Touted as a response to a current boom in construction in Western Australia, partner Jim Delkousis was transferred from Melbourne to Perth in order to provide that office with his international and local experience in major projects. Delkousis will oversee the “booming market conditions” in Perth, said national practice head of construction, Geoff Wood. “This follows the recent transfer to Perth of specialist project finance partner Nicholas Creed,” he said.

According to Wood, China’s increasing demand for WA mineral and energy exports to support its industrial expansion has meant there is more work for lawyers in that region.

As well, the firm has placed former Clifford Chance Hong Kong partner Stephen Webb as a consultant to head the firm’s Brisbane construction practice. According to Webb, the Queensland market is currently vibrant and there “is a lot more construction and project finance work around than when I left for Hong Kong [eight years ago]”.

Queensland’s “vibrant” economy and the population shift to the state’s south east has meant there is more need for improved infrastructure there, said Wood.