Alana Rafter

Alana Rafter is a distinguished employment and industrial relations lawyer based in Sydney, holding the position of Senior Associate. With a profound expertise in industrial advocacy and work health and safety (WHS) law, Alana adeptly represents employers and peak employer associations in intricate and high-profile cases nationwide. Her practice frequently involves appearances before the Fair Work Commission, the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW, and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Throughout her career, Alana has provided insightful advice and robust representation to employers on a wide array of matters including applications to vary modern awards, underpayment claims, general protections and discrimination disputes, and unfair dismissal proceedings. She is well-versed in supported bargaining authorisation applications, addressing protected industrial action, and dealing with WHS offence summonses. Since 2021, Alana has prominently advocated for employer interests in significant work value proceedings, notably the Aged Care Industry and Nurses Work Value Cases, and has played a critical role in the Gender Undervaluation – Priority Awards Review. In addition, she offers essential WHS guidance on compliance, responds to regulatory inquiries and notices, and provides board briefings on evolving WHS risks and developments. Alana is well-regarded for delivering tailored training and workshops for management and staff, alongside preparing submissions for WHS reviews, including Safe Work Australia’s Best Practice Review. Recognised as a sought-after speaker, Alana has recently presented on psychological safety and psychosocial risk management at high-profile conferences such as the Industrial Relations Society of NSW Annual Conference and the HR Law Masterclass Conference in 2025. Her expertise extends to conducting confidential workplace investigations addressing misconduct, complex behavioural issues, and whistleblower disclosures. Alana's professional journey includes pivotal roles such as Associate to the Hon Justice Walton at the Supreme Court of New South Wales and noteworthy positions within NSW Young Lawyers. In academia, she contributes as an Adjunct Lecturer at The University of Notre Dame Australia. Her academic credentials are extensive, holding a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from The College of Law Australia, and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from The University of Notre Dame Australia. She complements her legal expertise with a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety and an Advanced Diploma in Theatre Performance, reflecting her diverse capabilities and commitment to her field.