A Mallesons Stephen Jaques/Posman Kua Aisi team of 10 lawyers including Mallesons’ Chief Executive Partner, Robert Milliner, and Posman’s partner, Rio Fiocco, have just trekked the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. Posman Kua Aisi is Mallesons’ associated firm in PNG. The weary lawyers have just returned having completed the 100km trek in eight days, walking on average seven hours daily, over many steep climbs and descents.
The trek further cements the strong bond between Mallesons and Posman Kua Aisi, who have worked closely together since the mid 1980s. In 1995 the two firms established an "in association" relationship in response to client demand for increased local PNG capability.
The Mallesons and Posman Kua Aisi associated relationship means that lawyers normally share more than trekker’s muesli, noodles, or a freeze-dried meal. Generally the two firms collaborate on PNG-related financing, litigation and resources projects. They are currently working together on:
- a US$4 billion project involving the proposed building of a gas pipeline to connect southern PNG to Gladstone in Queensland
- advising the state-owned Chinese engineering and construction company China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation on the first major Chinese investment in PNG - a major mining and oil and gas project involving PNG companies Ramu Nickel Limited (a subsidiary of Highlands Pacific) and Mineral Resources Ramu Limited
- advising the PNG state-owned Mineral Resources Development Company Limited on general corporate issues.
The idea of a Mallesons/Posman Kua Aisi team walking the trail together was the inspiration of Paul Cargill, a partner in Mallesons’ Sydney office.
Walker, James Fahey, commented: “Normally Papua New Guineans walk the Kokoda Trail alone, as do Australians. This was a rare opportunity for Mallesons people to walk the trail with Papua New Guineans with whom Mallesons has a special relationship.
“Part of the reason I was keen to walk the trail was because of its historical significance to Australians. The trail forms the primary link between the northern and southern coasts of PNG and during the Second World War was the scene of fierce fighting between Australian and Japanese troops. The Diggers fought to prevent Japanese troops from reaching Port Moresby and launching an attack on Australia. Papuan carriers provided vital support to the Australians which enabled them to hold their line against the Japanese who withdrew down the trail.”