Murray Tavener: Client Testimonials

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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Infringement

After a GBRMPA infringement, I needed legal representation so asked my insurance provider who I should use. They recommended Murray Tavener from Thynne + Macartney based in Cairns as the go to man for my case as he has an intimate knowledge of all maritime law relating to my case. I also spoke to a good friend who had dealings with Murray, and he couldn’t say enough positive things about Murray’s professional legal representation.

Through the process, Murray and his team were very easy to work with as they represented myself and seven crew. We achieved a great outcome for everyone involved considering the severity of the case.

I highly recommend Murray at Thynne + Macartney to any fisherman who has any questions or needs legal representation regarding fisheries/GBRMPA and any investigations by regulatory authorities. Murray is easy to talk to and will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible.

– Anonymous client (2021)

Regulatory prosecution by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority

I am the owner of ‘Southern Venture II’, a fishing vessel based out of Cooktown (Queensland) that operates as a mothership for six fishing dories. In June 2019, one of the dories failed to return to the mothership and, while a large search party was carried out by air and surface vessels, nothing was found. Months later, the dory was found on the beach, and the fisherman is presumed to have been lost at sea. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) conducted an investigation into the incident and prosecuted me for breaches of the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (Cth).

Murray Tavener of Thynne + Macartney was recommended to me as he was a maritime law specialist with experience in regulatory prosecutions. Murray travelled to Cooktown from Cairns at short notice to help me during the initial investigation by AMSA, giving me advice in language I could understand. Throughout this incredibly stressful situation, Murray was always available to answer any questions or concerns that I had about my case.

Even though I was prosecuted by AMSA and pleaded guilty to the charges, Murray helped me negotiate a significant reduction to the fine. If the maximum penalty had been applied, most likely I would have faced bankruptcy.

At all times, Murray protected my interests. He was easy to deal with and understands the fishing industry and difficulties faced by operators. I highly recommend Murray to any marine operator needing help on regulatory prosecutions or investigations.

– David Pidduck (January 2021)