Government Dispute Resolution

We have significant experience in contractual, commercial and administrative law disputes, public inquiries and investigations, and are recognised as a leading provider for government in dispute resolution advice and litigation.

We represent government agencies and delegates before a range of courts and tribunals, review boards, inquiries and inquests, including the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Federal Magistrates Court, Federal Court, Full Federal Court, High Court, State and Territory courts and tribunals, Fair Work Australia, Australian Human Rights Commission, Migration Review Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal.

Our focus is to help our government clients avoid disputes wherever possible, but acknowledge that disputes are an inevitable part of government business. When disputes arise we apply risk minimisation management techniques and offer strategic advice to reduce the risk of litigation. Our skills in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been widely recognised by agencies, which have used our ADR workshop series to better understand the dispute resolution process.

We understand and rigorously comply with the Commonwealth litigation framework established under the Judiciary Act 1903 and the Legal Services Directions 2005 (including the Model Litigant Policy), Court and Tribunal Rules and procedures and specific portfolio legislation. We regularly liaise with the Office of Legal Services Coordination (OLSC). We apply the relevant model litigant guidelines when we act for state and territory governments.