People

Sean is a highly regarded commercial advisor and lawyer with significant experience acting for the Australian Government, private sector and non-profit clients.

He has significant experience in commercial law, process structuring and governance. He has wide ranging commercial and contracting experience including outsourcing, procurement of major capital acquisitions and services, funding agreements and MOUs. Sean practices in general contract law, procurement and tendering, governance and probity, intellectual property, media and information and communications technology.

Sean has carried out numerous on-site engagements and received positive feedback for his combination of legal, commercial and management abilities.

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James has built a very strong reputation in the Australian Government legal and procurement sector as a dependable and outcome focused advisor who provides real world solutions that reflect the political, policy and commercial imperatives of his clients.

James’ main areas of practice are government contracting and procurement including general contracting law, governance and probity, intellectual property and information and communications technology. He has a particular focus on technology outsourcing and procurement and capital acquisition procurement. He has played an important role in providing legal and procurement services to the Australian Government for many high profile and complex procurement projects.

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Zoe is Proximity’s Chief Operating Officer. She is a lawyer and highly experienced manager with over 10 years working in General Management and Legal Practice Management roles in private enterprise and government legal practice. Zoe has extensive experience managing corporate functions, large professional teams and promoting leadership within organisations. She is highly skilled in managing large budgets and is a specialist in managing change and developing workforce capability to improve business outcomes. Zoe is a critical thinker, excellent negotiator, with exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills. She is passionate about culture as an enabler of high performance, mentoring future leaders and empowering others to achieve and exceed goals. Zoe receives positive feedback for her combination of legal and management abilities and her unique aptitude to work collaboratively across levels and reporting lines to achieve results in large technical specialist teams.

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Bronwyn is a highly regarded commercial advisor, manager and lawyer with significant experience acting for Commonwealth and New South Wales government, private sector and not-for-profit clients. She is an experienced company director, general counsel and is often sought after by industry for her input to working groups, industry policy shifts and planning. She has published legal articles regularly presents at conferences and events, having won legal, government and academic alumni awards.

As a general counsel, Bronwyn developed a passion for navigating a path through problematic situations and mentoring junior lawyers to provide practical, commercially focused advice. She has practiced across a broad range of legal fields but has a particular focus on contracting, privacy and information sharing and security, legislative interpretation, risk management, dispute resolution and litigation, intellectual property, corporations, markets, financial services and consumer credit law, insurance, intellectual property, insolvency and bankruptcy, compliance and governance.

She is sought after by her clients for her approachable, collegiate manner, and her pragmatic solutions-focused and highly commercial advice.

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Glenys Beauchamp joined Proximity after more than 35 years in the public service – more than 20 years in the Australian Public Service and about 13 years in the ACT Public Service.  She was Secretary in the Australian Public Service for nearly 10 years, leading three departments with a variety of functions. She established and led the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport following the 2010 Federal election and later headed up the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and the Department of Health.

She has had a wide range of experience at senior levels in the Australian Public Service across social and economic policy areas and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. With this experience she has developed a diverse skill set covering for example: policy; regulatory; program management; high level stakeholder engagement skills, including working with many ministers and other parliamentarians and strong organisational stewardship and governance skills.

Throughout her career she has developed key networks with business and industry groups, non-government organisations, health practioners and health industry groups, many peak organisations and state and territory CEO’s and senior officers across several portfolio areas. Partnering with key stakeholders to jointly solve problems is an area of strength.

Glenys has had experience setting up agencies, abolishing agencies and managing transformational change with associated changes in governments and policy directions.  Engaging stakeholders and staff through change has been a feature of her career.

Glenys has a degree in Economics from the ANU and a Master of Business Administration from UC. She is a Board Member of the McGrath Foundation Ltd, Chair of Advisory Board of Region Group Pty Ltd, Board Member for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Chair of the Australian Building Codes Board and Counsellor for Dragoman Pty Ltd.

She is also a member of Chief Executive Women and to keep abreast of public administration issues is a National Fellow of the Australian Institute of Public Administration Australia and Member of the Centre for Strategy and Governance.

She enjoys time with her husband and kids, loves Canberra and the surrounding region and is passionate about her Hawks!

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James is based in Melbourne to focus on developing Proximity’s Victorian practice. James is a government management consultant and lawyer specialising in public, commercial and government law. James also has significant experience working as a public sector senior executive – and has worked within, and for, the public sector nationally and at a state level for over two decades. He was a senior executive in the Victorian infrastructure and transport portfolios for 10 years. For the final 6 years of this period, he was the General Counsel for the Victorian Department of Transport and a member of its senior executive board. James’ areas of expertise include public sector organisational design, review and governance, policy and reform (particularly in a regulatory and legislative context), commercial policy, strategy and negotiation, infrastructure projects, and public transport franchising. Most recently, James was a director of KPMG’s national government management consulting practice, where he regularly assisted governments and agencies, nationally and internationally, with key regulatory, strategic, governance, policy reform, organisational, institutional and commercial issues. James is a lapsed golfer (having once played off a single figure handicap in his youth), but still likes to play occasionally. James also loves collecting wine – and a bit of art – and playing (amateur) chef for friends and family.

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John has over 30 years of experience in senior executive and consulting positions. He has extensive experience in working with senior executives to assist in business transformation and establish strategies for success. For over 30 years John has covered business transformation, Business Process Management (BPM), IT and business procurement, strategic procurement, business process re-engineering, project management, shared services creation, systems development, outsourcing, and general management. John has held the positions of Financial Controller, Divisional Manager, Company Director, Partner, HR Director and Chief Information Officer. 

John is a regular speaker at conferences, a Master Project Director and a Chartered Accountant. 

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Kerri Hartland joined Proximity after a 30 year career in the Australian Public Service culminating in her appointment as Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and subsequently the Department of Employment, Small and Family Business. She has worked in senior executive roles in ten Commonwealth Government Departments and agencies including Prime Minister and Cabinet, Finance, Industry, Immigration, Human Services and Resources and Energy.

Kerri was the first female Deputy Director General appointed to ASIO – a role she held from 2011-2017. In that position, and throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for diversity. She assisted intelligence organisations both in Australia and internationally on change management, productivity and leadership strategies.

Most recently, Kerri has worked with the Business Council of Australia in establishing its bushfire recovery agency, BizRebuild, under the stewardship of Sir Peter Cosgrove.

The common thread in Kerri’s career has been in leading large transformation initiatives of people and systems.

Kerri has degrees in Arts and Economics and a Masters in Legal Studies. She is a member of Chief Executive Women, a Council Member for the National Security College at the ANU and a board member for the Canberra Hospital Foundation and Canberra Girls Grammar School. She is on the Advisory Board for the Centre for Strategy and Governance.

Married to Brian and with two grown up girls, Anna and Jordyn, they are keen skiers but also enjoy their olive and alpaca farm near Hall.

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Sarah is a highly qualified and experienced government lawyer, company director and accredited mediator, with an excellent reputation for client-focused and strategic problem-solving.

Sarah has considerable experience as an in-house Counsel specialising in administrative law, statutory interpretation, information law and litigation, including as General Counsel for several agencies, head of the AGS Information Law team, and the ACT senior executive with oversight of legislation and policy for the whole of the Territory.

Sarah has extensive experience in legislative drafting and acting as an advocate in administrative appeals, including negotiating the advantageous resolution of matters before hearing. She is experienced in all types of APS corporate regulation, including employment law, human rights, information law, compliance, complaints management and governance.

Clients value her strategic and lateral approach to finding innovative and lasting solutions to complex problems, and her ability to manage difficult stakeholders through the use of her negotiation and mediation skills.

Sarah has a current NV1 (Secret) security clearance with AGSVA.

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Tara has extensive experience in a broad range of legal areas and has advised Australian Government clients for 18 years on administrative law, litigation and dispute resolution, government advising, policy making, health law, privacy and contract law.

She has carried out many secondments to Australian Government departments and advised on decision making processes; interpreting legislation including statutes, regulations, orders and other subordinate legislation; government contracts; litigation in the Federal Court and AAT; access to records and privacy; secrecy provisions; the aged care industry as well as rights to government support.

Tara’s extensive experience as an Australian Government lawyer brings particular value to program and policy areas when considering how they can best administer statutory frameworks.

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David has a proven ability to work as an integral member of a team or independently to achieve stated business objectives, and create long-term working relationships with key customers and suppliers.

He has particular experience in corporate and commercial law and legal practice management, and has extensive general counsel experience. Before joining Proximity, David was for many years the general counsel at BAE Systems Australia.

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Jessica is a highly regarded litigation and dispute resolution lawyer who assists clients with some of their most complex and novel disputes. Jessica is sought after for her ability to manage and coordinate large litigation teams, strategise creatively and persuasively negotiate at all stages of a matter.  She is known for her practical advice and smart management of matters from start to finish.

Jessica has spent many years as a generalist litigator and an insurance defence lawyer.  She has worked on and held key roles in a number of large, high-profile matters and reviews including the DLA Piper Review of Allegations of Sexual and Other Abuse in Defence

Inquisitive and with a keen eye for detail, Jessica has advised and represented clients in a variety of areas including coronial inquests, general liability, professional indemnity, historic sexual abuse, defamation, regulatory enforcement and breach of contract.

Jessica has experience drafting and reviewing court documents and advising with respect to complex litigation strategy. She also has experience overseeing, coordinating and advising with respect to internal litigation management and processes.

Jessica’s co-operative and personal approach allows her to excel in building strong relationships with internal and external government stakeholders which in turn facilitates the meeting of tight time-frames whilst delivering high-quality results.  Equally comfortable in a courtroom, mediation setting or the office, Jessica is sought after by her clients for her approachable and collaborative manner, and her outcome-focused pragmatic commercial advice.

Jessica has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Bachelor of Arts and Master of Laws.  She also holds an unrestricted practising certificate (ACT) and is entered on the High Court of Australia Register of Practitioners.

Jessica is married to Richard and together with their firstborn, Percy the Cat and daughter, Phoebe, they love family adventures, kicking or throwing a ball around and spending quality time with family and friends – that’s what life is all about!

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Len holds Bachelor degrees in both Engineering and Law and is a Barrister and Solicitor. He has worked as a professional Engineer in Australia and the UK and spent many years in the Australian health industry, most recently as CEO of a large, metropolitan teaching hospital. Following a 25-year career in the Commonwealth and ACT Administrations (14 years at the level of Senior or Chief Executive), Len moved into consultancy.  For the past 20 years, Len has been predominantly engaged by Commonwealth and NSW Government agencies in various roles of probity advising and tender management.

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Robin has extensive expertise in administrative law, both in practice and academia. Robin is Emeritus Professor of Law in the College of Law at the Australian National University, where her research is focused mainly on administrative law and military law. Her main research interests are in administrative law, particularly the impact of judicial review cases, statutory interpretation, and the position of tribunals in the Australian system of government.

Robin’s current teaching interests are in the public law sphere, particularly administrative law and military law. She has broad experience in regulation and administrative law as previous Commissioner of the ACT’s Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and one of the longest serving members of the Administrative Review Council. She was also the Integrity Advisor to the Australian Taxation Office and is a member of the Administrative Law Committee of the Law Council of Australia.

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Dwayne has over 20 years’ experience as a government lawyer. Dwayne has experience in working in service delivery and policy in the public sector, and also experience in the private sector as a lawyer and legal analyst. In his most recent government role he was the General Counsel of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority but he also worked as a Practice Group Leader in the Department of Health, managing the Aged Care Law team and as a Senior Case Manager with the Professional Services Review. Dwayne has worked with a diverse range of Departments across multiple practice areas, gaining considerable experience in commercial law, administrative law, legislative drafting, information law (including freedom of information and privacy) and litigation.

Dwayne has recently undertaken a secondment within the Legal, Audit and Assurance Branch at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, where he has predominantly provided advice on commercial law issues along with advice on privacy law, intellectual property rights and administrative law.

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Dr Geoff Smith is a Special Advisor at Proximity, practising in public and private sector commercial arrangements, procurements, and guiding complex programs/projects. He is a fully qualified Certified Practising Project Director (CPPD) with the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) and a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant with CPA Australia.

Geoff’s background is primarily in Defence & Intelligence. Career highlights include being part of a team delivering defensive cyber operations, assisting shipbuilding capability development, and directing the largest Commonwealth Public Private Partnership arrangement in Defence Infrastructure.

Geoff also has a Queen’s Commission as an Army Officer in the Australian Defence Force and is a fully qualified university lecturer and international presenter. He is very passionate about learning and maintaining a variety of approaches to developing team members.

Geoff enjoys “keeping busy”, travelling/networking, developing new friendships, and creating new business opportunites.

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Gordon has more than 20 years’ experience as a senior employment and workplace relations lawyer in the private and public sectors. His practice includes all aspects of employment and workplace relations law with a strong focus on workplace policies and procedures, investigations, dispute resolution, work health and safety law and litigation.

Gordon has been an employment law partner in national law firms DLA Phillips Fox (now DLA Piper) and PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal. He has acted in workplace and industrial disputes, appeared regularly in state and federal industrial tribunals and has managed workers’ compensation litigation.

He also has commercial law experience having recently completed a secondment as principal lawyer (Corporate and Commercial) for the National Disability Insurance Agency.

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Irene has over 10 years’ experience advising Australian Government agencies on commercial law, including procurement and contracting issues. She has gained a great deal of secondment experience having worked with nine different Australian Government clients throughout her career with Proximity (and previously with the Australian Government Solicitor).

On secondment she advised on contracts, procurement and probity matters, particularly ICT, IP, corporate governance matters, telecommunications outsourcing transactions and market-testing processes.

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Julie has extensive experience in most aspects of commercial and public law with a diverse range of agencies including Social Services (and FaHCSIA), National Disability Insurance Agency, Australian Government Solicitor, Health, Transport (DOTARS), Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Australian Customs Service. For over two decades she has advised on contracting and procurement, grants, financial management and accountability, government advising, legislative development, administrative decision-making and program and policy making.

Julie is particularly effective working on complex projects. She brings value to clients with early problem-solving and presenting clear solutions to legal problems. She has a demonstrated ability to convey legal concepts to a broad range of stakeholders and supporting the achievement of business and policy imperatives.

Julie’s extensive experience as an Australian Government lawyer brings value to program and policy areas when considering how best to administer programs with statutory frameworks.

Mike is a highly-experienced ICT procurement consultant with Proximity. He has undertaken major projects in both the public (State, Federal and International) and private sectors. The success of his projects is due to his highly-organised inclusive approach, to the analysis design and implementation of practical innovative solutions while successfully managing risk.

As a procurement specialist, Mike assisted the Department of Defence to procure services to establish ad run a Naval Shipbuilding College to support the $90B Naval Shipbuilding Plan.

Mike has an excellent ability to consult with stakeholders from the business to the CEO, Departmental Secretary or Minister. He will do everything  in his power to get the work completed and meet the strategic and business objectives set by management and build successful relationships while managing the portfolio of work. Mike has worked on, managed and facilitated major outsourcing and sourcing activity across many sectors and industries.

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Peter is a very well regarded procurement and contracting advisor with significant experience in government and the private sector.

He has significant experience as a commercial, procurement and contracting advisor on strategic and operational information and communication technology procurement projects, covering business systems, IT professional services, hardware procurement, software licensing and fixed and mobile communications.

He also has considerable experience as an advisor and practitioner in general goods and services procurement projects and whole-of-government procurement and performance-based contract development and management. This experience includes establishing, implementing and managing whole-of-government professional services’ panels and similar arrangements.

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Rachael is a highly experienced lawyer, having a primary skill set in banking and finance, IT, IP and general commercial law.  She has held a number of senior in-house legal roles for some of the larger banks and financial institutions across the Asia Pacific region.  Rachael is well versed in contract management and negotiations; regulatory matters; project management; stakeholder engagement; corporate transactions; and general banking and finance law.

Rachael is an effective communicator, and has the ability to integrate into and lead teams with ease, as well as operate autonomously in confidence. She is capable of managing complex multi-jurisdictional issues, dealing with Regulators and working with commercial teams to implement strategies in compliance with laws and regulations.

Having spent more than a decade living and working in Hong Kong, Rachael returned to Canberra with her husband and three young children in 2019, and is currently living on the family sheep and cattle property.

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Sarah’s main areas of practice are government contracting and procurement as well as general commercial law. Sarah has extensive experience advising on government bid responses for vendors and understands the common concerns technology companies often seek to address in large technology contracts.

Sarah takes a pragmatic and practical approach to legal issues, while ensuring risk is managed appropriately.

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Simon is a Special Advisor with extensive experience providing legal advice within government and the private sector. His main areas of focus have been commercial and financial sector law, government law and legislation development. Simon has managed teams, including the Commercial & Resolution legal team in APRA and the Public Law Branch at FaHCSIA.  Simon’s experience includes advising on corporate and procurement matters and the regulation of authorised deposit-taking institutions, payment schemes, superannuation funds, general, life and private health insurers. He has advised on administrative law, information law (secrecy, FOI and privacy) and transfers of staff, assets and liabilities between agencies. Simon has extensive experience drafting administrative and legislative instruments and working with policy teams and OPC on the development of complex legislative reforms. Simon has a NV1 security clearance.

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Su-Ann joined Proximity in 2017 to launch its Melbourne operations. Clients value Su-Ann’s outcome-focused approach and passion for continuous improvement.

Su-Ann completed her Master of Commercial Law at the University of Melbourne while working as a corporate lawyer. This enabled her to acquire practical expertise in areas including negotiation, technology contracts, liability insurance and international intellectual property law.

Su-Ann speaks Mandarin and Cantonese, and basic Japanese. She enjoys bringing together people from different perspectives to leverage talent and spark new ideas.

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Ted is an experienced lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in senior legal roles in the Commonwealth government and in the banking sector. He has held General Counsel positions in aviation and banking and a Special Counsel role at Defence’s Joint Logistics Command. He has led legal and operational teams, and managed the company secretariat function in the private sector. He has worked in a number of government agencies including the Department of Defence, Airservices Australia, and the (former) Department of Immigration. He has also worked for Westpac, HSBC and the National Australia Bank. 

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Andrew is an experienced procurement and contract management specialist with extensive experience working with Government and private organisations.

Andrew has significant experience as a contract manager, procurement specialist, commercial manager and project manager for several logistics services, capital acquisition and facilities management projects.

Andrew brings over a decade of Commonwealth government contract management experience with a strong focus on creating contract environments that focus on performance management and partnering between the Commonwealth and Industry.

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Catherine has over 20 years’ experience advising the Australian Government on legislation and helping develop new legislative schemes.

Before joining Proximity in early 2016, Catherine worked within the Office of General Counsel in the Australian Government Solicitor and advised government agencies on a wide range of matters, with a particular focus on statutory interpretation, constitutional law, administrative law, environmental law, legislative development and drafting legislative instruments.

Catherine also has many years of experience as a legal trainer, having devised and presented training on a broad range of legal subjects to government lawyers and non-lawyers.

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Dougal Pidgeon is a project manager and procurement specialist with extensive experience in the Department of Defence, State Government, and in defence industry.

Dougal has worked with clients to deliver and advise on projects at each stage of the capability lifecycle, from developing requirements and approaching the market, to establishing and managing contracts for the delivery, support, and ultimately disposal, of systems. These projects and procurements have exhibited a wide variety in scope, value and approach, from a multi-billion dollar program to replace whole fleets of weapons, to projects designing and developing new systems or modifying off-the-shelf products, to rapid acquisitions for urgent operational requirements.

Dougal assists clients to deliver projects and procurements through detailed and effective planning, establishing robust processes, maintaining clear communications, and strong but inclusive leadership.

Dougal has Masters degrees in Engineering Science (Project Management) and Defence Capability Development and Acquisition, and qualifications in procurement and tendering.

Dougal enjoys walking his dog around the green hills of the Yarra Ranges, and escaping from the notoriously variable weather there to dry out in front of a fire with a glass of red and a fine book.

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Elizabeth is a Senior Advisor with degrees in finance and law. She is experienced in a variety of areas, having spent over a decade in governance and consulting roles before commencing practice in law. She has undertaken various consulting engagements ranging from short term discrete business transformation tasks to advising on large scale investments, proactively consulting on troubled and contentious projects to minimise delivery risk and recover projects at risk of failure. Elizabeth is also experienced with understanding and interpreting legislation, advising clients as to legal rights and developing solutions and strategies. Elizabeth currently balances her time between consulting and legal roles and contributes to Proximity’s commitment to community service and pro bono work through volunteer work at the Women’s Legal Centre. She has baseline security clearance and an unrestricted practicing certificate.

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Ingrid has a broad range of commercial legal experience acting for both public and private sector organisations on major projects and programs. Her particular expertise is in aviation, transport and other highly regulated industries, including being part of the legal teams for Western Sydney Airport, Canberra Light Rail Stages 1 and 2 and Sydney Gateway while working with Clayton Utz. Ingrid is an adaptable and pragmatic commercial lawyer, with a diverse set of legal skills and experience gained from advising on all aspects of complex projects. This includes acting as a legal adviser on a range of commercial and contracting matters, providing strategic regulatory advice, advising on the property, environmental and planning aspects of projects, supporting clients with the contract management and delivery of major projects, and advising on corporate and governance functions.

James has over 25 years’ experience as a government lawyer of which 14 years was in senior management roles. James has extensive experience in the provision of high level legal and strategic advice.

James has extensive experience in statutory interpretation, commercial law, property law, administrative law, legislative drafting, criminal law, freedom of information and corporate governance.

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Katherine has extensive experience providing sound commercial and legal advice within Australian Government and the private sector. She takes a pragmatic and results based approach that takes account her clients’ political, policy and commercial drivers.

Katherine’s main areas of practice are government and commercial contracting, IT procurement and probity. She has extensive contractual drafting experience in IT and experience acting for the Australian Government. She has an excellent knowledge of Australian Government drivers and policy having completed a number of secondments within the Australian Government while employed by Clayton Utz and Norton Rose Fulbright.

Before joining Proximity Katherine was Legal Counsel and Commercial Manager at Fujitsu where she provided commercial and legal advice on many large scale IT projects.

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Kathleen has over 20 years experience as a government lawyer including 13 years as Deputy General Counsel at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Management Authority, in a regulatory context. Kathleen has practiced for many years in various forms of litigation, statutory interpretation, commercial law, public law (including FOI and privacy) and governance matters.  She has delivered training on various topics including good decision making and legislative changes.

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Liane has over 30 years of experience as a solicitor in large private practice and government departments, an in-house legal counsel in the mining industry, a legal officer in the RAAF and as a contract manager and procurement advisor for Defence contractors and for the Department of Defence. 

Liane’s area of expertise is working with the Australian Standard for Defence Contracting (ASDEFCON) suite of tendering and contracting templates to facilitate the acquisition and support of large Defence materiel procurement programs and projects. As a former officer in the permanent RAAF and the Army Reserve, Liane has an excellent understanding of capability requirements and the relationships between Service members, APS officers, contractors and defence industries. 

Liane has formal academic qualifications in Space law and experience in the registration of Australian satellite networks with the International Telecommunication Union. She is an active member of the Australia New Zealand Space Law Interest Group.  

After 7 years residence in Tokyo and 12 months in Seoul, Liane has a consuming interest in the cultures and languages of both and strives to maintain her language proficiency. 

Liane has a current NV1 (Secret) security clearance with AGSVA. 

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Maria is a senior Australian Government lawyer with extensive experience in both government and private practice. Maria’s key areas of expertise are contracting and procurement, having advised Commonwealth agencies across a broad range of projects and transactions. Maria has significant experience advising clients on all stages of the procurement life cycle, from the early planning phase to final contract execution phase. She has assisted with preparing approach to market documentation, evaluation processes, and negotiating contracts with successful tenderers.

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Michelle is a Senior Advisor at Proximity with a successful track record of achievements in contract and stakeholder management, complex and high risk procurement in the private and public sector. Michelle is dependable, outcomes focused and has a great work ethic with broad work experience spanning from Home Affairs on and offshore, Customs, Immigration and DVA.

Michelle has played an important role in providing contract management and procurement advice to the Australian Government for high profile and complex outsourcing ICT projects with a particular focus on telecommunications including financial and vendor performance management and compliance with regulatory and legislative obligations.

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Nicole brings significant experience as a Project and Program manager having led the development, assessment and successful delivery of large Australian Government water infrastructure projects and industry research collaboration programs. Her strengths are in complex stakeholder engagement and leading teams to collaborate and deliver quality outcomes.

Nicole delivers innovative and effective responses to complex policy, governance and operational challenges. Nicole advised leaders across all three levels of government and the private sector.

With a diverse background, strong technical knowledge and experience across a number of Australian Government agencies, Nicole is also a highly regarded strategic thinker.   

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Paulina is a Senior Adviser at Proximity, having previously worked in a number of firms advising both public and private clients in a number of areas including contracting, tendering, immigration and taxation law.

Paulina graduated from the University of Canberra in 1998 with a Bachelor of Laws, and completed a Masters of Law specialising in Government and Taxation at the University of Sydney in 2005.

Paulina has worked on a number of major projects, where she has gained valuable experience in providing legal and probity advice on major procurement processes including drafting procurement documents and a variety of agreements.  She has also spent a number of months in the corporate legal unit in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry advising on various statutory interpretation issues and procurement related issues.

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Vicki is a respected lawyer in her specialty fields of employment and industrial relations law, public law and law enforcement. She has over 25 years’ experience working in legal, policy and operational capacities with Commonwealth and ACT Government agencies, and registered organisations.

She is sought after by clients for her problem solving skills and willingness to take on complex and challenging issues. She is equally dedicated to supporting senior managers and developing young lawyers. Vicki has experience managing in-house legal practices and providing legal advice to clients on organisational issues including workplace structures, policies, strategic planning and risk management.

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Declan wears two hats at Proximity, working in both a service delivery role as a practising lawyer and commercial/governance advisor and business support role managing Proximity’s Pro Bono and CSR Program. Declan works across Proximity’s legal, commercial non-legal and governance services, with experience in corporate and commercial law, public law, workplace and industrial relations law, legal support services, procurement, organisational governance and process improvement.

While an early-career professional, Declan has been heavily involved in some of Proximity’s largest projects including the governance review of the Law Design and Practice Group in the Australian Taxation Office, the Digital Transformation Agency’s Digital Sourcing and Cloud Sourcing contract templates and has an ongoing advisory role to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Regulatory Reform and Legislative Drafting branches.

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Caitlin is a Canberra-based lawyer with over two years’ experience working for the Australian Government. Caitlin has worked with a diverse range of clients across multiple practice areas, gaining considerable experience in government law, public law, information law (including freedom of information and privacy) commercial law and litigation.

Caitlin has recently undertaken four secondments within the Legal Division at the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, and one secondment within the Department of Health’s Commercial Law Section. Caitlin has had extensive pro bono involvement in the Canberra community through secondments at the ACT Law Society Pro Bono Clearing House and the Consumer Law Centre of the ACT.

Caitlin’s co-operative and personal approach allows her to excel in building strong relationships. She can seamlessly fit into each new environment she encounters and is experienced in managing and meeting tight timeframes, while delivering high quality services.

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Cara Hammerton is a Sydney-based lawyer with over three years’ experience working with the Australian Government. Cara began her career as an Associate at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and has since worked with a diverse range of Australian Government clients across multiple practice areas, including administrative law, litigation, public law and legislative drafting. Cara has had experience in advocacy and has appeared as a solicitor advocate for various clients in proceedings before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and Federal Circuit Court.

Cara has undertaken two secondments with the (former) Department of Agriculture and Water Resource assisting with departmental decision making and regulatory matters, and one secondment with Services Australia assisting with administrative litigation. As the result of her advocacy experience and various secondments, Cara has developed strong communication and teamwork skills and excels in high-pressure environments.

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Charlotte has worked with Proximity as an Assistant Advisor since 2019. She holds an LLB Honors degree, and is very close to the completion of a Bachelor of Arts (History), from the Australian National University. Charlotte is currently on secondment to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources as a Secretariat Officer to the Anti-Dumping Review Panel. She hopes to be admitted to practice in July 2021.

Charlotte is a hard-working and high-achieving person. She has well-developed administrative and organisational skills, effective stakeholder management capabilities and experience in data and outcomes reporting using the Microsoft Suite and PowerBI. She prioritises teamwork and attention to detail in all she does.

Outside of the office, Charlotte is a keen horse rider competing regularly in showjumping and eventing. She also has a great love for musical theatre productions. When she finds herself with a free weekend, Charlotte likes to escape down to the South Coast and explore its many beautiful beaches!

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Elisa works as an Advisor in Proximity’s commercial and consulting teams with demonstrated experience in program management, communications and stakeholder engagement.

Elisa has worked with both state and federal government clients including the Department of Defence, Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority and Melbourne Water. Her experience as a communication and stakeholder engagement consultant has equipped her with the expertise to deliver innovative solutions to genuinely engage and collaborate with key stakeholders and local communities.

Elisa’s excellent liaison skills enable her to effectively negotiate and influence positive outcomes and manage internal and external stakeholder expectations. She is a creative problem solver with a proven ability to grasp complex subject matter quickly, analyse key issues, identify risks and propose an appropriate course of action.

Elisa shares a love of languages and majored in both French and Italian at the University of Melbourne. She is currently learning Portuguese in the hope to continue her travels overseas.

0401 600 853

Elise is a hard working and motivated paralegal who is able to work confidently in challenging situations. Elise completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies in 2017 at the University of Wollongong and is currently undertaking her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Elise has provided legal and administrative support for several government organisations and is experienced in developing process improvements and working in high tempo environments. Elise is currently seconded at the Department of Defence and is working with Defence Community Organisation to review the landscape and challenges of Defence partners seeking employment. As a result of her studies and various work opportunities, Elise has developed strong communication, research and analysis and teamwork skills.

0415 353 823   CV

Hannah Miller is an Advisor at Proximity and a recent graduate of the University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in both Law and Marketing.

Hannah has experience with onsite clients, and adores working with people and clients to achieve the best results for them and their interests. She loves problem solving and thinking outside the box in the workplace. Hannah has had a variety of professional experience, including working for the Walt Disney Company in Operations, Services Australia as a Service Officer, as well as attending the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, graduating in Stage Management and Production.

Hannah was also one of the receivers of Proximity’s Inaugural University Prizes for her working in  Law, Innovation, and Technology. During this unit she explored the speed of legal reform in technology by using Jurassic Park as a primary example.

When not working, Hannah is involved in local community theatre, taking singing lessons, or finding the best brunch spots around Canberra.

0430 978 699

Jason is a high performing commercial advisor with experience in business process improvement, contract management, data administration and legal assistance. Having undertaken secondments to the Department of Defence, Department of Human Services, the Treasury, and Department of Immigration and Border Protection he has demonstrated excellence in problem solving, research and analytical tasks. These roles required Jason to apply a strategic mindset while approaching high volume, complex work. Essential to his success has been the ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments and quickly grasp new content. By working efficiently and effectively, he regularly delivers results that go beyond the initial needs of the client.

0421 208 592

John is an Advisor at Proximity and is an experienced legal researcher, having undertaken extensive research into areas from the jurisdiction of adjudicative bodies to the interpretation of revenue statutes. He has experience in the drafting of court and tribunal documents and a deep understanding of the procedural operation of those bodies. He has research interests in the areas of administrative law, intellectual property and international trade law.

0412 391 607     CV     vCard

Madeleine is a dedicated and hardworking Advisor with a talent for strategic thinking. She has developed an extensive understanding of security, policy, and strategy issues, with a focus on cybersecurity and Australian engagements in the Asia-Pacific. She has recently completed her Master of Strategic Studies from Australian National University and has also developed her professional skills through engagements with PwC and the Australian Crisis Simulation Summit.

Madeleine is currently engaged on a Department of Defence project, providing assistance to the multi-disciplinary team through her ability to multi-task and quickly and accurately process detailed information.

Madeleine is a Canberra transplant but has loved engaging with the community through outlets like the ANU Dining Society or campus paper, the ANU Observer. She’s a keen baker, cross stitcher, and enthusiastic (if not always successful) green thumb.

0484 351 041

0416408494

Mikaela is an enthusiastic, hardworking and motivated advisor, with effective communication, organisational and teamwork skills. Mikaela is detail-oriented specialising in problem-solving, whilst approaching high volume, complex work and meeting deadlines. As Mikaela can confidently adapt to unfamiliar environments and quickly grasp new content, she can reliably produce results that go beyond the needs and expectations of the client. Mikaela is currently seconded to the Department of Defence and is working with the Defence Community Organisation to evaluate the landscape and challenges of Defence partners seeking employment. As a result of her various work opportunities, Mikaela excels in high-pressure environments whilst working sufficiently as part of a team.

0420 770 554

Radhika is currently a final year student at the ANU, studying a combined degree of Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts. Prior to working at Proximity, Radhika gained legal experience in immigration law and family law which enabled her to develop highly refined legal research and critical thinking skills. In a voluntary capacity, Radhika has experience in management consulting with the pro bono firm 180 Degrees Consulting. As a part of the 180 Degrees team, Radhika worked with not-for-profit organisations to identify their business problems and led the teams that worked on the solutions. Since joining Proximity, Radhika has been seconded with the Department of Agriculture where she has worked as a research paralegal and project planning assistant.

0406 685 698

Edwina is a motivated and organised paralegal with refined communication, legal research and strategic thinking skills. She is in her fourth year of studying a joint Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and International Security Studies (Middle Eastern Studies minor) at the Australian National University.

Edwina is particularly interested in administrative law, international conflict resolution and legal policy development in rural Australia. She recently participated in the Australian Crisis Simulation Summit in the capacity of Head Writer for the Summit’s Antarctica simulation.

0474 987 708

0437 154 884

Kyle is a hardworking and dedicated advisor, who applies excellent research, analytical and communications skills to solve complex problems for clients. Kyle is able to quickly adapt to new challenges, which allows him to quickly understand and communicate complex subject matter, and to produce quality work for clients in high pressure environments.

Kyle thrives in team environments where his excellent interpersonal skills allow him to build productive professional relationships with clients, and to effectively engage with stakeholders in challenging circumstances. These skills have been demonstrated on secondments to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, where he formerly worked in the Anti-Dumping Review Panel Secretariat, and is currently engaged in the Emissions Reduction Fund Policy and Governance team.

Outside of work Kyle is a passionate social sportsman, currently playing Rugby Union with the Uni-Norths Owls. Kyle also serves as as Vice-President of the ANU Sport and Recreation Association Board of Directors.

0412 264 690     CV     vCard

0403 912 931

Daniel is a dynamic and visionary business leader, with several years of experience as an accomplished technology innovator. Daniel is driven to create digital transformation and innovation in organisations to produce competitive advantage, fuel growth, and streamline business operations.

Daniel has held roles across a variety of technology skillsets including software development, support, infrastructure and networking, business analysis, data & analytics, operations, and management. This allows Daniel to bring a unique perspective to technology strategy and projects by understanding the work and challenges of each member of the team. Daniel has been involved in digital transformational projects for sales, marketing, and shared services and has actively contributed to the launch of two technology start-ups.

Daniel helps clients by making the confusing, daunting, or otherwise complex nature of technology simple to understand, and ensures that the outcomes meet the original vision: both in the implementation and governance of digital transformation projects, as well as the architecture and technical implementations themselves. Daniel believes that by making technology accessible to people at all levels of digital literacy, success will naturally follow.

Outside of work, Daniel thoroughly enjoys embracing all things analog such as playing the piano, baking, reading or figuring out the complexities of European board games. Daniel is married to animal-mad Pippa, who will eventually convince him to move to a farm one day, and is the father of two wonderful boys.

0431 840 905

Stuart is an experienced commercial finance leader with a background in diverse environments, including private equity, non-profit, NYSE and ASX listed. He has held finance leadership roles in multinational organisations across Asia and Europe, and has gained a reputation for implementing a sound, practical finance function. He is an accomplished finance business partner, collaborating with CEO’s and business leaders develop the business.

Stuart has a passion for continuous improvement, coaching and mentoring, and has a track record of embedding a positive culture of collaboration in the teams he has led. He also has broad experience in corporate governance and is currently a Director, and Finance Risk & Audit Committee Chair at a non-profit community legal organisation. Stuart holds BSc (ECON) and MBA degrees, and CAANZ and GAICD qualifications.

He is a Melburnian import, and when he’s not working Stuart enjoys getting out on his bike, or playing a set or two of tennis.

0410 201 876

Zahra Rezayazdi is a professional accountant and has worked as a Finance Manager across a range of industries, from small to medium size enterprises. She enjoys being part of influencing business decisions and watching a business flourish. She finds the tangible impact on the business very rewarding.

Zahra holds the position of Manager of Finance at Proximity and works with the Group Manager to provide financial guidance and support to Proximity. Zahra has a bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a major in Accounting and Financial planning from University of Canberra. She is currently studying towards her CPA qualification.

When she is not working or studying, she is a competitive volleyball player. Zahra plays both indoor and beach volleyball and no injuries have ever stopped her from playing or entering volleyball competitions.

0466 252 178

Melissa (Mel) Crampton has had extensive experience in legal and consulting HR roles, and a couple of experiences in government or government related entities.  Mel joined Proximity to establish the People function and bring a strategic approach to the current and successful employee related activities.

With experiences covering attracting and engaging employees through to strategic workforce planning, Mel enjoys the variety of working with a growing organisation with solid foundations and an agile approach. Mel is pragmatic, yet empathetic and brings an holistic approach to her work with a keen focus on the wellbeing of all.

Mel holds a Masters in Human Resource Management and Organisational Development and enjoys continually exploring new ways of engaging office-based and a dispersed workforce seeking growth and development in changing environments.

A keen mountain biker, Mel recently swapped cross-country racing for baggier shorts and downhill thrills, plus a few longer rides exploring the hills and beyond. A regular ‘weekend’ break will include fun with the family and friends in the mountains, at the beach, or on a friend’s back lawn.

0437 899 557

0458 066 677

Beth has been helping organisations develop and execute marketing and communication strategies for over a decade. Beth has worked within numerous marketing departments for various sectors and industries, whilst also completing a Bachelor of Communication in Media and Public Affairs at the University of Canberra, graduating with a Dean’s Excellence Award.

A self-confessed marketing enthusiast, with a love for using data to make strategic marketing decisions, she has a passion for utilising social media to build relationships, producing relevant and engaging content across multi-platforms and a real desire to learn.

0407 211 605  

Jeremy is a highly experienced communications and marketing specialist with nearly four decades of experience in the public and private sectors.

As a media professional, Jeremy has managed television, radio and newspaper newsrooms and prides himself on having a great nose for news and understanding what audiences want.

Jeremy has held senior communications, marketing and events roles within the Commonwealth and ACT Governments and had responsibility for delivering the successful Centenary of Canberra program in 2013.

Amongst his many career highlights, Jeremy was the Chief Executive Officer for the National Australia Day Council for three years and was the ACT’s representative on the Council for Australian Honours.

0417 652 771     CV     vCard

Paula brings significant experience as a Project Manager having led complex strategic policy projects within government and non-government organisations. She has led a range of reviews and coordinated government responses involving both Australian, State and Territory governments. She has advised leaders within government, the private sector, and the not-for-profit sector and developed effective institutional responses to complex policy and operational challenges; including advising on the most appropriate governance structures for a range of entities.

A highly regarded creative thinker with a diverse legal and consulting background, Paula is adept at helping organisations adapt to change by undertaking independent reviews and collaborating with clients to design organisational improvements that span across systems, people and processes. Her strengths are also in complex stakeholder management, she has deep expertise in leading multi-agency teams to collaborate effectively and deliver quality project outcomes.

Before joining Proximity, Paula held senior executive and executive positions in the Australian Government where she was responsible for the delivery of a number of high profile and priority projects, including at the Attorney-General’s Department, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the Department of Human Services and the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Jordan is a people person and problem solver. She is passionate about business development and client engagement and has a proven ability to build and sustain warm and cooperative relationships. Jordan understands government and the balancing act that is meeting client needs with competitive, high quality solutions while also creating rewarding opportunities for Proximity Advisors.

Karina is a Senior Manager in our Client Engagement Team and a highly experienced people manager who has a genuine passion for client engagement, building relationships and service delivery.

Karina has an excellent reputation in the Canberra market across both government and private sector for partnering with organisations to quickly understand and interpret business needs. In this, she provides practical client solutions based on informed knowledge and desired outcomes that are advantageous to both our clients and Proximity Advisors.

With formal qualifications in Marketing and Communications and proactive and practical experience in business development, tendering, recruitment, engagement, and managing client relationships, Karina understands the delicate balance that is needed to bring together collaborative business solutions and the intricacies of what that process looks like.

Prior to joining Proximity, Karina worked in a high demand recruitment and client engagement role within the commercial sector, providing government and industry with staffing and project solutions.

Outside of work Karina loves to keep active and chasing the sun. She has a passion for photography, good food and wine.

0402 547 659

Simon is a highly-experienced government lawyer with over 25 years’ experience working in private and government legal practice.

He has extensive experience managing legal teams, strategic and legal practice management and providing high level legal advice. He has wide ranging experience in carrying out and managing large scale civil litigation, statutory interpretation, administrative law, freedom of information, executive power and machinery of government, legislative drafting, legal policy, commercial and property law, employment law, media and communication law, general dispute resolution, mediation and arbitration.

0438 447 514     CV     vCard

Prior to joining Proximity, Alison worked for 15 years as an Early Childhood and Primary School teacher for both the ACT Education Directorate and Burgmann Anglican School in Gungahlin. Her experience as a teacher in a range of challenging environments enabled her to develop excellent interpersonal and organisational skills and an outcome focused approach to all tasks.

Alison has also successfully performed a range of community management roles including leading the coordination of community events and managing junior sporting teams. Alison’s role includes conducting market analysis, managing events, marketing and communications, office administration, payroll and invoicing and panel administration.

0407 888 896

Prior to joining Proximity Christine worked across both the public and private sectors providing high level administrative support. She has vast experience working with diverse groups and has had a strong focus on providing exceptional customer service, project coordination and event management logistics.

Christine’s role at Proximity includes supporting the Chief Operating Officer, Zoe Lynam and Principal Advisor, Kerri Hartland.

0407 623 880

0422 226 889

Andrew is a highly qualified Departmental Secretary and Chief Executive with 30 years’ experience in leading, managing and controlling large government Departments and public sector organisations.

Andrew recently retired as the Secretary as the NSW Department of Justice and has extensive breadth of experience in service delivery, regulatory and commercial environments across the public service. Known for quickly mastering complex policy and organisational issues he has successfully led numerous major reforms programs. Management breadth covers organisations with +$10bn operating budgets and over 20k employees. Governance roles include Department Secretary, Chief Executive Officer, Company Board Chair and member, major committee chair, advisory board chair and member.

Kerrie-Anne’s professional experience spans ASX100 and Australian Public Service executive boards and she has over 20 years experience in legal and corporate governance advisory roles.  Kerrie-Anne is an experienced Commonwealth General Counsel and has previously been the General Counsel at three large Commonwealth Departments: Health, Agriculture and Water Resources, and Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. Before joining the public service Kerrie-Anne was a senior executive at Coles Group Ltd, where she had a broad range of business and M&A experience as Corporate Counsel for Officeworks. Kerrie-Anne began her career as a Technology Lawyer at a large law firm and as a management consultant advising in Telecommunications, Financial Services and Aviation industries.

Mike advises boards and business leaders on achieving strategic and cultural alignment to create competitive advantage and to build sustainable organisations. Mike was previously a global Director of PricewaterhouseCoopers based in London acting as principal for their mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances. As a PwC consultant he advised government and large corporations in the UK and USA on governance and strategy, revenue generation, cost management, and operational outsourcing. In Australia Mike has held senior executive positions with listed corporations in financial and operational roles. Mike has led a number of prominent national legal firms as their CEO during periods of significant growth and fundamental change of strategic direction.

Angus runs Rawson House, a legal industry executive search and selection firm based in Melbourne. Angus’s experience covers establishing new law firm offices across Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart; the facilitation of law firm mergers and acquisitions; and the hiring of key partners for clients. Angus’s expertise covers several aspects of the legal market including government and regulation, procurement, infrastructure and construction and corporate and commercial law. Angus regularly provides counsel for clients on a range of matters from firm growth opportunities, to firm strategy and people management. He has developed a reputation for his lateral thinking and his honest and candid approach to his work.