Aasish Ponna

Aasish Ponna is the Principal of the firm, with extensive experience in leading both government and private legal teams across Australia. He has a rich background in advising on employment and dispute matters, particularly for government and corporate clients. His expertise extends from day-to-day HR inquiries to navigating complex workplace disputes that involve reputation risks, industrial relations, restructuring, and workplace health and safety issues. Aasish has also played a pivotal role in professional regulatory cases, especially those concerning health practitioners, as well as handling statutory insurance claims. He has effectively resolved unfair dismissal and general protection matters and managed Comcare claims, acting for both Comcare, self-insured entities like the ACT Government/EML, and applicants. His experience includes dealing with intricate superannuation issues within the CSS, PSS, and PSSap schemes, alongside applying the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and related entitlements. Proficient in workplace health and safety matters, Aasish has responded to regulator inquiries following notifiable incidents and advised on maternity leave entitlements across Commonwealth and State sectors. He has handled a broad spectrum of common law claims and conducted workplace investigations, including appeals to the Merit Protection Commissioner and Federal Court challenges. Aasish's capability is underpinned by his expertise in statutory interpretation and complex dispute resolution, drafting legislative instructions, advising Commonwealth decision-makers, and managing sensitive litigation processes across High Court, Federal and State Courts, and Tribunals. His litigation acumen ensures he adeptly guides clients through workplace and safety disputes, regularly acting as a solicitor-advocate. Beyond his legal practice, Aasish serves as a Board Member of the ACT Board of the Medical Board of Australia, where he exercises decision-making powers related to the National Health Law. He is also a Committee Member of the Professional Standards Committee of the ACT Law Society, contributing to the governance of professional standards and ethical practices within the legal community.