location_on Sydney
Mathisha Panagoda
Partner
Mathisha joined Colin Biggers & Paisley's Insurance team in 2019 and became partner in 2023. Mathisha is passionate about the care economy and has extensive experience advising and acting for insurers and their insureds in the education, faith-based, not-for-profit, disability, aged and out of home care sectors.
Overview
Mathisha is known for the skilful and considered way in which he handles sensitive and complex matters for his clients ranging from claims of historic child sexual abuse to regulatory inquiries and Royal Commissions.
Mathisha's practice focuses on litigation, dispute resolution and managing end-to-end claims within a principled and outcome-focused framework. He also advises clients on strategic, governance, compliance and risk management issues, particularly in relation to child safety.
Mathisha has represented both plaintiff and defendant clients in unlitigated and litigated proceedings across all Australian jurisdictions, in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and across various inquiries and investigations including under the auspices of the Office of the Children's Guardian and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Alongside insurers, Mathisha's clients include service providers within the education (school and tertiary), disability (out-of-home care and supported employment), residential aged care, community services, faith-based and not-for-profit sectors. Mathisha has technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of legal developments and issues arising out of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He has assisted clients in related criminal proceedings, disciplinary hearings, the National Redress Scheme, inquiries and in reviewing and implementing policies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
His early experience acting for plaintiffs in institutional liability matters, motor vehicle accidents, medical negligence, workers' compensation and public liability claims over many years has informed his effective approach, responsiveness and strategy representing institutions and insurers. With a reputation for managing complex and sensitive claims in a principled and practical way, Mathisha has forged strong relationships with his clients to achieve a sound understanding of their values and desired claims strategies.
In 2023, Mathisha was listed in the Best Lawyers in Australia in the inaugural Ones to Watch category for Insurance Law. In 2024 and 2025, Mathisha was a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards (New Partner - Big Law).
Mathisha has a keen interest in not-for-profit governance having been a board director of various not for profit organisations since 2015. He is currently a non-executive director of Gondwana Choirs, Australia's national children's choir.
Mathisha holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Laws and was admitted to practice on 5 April 2013. In addition to his legal qualifications, Mathisha holds a Bachelor of Music (Hons), and is an accomplished cellist having toured and performed extensively throughout Australasia, Europe and North America.
