Tim Capelin is recognised as one of Australia’s leading workplace lawyers. He created and led Australia’s top boutique workplace law firm for more than a decade before accepting Piper Alderman’s invitation to join our practice. Tim has over 25 years’ experience in employment and industrial relations law. Tim understands the commercial realities of business from the perspective of a business owner and adviser. This background enhances Tim’s provision of strategic advice to clients on employment and workforce matters. He is an experienced advocate and has represented employers in all relevant tribunals and courts. Tim’s industry knowledge includes working with clients in publishing, agribusiness, health, hospitality, finance, retail, logistics, resources, government, professional services, transport, building & construction, social & community services and pharmaceutical industries. He frequently presents on workplace law topics, is a regular contributor to industry and legal publications and is sought by the media for comment on workplace law issues.

Kirsten is the National Industrial Relations Manager for the Bus Industry Confederation. At the same time, Kirsten heads up the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA), which is the industrial arm of BIC. Kirsten has almost 15 years’ experience in people leadership roles across multiple industries. Notably, 7 years across the bus and passenger transport industry. Kirsten holds a Juris Doctor from the Australian National University, a Master of Human Resource Management (Employee Relations) and Bachelor of Management (Psychology). Kirsten is also a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) and former State President and Councillor of the NT AHRI Council.

Tim Dawson is the Branch Secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) WA Branch, worked at the TWU since 1997 and has been an elected official of the TWU since 2008. Tim is passionate about the transport industry and ensuring the industry is safe, sustainable and fair. He is the current Chair of the Industry Skills Australia Transport and Logistics workforce Planning Committee. This is particularly significant in a time when the impacts of an aging workforce and attracting and retaining skilled operators is essential to the future of the industry. Tim is also on the National Committee of Management for the TWU, a Director on the Board of TEAM Super, holds a position with the Road Freight Transport Industry Council, Ministerial Heavy Vehicle Advisory Panel, and Truck driver Amenities Working Group along with several other committees.

Jason O’Dwyer is the Executive Director of the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC), the peak representative body for private bus and coach operators in Queensland. He brings over 30 years of experience in human resources, industrial relations, and policy advocacy across multiple industries, including transport, construction, mining, health, and community services. Jason has held senior leadership roles in industry, employer associations, including Commerce Queensland, the Master Electricians Australia, and the Baking Industry Association, giving him deep insight into workforce, regulatory, and commercial issues across sectors. At QBIC, Jason leads strategic advocacy on safety, regulatory and contract reform, human resource and workforce development, and championing initiatives such as school and commercial sector funding and contracts, safety duties and operator obligations, and the transition to zero-emission buses. He is also a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion. Recognized for his solutions-focused approach, Jason works closely with government, industry, and community stakeholders to deliver sustainable outcomes for operators, workers, and passengers alike.

Madonna joined Kinetic in 2023 as Executive General Manager of People and Safety, leading specialists across People, HSE and Training. Her focus includes building internal talent pipelines, organisational change management and creating safe spaces for work – both physical and psychological. With extensive leadership experience spanning healthcare, restaurant and mining support services sectors, Madonna champions initiatives to increase female workforce participation at Kinetic and across the industry – from frontline to senior leadership roles – by breaking down the traditional barriers, particularly for working mothers. She believes that you can have it all, just not all at the same time!

Nikki Britt has spent 35 years making Australian workplaces safer, from hands-on injury support to advising CEOs and boards. She is an expert in designing and embedding values-driven, safety-led systems that deliver lasting physical and psychological wellbeing. Drawing on behavioural economics, she drives cultural change that sticks. A respected voice in personal injury and safety, Nikki has presented at national and international conferences and serves as a non-executive director of EML, chairing its Risk Committee. She holds an Occupational Therapy degree from Sydney University, an MBA from Macquarie Business School, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Graeme Edwards is Chief Occupational Physician at KINNECT and a Senior Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM), Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). A former Chair of AFOEM’s Policy and Advocacy Committee, he contributed to key position statements including Health Benefits of Good Work, What is Good Work?, and Improving Workforce Health and Productivity. As Chief Medical Officer for multiple Australian rail organisations, he serves on the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) Chief Medical Officer Council and was a lead contributor to the latest National Standards for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers. He has worked with the National Transport Commission (NTC) on issues of neurodiversity and disordered sleep and recently facilitated a RISSB Masterclass on obstructive sleep apnoea. His experience also extends to the bus industry, advising Greyhound and Hornibrook Bus Lines, among others. His goal is to transform regulatory compliance costs into sustainable assets by partnering with organisations to implement practical programs that enhance workforce health and productivity.

Amanda Johnston is a people-first leader and strategist with more than 20 years’ experience across the health, safety, and wellbeing sectors. As Chief Operating Officer at KINNECT, she drives innovation in occupational health and injury prevention, ensuring organisations can create safer, more sustainable workplaces. Amanda’s expertise spans corporate health, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and workforce wellbeing, underpinned by a passion for helping people thrive at work. She has held senior leadership roles across national health providers and advisory boards, bringing a unique perspective on the intersection of business outcomes and human impact. With a track record in shaping workplace health strategies, Amanda is a sought-after speaker and advisor on the future of work, wellbeing, and organisational resilience.

Dr Jones has an extensive career in freight, supply chain and safety. She is currently working on the automated vehicle safety law and previously held senior roles with Toll Group, the Department of Transport and Infrastructure and several consulting firms. Dr Jones has a particular interest in psychosocial hazards and transport and is widely published in Australia and internationally.