Regulatory
We work alongside local government and other public sector teams to support efficient, consistent and robust decision making and actions.
Local governments and other public sector entities tasked with making decisions in the public interest are subject to intense scrutiny. Increasing commercial, competition and value-for-money expectations around investments and transactions by public sector entities add to these pressures.
We have four decades of experience assisting local government through key transition periods and reform agendas, including inhouse experience in senior roles with Queensland Government agencies and in local government. We have deep knowledge of local political and economic drivers. Our practice supports local governments and public sector entities to manage risk, exercise sound administrative decision-making, meet their statutory obligations and deliver services and projects.
We deliver practical knowledge and skills training to assist government officers, systems and policies stay up to date as legislation changes and new issues emerge. We are also highly experienced in assisting corporate clients navigate regulatory requirements and licensing and approval regimes, and in working with regulators.
Specific services
Statutory drafting
We work with local government to develop high quality, effective and consistent local laws and statutory instruments. We apply our extensive skills in statutory interpretation, insight into practical issues facing officers in discharging their regulatory functions and experience advising local government on administrative decision-making and in court appeals and applications.
Reviews and appeals
We have an exceptional track record in acting for government clients across the range of review and appeal proceedings, including in QCAT, the Planning and Environment Court and the Court of Appeal, with a focus on resolution in the public interest.
Judicial review
We have long-standing experience in relation to judicial review, advising our government clients on the lawfulness of their decisions and defending administrative decision-making, applying our significant legal expertise in assessment of evidence and demonstrating how government decisions have been made.
Compliance and enforcement
We are adept at assisting public sector authorities at all points in exercising their compliance function, ranging from evidence gathering and assessment, identifying the appropriate course of action, drafting of statutory notices and acting in enforcement proceedings and prosecutions, to achieve the desired regulatory outcome.
Regulatory compliance systems
We work with government teams to develop user-friendly regulatory compliance systems that enable our clients to manage risk, streamline processes, meet their statutory obligations, document decision-making and communicate outcomes.
Knowledge and skills training
Issues challenging governments are constantly evolving. To help clients keep up to date, we deliver practical knowledge and skills training on legal issues, legislative changes, systems and policy matters to help our government clients serve their communities and stakeholders.
Liquor licensing
We have long standing experience in the highly regulated liquor supply space and are responsible for securing liquor licences for a national operator for all sites throughout Queensland. We are also experienced in liquor licensing in airports and licensing arrangements for entertainment and special events. Drawing on our public sector insight as to assessment and decision-making processes and constraints, we ensure we present pertinent, responsive information to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Reuglation to achieve timely approval outcomes for business.
Key contacts
We work to build authentic relationships where our experience and dynamic counsel combine to deliver invaluable insights that drive your success.
Local government Legal Services Branch leader
The time taken to understand our corporate structure, information management systems, internal protocols and policy settings has been of significant benefit to us… it is an attitude and enthusiasm which is unique to this firm.
South East Queensland local government executive
Carolyn proactively initiates proposals for cost reduction and identifies appropriate benchmarks to ensure value for money and measure efficiency. She also routinely publishes fresh and topical updates on major cases, legislative changes and areas of interest to local government.
COUNCIL LEGAL SERVICES BRANCH
When urgent and challenging issues arise, which they regularly do in local government, I know that I can rely on the team to identify a clear path forward which protects Council’s interest while delivering the best outcome in the public interest.
Local Government City Solicitor
Insights
Leading expertise, nationally recognised
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Contact our Regulatory experts
Our experienced team is here to help you navigate through any challenge with confidence and expertise. Contact us now for a consultation.