Search

Quality and consistency through collaboration

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.

Icon
26 February 2025 | Case note: 'ATT' and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Freedom of Information)

Focus exemption: Section 45 of the FOI Act (material obtained in confidence). This recent decision provides a practical example of the various factors that a decision-maker needs to consider when applying s 45.
Icon
25 February 2025 | Case note: 'ATY' and Department of Home Affairs (Freedom of Information)

Focus exemption: Section 37(2)(b) applies to material that if disclosed, would, or could, reasonably be expected to prejudice law enforcement methods and procedures.
Icon
24 February 2025 | Getting the scope right on your FOI request

A well-defined scope makes FOI processing more efficient for both agencies and applicants.
Icon
14 February 2025 | It's time to treat (almost) every procurement as a procurement of AI

With the spread of AI, agencies urgently need to take these actions.
Icon
16 December 2024 | Preparing for change - Update on amendments to the Return to Work Act Scheme

The proposed RTW Amendment Act has now passed in both houses and commenced on and from 1 December 2024. Read about the most significant changes
Icon
26 September 2024 | Major changes on the horizon: Privacy Act reform signals more changes to come

The highly anticipated Privacy Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament on 12 September. What is included, what will these amendments mean, and what's still to come?
Icon
24 September 2024 | The impact of AI on contracts and procurement

As the use of AI continues to increase in prevalence, it will have a significant impact on government agencies' approach to contract management and procurement.
Icon
20 September 2024 | Revisting the concept of 'relocation' under the Just Terms Act

Claims for 'relocation' following the acquisition of leasehold interests often give rise to vexing issues.
Icon
19 September 2024 | Sparke Helmore opens a Cairns office headed up by new lateral partner hire, Vanessa Maruna

We are pleased to welcome Vanessa and her team to Sparke Helmore, joining our Planning Environment & Local Government group.
Icon
2 September 2024 | Sparke Helmore welcomes Special Counsel, Nick Ferguson

Nick Ferguson has joined the firm's Planning, Environment & Local Government team.

Contact

Ben Dubé
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
vCard icon Mail icon
Paul Tobin
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
vCard icon Mail icon
Media room