Administrative law

Crown Law’s administrative law experts have extensive experience in the application and operation of administrative law in the public sector, particularly the Judicial Review Act 1991 and the Right to Information Act 2009. We are one of the lead agencies in providing advice to government departments on that legislation.

Coupled with a detailed understanding of the operation of government, the breadth of experience allows Crown Law to provide responsive and practical advice on a broad range of administrative law issues including:

  • advice and representation in matters involving the Judicial Review Act 1991
  • advice and representation in matters involving the Right to Information Act 2009
  • administrative law appeals and reviews, including appeals before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)
  • statutory interpretation and preparing new legislation
  • sound decision-making and statements of reasons.
  • Advice to, and acting for, ministers concerning their decisions under resource legislation, including for the Alpha Coal Mine in the Galilee Basin and water prices
  • Advices for Cabinet on new legislation, including rights to challenge decisions on administrative law grounds
  • Advices on proposed national law schemes, on regulation of the maritime industry, rail safety and heavy vehicles
  • Administrative law proceedings in the High Court, including Maloney v Queensland Police Service (alcohol management plans) (2012), Wright and Bright v Minister (renewal of mining lease) (2013), Nona v Barnes (Coroner’s powers) (2013)
  • Assisting in the provision of advice to the Queensland Parole Board, Queensland Corrective Services and the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice over many years regarding matters relating to the management and applications for release of prisoners, including high-profile and high-risk offenders
  • Conducting interventions on behalf of the Attorney-General in proceedings under the Judicial Review Act 1991 and Coroners Act 2003 in matters such as the inquest into the death of Mulrunji Doomadgee on Palm Island
  • Acting for the Minister for Mines and Energy in relation to a challenge by electricity retailers to the decision of the Queensland Competition Authority in relation to Queensland’s electricity prices
  • Providing advice on amendments to the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 to increase flexibility for the management of offenders and enhance the ability of the court to make indefinite sentence orders
  • Advising on governance issues relating to Government Owned Corporations, including shareholder rights and advising about options for establishing and structuring new Government controlled entities, including companies and statutory bodies.