Government Matters

Government Matters - banner

Welcome to Government Matters, your online resource for all things relevant across all levels of government – Commonwealth, state and territory, and local government.

On this page you will find our latest thinking in the form of alerts, publications, articles and opinions. With our insights all in the one place, we aim to make it as easy as possible to find what you are looking for to support you in the work you do every day.

76 articles available. Showing 1 - 10.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 NextLast

page:

8 July 2026 | Disallowance of Model Code of Meeting Practice

In a somewhat unusual turn of events, the 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice for councils in NSW was recently disallowed by the NSW Legislative Council.

8 July 2026 | Can a DCP be considered when determining desired future character?

This matter involved a Class 1 appeal against Mosman Council's deemed refusal of a development application.

29 June 2026 | Guidance on what will constitute personal information for the purposes of s 47F in the FOI Act

In this recent decision of the Freedom of Information Commissioner, the Commissioner provides useful guidance on personal privacy conditional exemption in s 47F of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth).

26 June 2026 | Case note: 'BAP' and Department of Veterans' Affairs (Freedom of information)

In this recent decision of the Freedom of Information Commissioner, the Commissioner examines the commercially valuable information exemption (s 47(1)(b)) and the personal privacy conditional exemption (s 47F) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth).

25 June 2026 | Your 'A to E' guide on disclosure log obligations under s 11C of the FOI Act

Every Australian government agency and minister that is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) must publish information that has been released in response to an FOI request, unless an exception applies. This publication is called a 'disclosure log'.

28 May 2026 | Australia's FOI system under review - Key findings from the Auditor-General

Results of an audit conducted by the Australian National Audit Office have found that the audited federal government departments' administration of the FOI Act were 'partly effective' in giving the community access to information.

16 April 2026 | Celebrating our Partner of the Year Finalists!

We are excited to announce that three of our Partners, Matt Ellis, Shannon Platt and Chantal Tipene, have been named finalists in this year's Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards.

24 February 2026 | Conclusion of Senate Inquiry into Quality of Higher Education Governance

The final report of the Senate Inquiry raises important issues around the proper role of universities, the duties of governing board members, employment compliance issues and interjurisdictional regulation.

20 February 2026 | ATEC: a steward for the sector

In this, the fourth article in our higher education reform series, we explore the purpose, structure and function of the ATEC through the draft legislation and its role as a fixture of the sector.

6 February 2026 | Higher education reform series

The governance of Australia's public universities has become a focal point for national debate, driven by concerns around transparency, accountability, and the balance of power within institutions. As universities navigate shifting funding models, heightened public scrutiny, and increasingly complex social expectations, longstanding governance structures will need to be reassessed to ensure they remain fit for purpose. The conversation is ultimately about how to preserve universities’ public mission while equipping them to operate effectively in a rapidly changing environment.

76 articles available. Showing 1 - 10.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 NextLast

page:

Search Government Matters articles

Contact

Ben Dubé
National Practice Group Leader
t: +61 7 3016 5008+61 7 3016 5008
m: +61 405 498 259+61 405 498 259
o: Brisbane

Paul Tobin
National Practice Group Leader
t: +61 2 4924 7345+61 2 4924 7345
m: +61 431 095 563+61 431 095 563
o: Newcastle

Media room