Ian Robertson AO

Expertise

Ian is a corporate, commercial, media and regulatory lawyer who advises a wide range of Australian and overseas clients with particular emphasis on the media, advertising, automotive and renewable energy industries, as well as Government departments and agencies.

Ian joined Holding Redlich in Melbourne as a lawyer in 1989 and was appointed as a partner in 1990. In 1994 he relocated to Sydney to establish the firm’s Sydney office and he was the Managing Partner of the Sydney office until 30 June 2015. He was National Managing Partner from 1 July 2015 until 30 June 2023, and he has been the Chair of Holding Redlich since 1 July 2023.

Ian has been listed in The Best Lawyers in Australia since 2011 and is currently listed as a leading lawyer in the categories of Corporate Law, Entertainment Law and Defamation and Media Law.

In January 2018, Ian was appointed as an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the arts, particularly the Australian film industry and screen production sector, and to the law.

Experience

His recent experience includes:

• public policy, public sector governance, and regulatory issues including as the Chair and Deputy Chair of State and Commonwealth statutory agencies
• advising global car manufacturers on Australian regulatory compliance
• advising Australian advertising agencies on legal compliance, and approving advertisements for publication and broadcast
• advising Australian and overseas media companies on Australian regulatory issues
• advising several Commonwealth agencies in respect of governance issues over an extended period.

Membership

International Institute of Communications

Communications and Media Law Association of Australia

Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD)

Appointments

• Film Victoria – President of the Board (2011 to 2020)
• Beyond International Limited – Director (2005 to 2022)
• Screen Australia – Deputy Chair (2008 to 2013)
• Ausfilm International Inc. – Director (2001 to 2009) and Chair (2003 to 2007)
• Australian Broadcasting Authority – Member (1997 – 2004)
• Cinemedia Corporation (now called Film Victoria) – Board Member (1998 – 2000)
• Film Australia Limited – Director (1991 – 1997) and Deputy Chair (1996 – 1997)
• Melbourne Parks and Waterways – Director (1994 – 1996)
• Camberwell Grammar School – Member of Council (1991 – 1994)
• Next Wave Festival – Board of Management (1989 – 1993)