Byrne has more than 14 years experience in Australia and overseas managing the legal aspects of complex infrastructure implementation, including project finance, dispute resolution and joint ventures.

Freehills has also pointed to Byrne’s experience in industrial and chemical processing plants, having spent almost a decade with The BOC Group (now Linde) working throughout Asia, the US and Europe.

Patrick St John, Freehills practice group head for projects, said the outlook for infrastructure development generally, and particularly in energy and resources, is very strong in both the public and private sector.

“Obviously there are substantial infrastructure requirements emerging from the resources boom, but we also expect the need for infrastructure across all levels of Government to increase in the coming years,” he said.

“[Byrne’s] substantial experience across a wide range of projects and sectors, bolsters an already market leading national team, which is well positioned to service this expected growth.’

Byrne said he looked forward to moving back to a firm environment after his time in-house.

“I’ve been very fortunate in the variety of infrastructure experience I have had and I’m looking forward to applying this to ensure the best commercial outcomes for Freehills’ clients.”