QUEENSLAND
joseph wheeler
Brisbane Candidate
A Strong Legal Career and Advocacy for Pilots
Joseph Wheeler is running as a candidate for Gerard Rennick People First because he believes in advocating for the rights of everyday Australians and ensuring that our nation’s legal and policy frameworks are just, transparent, and forward-thinking.
Joseph is a highly qualified lawyer with a passion for aviation law and public safety. With degrees in Law and Psychology and specialized qualifications in Air and Space Law, he founded the International Aerospace Law & Policy Group (IALPG) in 2015. His firm focuses on advocating for pilots, passengers, and families affected by air disasters, as well as providing expert legal advice in the growing drone and space industries.
Global Expertise and Achievements
As Principal and Legal Practice Director at IALPG, Joseph’s work has shaped national and international aviation law. His expertise has seen him appointed to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Task Forces, and he has worked with prominent international firms in New York and Los Angeles. He is an advocate for pilots’ rights, having represented the international airline pilot community at global forums and contributed to high-profile cases like the Malaysia Airlines MH370 and MH17 disasters.
Commitment to Safety, Justice, and Reform
Joseph’s career has also involved roles that advance the public interest. As a past Vice Chair of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), he has worked on international regulatory issues like flags of convenience and unruly passengers. His work with the Australian Government and national law firms reflects his dedication to enhancing safety standards for all airspace users.
A Voice for All Australians
Beyond his legal expertise, Joseph has contributed to public discussions through media commentary and articles on topics ranging from aviation safety to international law. His dedication to improving legal systems and ensuring fairness in complex industries is why he is standing as a candidate for Gerard Rennick People First.
Joseph’s deep understanding of law, international relations, and policy reform makes him the ideal candidate to bring positive change to the Australian legal and political landscape.
Professional History
Principal Solicitor and Legal Practice Director, International Aerospace Law & Policy Group (IALPG)
2015 – to date
Areas of practise:
- Aviation compensation claims, Australia and overseas with foreign counsel
- Administrative law claims for pilots
- Australian civil aviation legal advice for fixed wing and rotary operators
- Australian civil aviation legal advice for RPAS operators
Shine Lawyers, Senior Solicitor
2013 – 2015
Areas of practise:
- Aviation compensation claims, Australia and overseas with foreign counsel
- Administrative law claims for pilots
- Business development for aviation
Assistant Director in the Airports Branch of the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure
2011 – 2013
Projects and responsibilities:
- Policy advice on the airport planning and development oversight for Victorian and Tasmanian federally leased airports
- Airport economic regulation policy more broadly for federally leased airports.
Achievements
- Past Vice Chair of the Legal Committee of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA;
- Appointed to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Task Forces on topics as diverse as flags of convenience and assisted in negotiating the Manual on the Legal Aspects of Unruly and Disruptive Passengers (UCAO Doc 10117);
- Represented the international airline pilot community at other international forums including the ICAO Legal Committee;
- Aviation Legal Counsel for the Australian Federation of Air Pilots;
- Set up the aviation practices of national law firms including Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and Shine Lawyers to pursue serious accident litigation for claimants worldwide with a portfolio of accident work managing claims like Malaysia Airlines MH370, Malaysia Airlines MH17, flydubai FZ981 and more; and
- Wrote numerous opinion pieces on aviation and aviation law for Australian and other publications.
Qualifications
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws), UWA
- BA (Psy), (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), UWA
- GDLP (Qld), (Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice), Queensland
- GCert Air & Space Law, (Graduate Certificate in Air and Space Law), McGill University, Montreal Canada
- Admitted to Supreme Court of Queensland
- Admitted to High Court of Australia
- Admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
- Elected Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, London
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