Government & Public Law
Administrative law concerns the exercise of government decision-making power. A useful assessment identifies the decision-maker, the decision, the reasons given and the legal mechanism available to challenge or revisit it.
General information only — not legal advice. This Australian overview is not a statement of every state or territory’s law. Check the jurisdiction and current requirements with an appropriately qualified adviser.
Merits review, judicial review, internal review and a complaint to an ombudsman are different processes. They do not offer the same remedies, and not every decision is reviewable in every forum. Start with the decision notice and seek advice about deadlines before choosing a pathway.
Organise the following material you already lawfully hold. This is a preparation list, not a complete evidentiary requirement. Ask the verified adviser what they need and how to send it securely.
Keep originals and dates intact. Use a short initial enquiry for a conflict and suitability check before sending sensitive documents.
Give the lawyer the complete decision, reasons, application material and date of receipt. Ask whether the task concerns an internal review, tribunal process, complaint or court question. The initial opinion should identify the decision-maker, possible route and missing material without treating every government decision alike.
Merits review and judicial review examine different questions. A complaint about service quality can also be separate. Ask which route is being assessed rather than assuming a general appeal label describes it accurately.
Is the issue the merits of the decision, the legality of the process or administrative conduct, and which body can address it?
Ask the adviser to explain the assumptions behind the answer, any missing information and what would change the proposed next step. You can request an initial assessment without assuming that full representation is included.
Keep the full letter and ask for prompt advice from a practitioner or appropriate service. Record what information the agency has supplied. Do not infer that no review exists, or that there is unlimited time, from an unclear letter.
Compare the defined work and exclusions, not just the initial price. Ask about GST, third-party expenses, later stages and what happens if the scope changes. Our legal fees guide explains useful questions, and the comparison worksheet helps record proposals.
For a related legal task, read human rights & discrimination. Use both sets of preparation questions if your enquiry spans the two tasks.
Define the work before comparing the fee
Start with the complete decision or notice rather than a general account of dealings with an agency. The issuing body, the type of decision and stated review information help an adviser identify the question to assess.
Mention connected issues when you enquire. One engagement may not cover every part of your situation.
Use these primary resources for background and current pathways. A state-specific resource is an example for that jurisdiction, not a rule for all Australia. Broad regulator and tribunal links do not establish your eligibility or a legal entitlement.
Specified Commonwealth decisions; not all decisions are reviewable by the ART.
Federal Court jurisdictions and procedure; not all disputes belong in this court.
Our document lists, questions and examples are original editorial preparation prompts. Follow the relevant authority for current requirements and seek individual advice before acting.
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