Brett Ablong

Brett Ablong is the founder and a partner at HBA, a firm born from his distinguished career in insurance law where he acted for government departments, insurers, brokers, and self-insured organisations. His extensive experience spans over two decades, primarily focusing on state and Commonwealth workers’ compensation, public liability, motor vehicle claims, and administrative law. Before establishing HBA, Brett's significant tenure at Barker Gosling, which evolved into DibbsBarker, equipped him with the insights and expertise necessary for this venture. Brett's proficiency extends to professional indemnity and directors’ and officers’ liability, with a demonstrated ability to advocate effectively before State and Federal Courts and Tribunals. Currently, his practice predominantly involves Commonwealth workers’ compensation, where he represents licensed employers under the Federal Compensation Scheme. His expertise is particularly recognised in matters relating to the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988. He is adept at resolving workers’ compensation disputes through negotiation and mediation, adhering to model litigant principles to reduce litigation costs and minimise unnecessary escalations. His counsel is invaluable to large Australian companies pursuing self-insurance, assisting with licensing, compliance, and audit processes. Brett's influence extends beyond his practice; he actively shares his insights at industry events and served as the Honorary Legal Adviser to the Safety, Rehabilitation & Compensation Licensees Association from 2011 to 2014. His prowess in handling federal workers’ compensation claims is highlighted by his involvement in precedent-setting cases like Grixti and Linfox Australia Limited and Commonwealth Bank v Reeve. Clients appreciate Brett's transparency and commitment to ensuring they are aware of their legal standing. His knack for identifying potential risks, including those posed by media scrutiny and regulatory challenges, fosters trust and positions him as a valued extension of his clients' teams. Brett's career includes roles as Executive Partner of HBA, Director at Pillion, Owner at DibbsBarker, and beginning his path as an Articled Clerk at Crosby Brosnan & Creen. He is an alumnus of James Cook University, where he laid the foundations for his legal career.