In representing the nation’s interests, government departments and agencies face the constant expectation that in policy making, regulation and service provision, they are “the best in class.”

We help meet that expectation through offering full legal services to government across all sectors. 

Benefit from our understanding of the machinery of government and political decision-making. Members of our team have worked in-house for the Attorney-General’s Department (Cth), the Australian Taxation Office, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. 

Our services have been endorsed through our appointment to the Commonwealth government’s Legal Services Multi-Use List and to a number of state and local government legal panels.

More recently we have driven legal solutions and results for government agencies at local, state and commonwealth levels on: large-scale infrastructure projects; public private partnerships; complex commercial property transactions; developing procurement frameworks; major ICT procurements; compulsory land acquisition, land development, and planning and environment law; work, health and safety requirements; and dispute resolution.

From the early stages of policy development through to the effective delivery of outcomes, required procurements, and defending the decisions made in the process, we are ready to provide practical solutions, go the extra mile and retain a strong focus on budget control.

In acting for government agencies as plaintiff or defendant in tribunals, state and federal courts, our litigators are tenacious. They are experienced in resolving a range of commercial and public law disputes.

For companies partnering with a government agency or seeking to become a major supplier, our team understands the strict probity and negotiation processes, and are ready to protect your commercial and reputational position on entering any agreements.

Where you are planning to conduct business with an overseas government, rely on us to represent your interests through our access to government teams in our offices around the globe.

Our thorough understanding of the policy, regulatory, commercial and strategic needs of government brings our ability to deliver “best in class” legal solutions.

Insights

State significant development - off site impacts

November 29, 2024

Australia: State significant development applications often rely on off site works (such as road works or energy infrastructure). Recent amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act enable the Planning Secretary to exclude some offsite development, so that it does not form part of the proposal.

AI and the Australian Consumer Law – AI product liability reform proposed

October 21, 2024

Australia: The Australian Government has just released a discussion paper inviting consultation on issues relating to the application of the Australian Consumer Law to AI-enabled goods and services. Following similar action in a number of overseas jurisdictions, the application of existing product liability laws to AI products is being explored.

Section 4.15 mandatory considerations of climate change

October 1, 2024

Australia: The recent Land and Environment Court of NSW decision of Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc v MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd [2024] NSWLEC 86, concerned the judicial review of a decision of the Independent Planning Commission of NSW (Commission) to grant development consent to extend the life of the Mount Pleasant Coal Mine. In his decision, his Honour Justice Robson confirmed the Court’s position regarding the Commission’s functions and the statutory provisions that govern the performance of those functions and the exercise of its relevant powers – in the context of climate change and the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.

View all insights for Government in Australia