Expert Witness (Cladding) – Deakin University, Building BC
221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125 (2025 – present)

Proceeding: S ECI 2024/01176 – Deakin University v Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd & Ors.

​

Status: currently before the Supreme Court of Victoria – ongoing.

Tony’s role: expert witness for Deakin University (the owner), engaged and instructed by Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Description: The building comprises; three levels of basement car parking a mixed-use podium upper level, two levels for educational purposes and five further upper levels of offices (eleven levels in total). The combustible cladding is aluminium composite panels with a fire-retardant compound in their core (ACP FR). The ACP FR was installed as perforated screens around the car parking levels and as linings to mechanical shafts and a stair and lift core. It had been removed and replaced.

Tony was instructed to inspect the site and attend an expert conclave with the builder’s expert prior to expert reports being issued. The conclave occurred in January 2026 with a joint report issued soon after. The matter is ongoing.