Melinda Pugh

Melinda is a leading commercial and corporate governance lawyer who currently leads our Commercial Branch. She regularly takes instructions – often at short notice – on high-level commercial matters of a complex and sensitive nature.

Melinda has been practicing law since 1989 in both the public and private sectors. Immediately prior to joining Crown Law in 2003, she gained a solid reputation in health law during her 10 years with Queensland Health. In private practice, Melinda was responsible for the management and operations of a busy legal branch office.

Melinda’s key expertise is her strategic advice and guidance on matters related to government business, particularly where they involve complex regulatory, competition or statutory interpretation issues, and government accountability.

• Primary legal adviser to the State for the bid for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, the Olympic Host Contract and the establishment and operations of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee
• Providing legal support for the transition of Forensic Sciences Queensland into the Department of Justice
• Advising on issues related to the application of Queensland laws to Norfolk Island
• Leading the teams representing the State of Queensland before the Queensland Health Payroll System Commission of Inquiry and the Queensland Racing Commission of Inquiry
  Advising on government business and accountability issues related to, for example:
  • the application of the Competition and Consumer Act 2012 to various government activities
  • potential conflicts of interest that may arise for directors of companies who are also public servants
  • public sector compliance issues and legislation and government policies that impact on the proper performance of duties by public servants and others
  • the conduct of government entities including the application of the Corporations Act 2001, and drafting board charters, meeting minutes and instruments of delegation

• Representing the Attorney-General in charitable trust matters
• Advising on and preparing documents for government procurement processes
• Advising on business structures for government enterprises such as associations, statutory bodies and joint ventures
• Drafting and advising on employment contracts for senior officers.