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Emma Musgrave
MinterEllison has announced it has appointed a former Australian trade minister to the role of strategic adviser.
Former Australian trade minister Andrew Robb has joined the firm in his new role, where he will focus on assisting on the firm’s deals and China practice.
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Mr Robb served as Australia’s minister for trade and investment from 2013 to 2016, in both the Abbott and Turnbull governments. During this time, he was responsible for the final negotiation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Australia-Korea FTA, the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
MinterEllison chief executive Tony Harrington said Mr Robb is a well-respected senior political businessman, with a deep understanding of Asia-Pacific trade issues and agreements.
Mr Harrington noted that having worked closely with government and business leaders, Mr Robb is well placed to advise MinterEllison’s clients across the region as well as in Australia on their cross border transactions, especially in China, as they seek to navigate the risks of a rapidly changing trade environment.
"Andrew joins MinterEllison after a distinguished career in business and politics. His understanding of the regulatory regime that governs foreign investment, as well as his extensive experience and networks across Asia, are second to none,” Mr Harrington said.
“I believe Andrew can play a key role in helping our clients achieve their business objectives in Australia and Asia.
"MinterEllison has a strong interest in supporting the community. I am delighted that Andrew's community interests align with ours, and in particular with the pro bono and social responsibility programs we have in place.”
Mr Robb said he was delighted to join the MinterEllison team.
"They are an entrepreneurial firm trying to break the traditional law firm mould, offering advisory as well as legal services to their clients around the world. I'm excited to be a part of that,” he said.
"I am also attracted by the firm's long-standing and deep commitment to both China and the public sector. Australian businesses engaging with China have a unique window of opportunity to capitalise on the benefits that ChAFTA can deliver to them and to the Australian economy.
“I'm excited about working with the firm and its clients to help their engagements with China to prosper."
