Robert Heath KC

BA (Hons), LLB (Hons) Melbourne, 1995

Diploma Certificate in International Arbitration, CIArb, 2019

Robert is an experienced advocate in all types of applications, trials and appeals. He has a wide-ranging practice with particular expertise in arbitrations, class actions, infrastructure/construction disputes, engineering disputes, civil/commercial fraud, equity and trusts, and energy disputes (including gas price review arbitrations).  

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In relation to construction and engineering disputes, Robert has worked on matters relating to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, the failure of the Basslink sub-sea cable, a food processing plant in Thailand, and substantial infrastructure projects in Melbourne and Sydney (as counsel or arbitrator).

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Robert has been involved in arbitrations under the ACICA, UNCITRAL and SIAC Rules. In the last few years, he has acted as sole arbitrator in relation to the following disputes: a joint venture dispute relating to the Melbourne Metro Rail Project (sole arbitrator); a land remediation dispute between municipal councils (sole arbitrator); a joint venture dispute relating to a road project in Sydney (co-arbitrator, panel of three); a dispute relating to block-chain tokens and coins (sole arbitrator); and an expert determination in relation to a construction dispute.

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Robert is recognised by leading legal directories, including Chambers and Partners and Doyle’s Guide, for his work as a commercial barrister and arbitrator respectively.

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Robert is a member of Bankside Singapore.

AFL Concussion Class Action

Lead counsel acting for former Geelong Football Club doctors.

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Basslink Arbitrations

Counsel in substantial, arbitral proceedings relating to the failure of a subsea cable; and counsel in related proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia.

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Milk Price Class Action

Counsel for Fonterra Australia in class action proceedings in Australia.

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Gas Pricing Arbitration

Counsel for an energy generator and retailer in substantial arbitral proceedings.

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Thalidomide Class Action

Counsel for a German company in class action proceedings in Australia.

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Chambers and Partners – Global 2024

"Robert Heath is noted for his wide-ranging presence at the Victorian Bar. Infrastructure, insurance and professional negligence-related disputes all form notable elements of his practice, and he is also a seasoned handler of class action and arbitration mandates."

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Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2023

"Robert Heath is praised for a variety of valuable qualities, one source identifying him as 'technically excellent', a source of 'quality legal advice and a good sounding board for strategic matters', while another stresses that he is 'very bright and good on his feet'.

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Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2021

Robert Heath "is characterised by sources both as 'an outstanding commercial barrister' and as 'an outstanding newer silk' who is 'strongly developing in that role.' Infrastructure, insurance and professional negligence-related disputes all form notable elements of his practice, and he is also a seasoned handler of class action and arbitration mandates".

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Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2013

Robert Heath wins applause from sources as a "commercial, smart, energetic and courageous advocate", who "is diligent and has a good manner with clients". Sources also note he is "hugely respected by the judiciary."

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• "450 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne" (1997) 73 ALJ 12
• "Buildings, The High Court" - The Oxford Companion to the High Court of Australia, OUP, 2001.