Michael Burns

Michael Burns has been practising law since 1997 and joined McNally’s in 2012. With extensive experience in employment and industrial law at both state and federal levels, Michael has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of labour relations in Australia. Before joining McNally’s, Michael served as General Counsel for the Transport Workers’ Union of Australia, where he played a key role in managing high-profile industrial disputes, including the significant Qantas dispute. He has also worked for various labour law firms and trade unions, gaining comprehensive knowledge of industrial relations and union operations within the Australian system. Michael regularly appears in industrial tribunals across the country and has represented clients in the State Supreme Courts, the Federal Court of Australia, and the High Court of Australia. He has contributed to the modern award review process conducted by the Fair Work Commission, providing expert advice on union rules, governance, and enterprise bargaining on a national scale. Operating within both the New South Wales and federal industrial systems, Michael assists union clients and their members with industrial disputes and litigation, navigating the often-complex regulatory environment impacting employment relations. He is a member of the Law Society of New South Wales.