Matthew Bate is a senior commercial and contracts leader with almost 20 years of experience across major infrastructure projects in Australia and the United Kingdom. He has worked across Tier 1 contractor, consultancy and client-side environments, with particular experience in major rail and high-speed rail programmes, complex contractual arrangements, commercial strategy, change management, procurement, cost management and dispute resolution.
Matthew’s international rail experience includes High Speed Two (HS2) in the United Kingdom, where he held a senior commercial role with STRABAG across the £1.2 billion Track Systems Alliance and the £3.9 billion Main Works Civil Contracts. His responsibilities included commercial management of major elements of the programme, including the Euston Cavern and lead designer contract, together with contract strategy, change and risk management, procurement, forecasting and the development and negotiation of complex high-value contracts.
In Australia, Matthew’s rail experience includes Sydney Metro Systems Connect, where he led a commercial team responsible for more than $450 million of scope across logistics, design, testing and commissioning associated with the new metro rail systems. Earlier in his career, he worked on the Epping to Thornleigh Third Track Alliance and was seconded into a client-side role on the South Sydney Freight Line, providing him with experience across contractor and client perspectives within major rail delivery environments.
Matthew also has experience in construction claims and dispute consultancy, including forensic delay and disruption analysis, extension of time claims and programming analysis across Australia, Asia and the Middle East. He holds a Juris Doctor from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from the University of Newcastle, combining legal, commercial and practical construction experience in his approach to major infrastructure delivery.
