John Harris
Partner

Solicitor of Supreme Court of Queensland (1972)

After 30 years as a commercial lawyer and community activist, John has a perspective unique in Cairns. His breadth of experience flavours his ability to come to grips with issues quickly and to make strong and commercial decisions and recommendations. John has significant expertise in process and protocols, and has enabled him to establish enduring relationships with key Cairns figures across the board.

John practises in commercial law, dealing in commercial transactions, property development, foreign investment, tourism and business advice. John is also closely associated with the development of the licensing of the commercial fishing industry and represents fishing clients across Australia and overseas.

John’s passion for Cairns and its sustainable economic development is reflected in his role in various local organisations. John was an inaugural member of the Management Committee of FNQ Network, an industry based organisation with focus on the economic development of Far North Queensland (subsequently CREDC).

He established, as inaugural Chairman, the Northern Development Industry Association, and as a result, sat on the Regional Tourism Council in implementation of the Cairns Region Tourism Strategy.

He followed this initiative with 7 years on the board of the Cairns Port Authority, where he held the position of Deputy Chairman from 1997 to 2001.

John is a founding director of Cairns IU Pty Ltd, a company committed to establishing a private international university in Cairns.

Apart from fishing, John’s particular field of expertise is in major projects. He has been involved in significant joint venture transactions and major developments.

Away from work, John's principal life-time interest has been surf life saving. He is a life member at Club, North Queensland, and Queensland levels. He is a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board in Cairns.

Contact: service@millerharris.com.au