Kennedy brings 21 years of experience specialising in workplace relations and safety and has assisted organisations in the mining, steel, manufacturing and health industries in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

"Jeremy has joined McCullough Robertson's Newcastle office at an exciting period in our expansion, adding to the three lawyers appointed to the practice during the past six months in response to the needs of our Hunter Valley clients," said Newcastle partner Michael Rochester.

"Jeremy's interstate and national experience gives him a unique perspective on cross-border and national workplace and safety issues and we are very confident that he will make an invaluable contribution in these areas."

Rochester continued by noting Kennedy's extensive experience acting for mining companies, while under immense duress during major accidents or incidents, would provide a further area of support for resources and infrastructure-based clientele.

Kennedy said priority areas include the Fair Work Act and its implications for employers and employees, along with the harmonisation of occupational health and safety laws.

"Workplace health and safety issues continue to increase in importance for the whole community, particularly in the Hunter region due to its strong manufacturing, mining and health services sectors," Kennedy said.