Simon Newcomb
Clayton Utz
Partner
Brisbane
[Simon is] my trusted adviser and sounding board for creating both commercial and legal negotiation strategies, approaches, positions and tactics... I have worked extensively across the globe with many different lead lawyers and firms and I would not hesitate to recommend or personally work with Simon Newcomb and Clayton Utz on another big, complex outsourcing transaction.
– Client Quote
Overview
Recognised as one of Australia's leading technology lawyers, Simon advises on complex matters involving digital technologies. His legal expertise centres on technology procurement and contracts, telecommunications, intellectual property, privacy, data protection and cyber security. He has dual qualifications in law and computer science. Simon has a special interest in AI and leads the firm's working group on AI. He is also a member of the firm's national Cyber Security Board.
Notable Work
- Reserve Bank of Australia: acting on most of the technology programs underpinning the Australian financial system since 2013.
- Major road infrastructure projects: lead technology lawyer for the Queensland Government (Airport Link, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, QML sale), Brisbane City Council (CLEM7, Go Between Bridge, Legacy Way), and NSW Government (WestConnex, Sydney Harbour Bridge/Tunnel upgrade). Advised on technology aspects of the project agreements; intelligent transport and tolling systems; interoperability; tolling; vehicle data; trade marks and marketing.
- Cross River Rail Delivery Authority: acted for the Authority (delivering a A$5 billion rail project) on the technology aspects of its major infrastructure contracts; a European Train Control System (ETCS) for digital signalling; and a "digital twin" modelling system.
- NSW and Queensland Governments: acted to establish whole of government arrangements for SAP software.
- Business transformation programs: acted in some of Australia's largest SAP ERP-enabled business transformation programs including for TfNSW, NSW Department of Education and Brisbane City Council. These programs involved procuring systems integration, business transformation & change services, operation & maintenance services and ERP software and SaaS from SAP.
- University: advised one of Australia's top universities on the legal impact of artificial intelligence on its research program.
- Brisbane Airport Corporation: advised on the privacy aspects of biometric departure control.
- Queensland Health: acted on its COVID-19 Vaccination Management System.
- University of Queensland: drafted the template Cooperative Research and Development agreement.
- Department of Health (Northern Territory): acted on implementing an Electronic Health Record.
Insights
What the New York Times' copyright infringement case means for AI models
29 Dec 2023 | Article
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It's not a lie, says generative AI: untruths, defamation and the use of ChatGPT
3 May 2023 | Article
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Media Release: Clayton Utz captures two 'Law Firm of the Year' awards in The Best Lawyers in Australia 2024 edition
20 Apr 2023 | Media Release
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Attorney-General releases report following two-year review of the Privacy Act
16 Feb 2023 | Article
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Generative AI Miniseries - Ep 1: Generative AI & intellectual property | whose line is it anyway?
3 Feb 2023 | Article
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Important changes to the Privacy Act, including significantly increased penalties – so start getting ready now
31 Oct 2022 | Article
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Privacy 5 Minute Fix 03: National Data Security Action Plan, COVID-19 tracing
9 Jun 2022 | Article
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Media Release: Clayton Utz claims over 200 spots in The Best Lawyers in Australia and inaugural 'Ones to Watch' 2023 Editions
21 Apr 2022 | Media Release
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Queensland Government requires ICT suppliers to meet new ethical, environmental and social standards
3 Feb 2022 | Article
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Media release: Clayton Utz marks historic milestone with Commonwealth's acquisition of copyright in the Aboriginal Flag
25 Jan 2022 | Media Release
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Binding Online Privacy Code, personal right to sue and more enforcement all proposed by Privacy Act reform process
26 Oct 2021 | Article
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Data breaches during COVID-19: Insights and best practice tips from the OAIC
6 Aug 2020 | Article
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New interception and access powers to encrypted communications and devices to affect carriers and device manufacturers
14 Aug 2018 | Article
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Mandatory data breach notification starts today ‒ are you ready?
22 Feb 2018 | Article
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Open data and mandatory comprehensive credit reporting on the way for banks and fintech?
9 May 2017 | Article
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Clayton Utz lawyers among Australia's best, say industry peers
7 Apr 2017 | Media Release
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Take notice – mandatory data breach notification laws to take effect by 23 February 2018
16 Mar 2017 | Article
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