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Tom Young

Tom Young is a corporate partner based in Brisbane focusing on aviation and transport, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure and real estate.

He brings significant experience to government and private sector related areas of law, working with airports and leading airlines, rail and ports in relation to the operation of airports, regulatory and real estate matters, airport privatisations and commercial partnerships.

He is also an experienced professional in the legal framework that governs the usage of drones by the aviation, rail, mining, agricultural and commercial industries and regularly presents to Government, mining companies and other lawyers in relation to the commercial application of drones and various regulatory and contract issues associated with them.

Tom also has an in-depth understanding of Queensland, Australian and Asia Pacific tourism industries. In the hospitality industry, Tom is a national recognised expert in resort and hotel accommodation, liquor and gaming, and acts in the development and acquisition of major hotels and resorts.

Tom has a keen focus in supporting indigenous initiatives spanning over the tourism and property sectors. He has actively participated and provided pro bono support to Queensland Tourism Industry Council for the Year of Indigenous Tourism, First Nations Tourism Consultation and the Champions Network. He is also actively involved in numerous pro bono property and leasing ventures.

He has over 30 years' experience in commercial property law spanning development and approvals, acquisitions, due diligence investigations to industrial and retail leasing matters with extensive experience in negotiating major leasing deals.

Tom has a keen interest in the health and life science sector and has applied his expertise to a wide range of transactions from real estate and operational aspects of health facilities, through to medical innovation, research and regulatory advice.

Prior to joining K&L Gates, Tom worked as a partner for 18 years at an international law firm based in Brisbane.

  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for Real Property Law, 2019-2025
  • Recognised by Chambers Asia-Pacific for Aviation in Australia, 2021-2024
  • Recognised by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific as a Recommended Lawyer for Transport: Aviation in Australia, 2012-2015, 2017-2018, 2020, 2024

"At the helm is Tom Young, who ‘has a strong understanding of the drivers for operators within the tourism industry."

"The teams’ knowledge of the tourism industry separates them from other legal firms. They have unique understanding of the industry and challenges facing operators in our market."

"The team has developed an excellent understanding of the industry over the years that has helped our business."

  • Recognised by Who's Who Legal for Hospitality in Australia, 2023
  • Recognised as the winner of the Client Choice Awards for International for Leisure & Tourism in Australia, 2013
  • Deputy Chair and Board Director, Board of Tourism Whitsundays
  • Proxy Directorship, Outback Tourism
Additional Thought Leadership Pages
Additional News & Event Pages
  • Quoted, "Call to channel Expo vibe to create 24/3 precincts", News Reel, 11 Oct 2024
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