients in civil claims including intentional tort, negligent misstatement, personal injury, class actions and vexatious litigant claims. She advises on administrative law matters including statutory interpretation, legislative review, merits review and judicial review. In commercial disputes, Melanie manages the early resolution of emerging disputes and represents agencies in contested litigation. She also conducts major investigations including Public Interest Disclosure and Code of Conduct matters.
Melanie is lead partner for the Commonwealth on the Robodebt class action appeal and settlement, the largest class action settlement in Australian history at A$548.5 million. She is also a lead partner assisting a Department with its participation in the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. These engagements reflect the scale, public profile and complexity of the government matters in which Melanie is regularly involved.
Melanie has more than 25 years of experience as a lawyer in Canberra, having acted for many Commonwealth agencies and corporate clients throughout this period.
