Postgraduate Applied Law Program

Government and Public Sector Law

LLM (Applied Law) majoring in Government and Public Sector Law
Graduate Diploma of Applied Law (Government and Public Sector Law)

Shape public policy & regulatory frameworks to serve public interest

Government and public sector lawyers are crucial to the functioning of good government. Responsibilities range from investigations and enforcement to drafting policy. In these roles, you may encounter ethical or constitutional issues, which you will learn to identify and address to serve the greater public interest.

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Highly

Highly practical

You'll work on practical tasks and real-life scenarios that you're likely to encounter in practice.

Online

Online learning

Our online delivery mode gives you true flexibility. Study from anywhere at your own pace, while working full time.

Expand

Expand your skillset

Deepen your knowledge in your current specialisation area or explore a new one by choosing from 11 areas of specialisation.

Backed

Backed by the profession

Our Advisory Board includes senior lawyers, judges and general counsel from major organisations and law firms.

Hurry, only 4 intakes per year!

Next intake starts 13 May 2024

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What subjects can I choose from?

GOV1

Foundations of Government and Public Sector Law

The role of government/public sector lawyers is unique. In order to provide legal services in a government/public sector setting, you will need to be familiar with the application of particular laws in a given context and to be aware of, understand and factor in, a whole overlay of government/public sector issues. Whether you are dealing with a purely “administrative law” issue, or an issue relating to government/public sector service delivery, or a commercial, or quasi-commercial, transaction involving a government/public sector agency, there will almost always be some unique government/public sector-related issues that will require your consideration, advice and action. The purpose of this subject is to ensure that you are able, in any given situation, to identify relevant government/public sector issues and that you are able to deal with them or, where necessary, refer them to the appropriate specialists. The subject focuses on the practical operation of government/public sector law rather than the particular laws which might apply in a particular context.

Topics

  • The role and professional responsibilities of government/public sector lawyers
  • Distinguishing between policy development and legal advice
  • Dealing with parliamentary process and statutory interpretation
  • Drafting issues for the government/public sector lawyer
  • Public access to information held by government/public sector agencies
  • Managing public sector records
  • Understanding administrative law and accountability
  • Understanding contracts, procurement and financial accountability

GOV2

Privacy and Information Management

This subject focuses on privacy and information management issues that arise in government legal professional practice. The subject takes a holistic approach to the topics of privacy, confidentiality and freedom of information within the context of national (Commonwealth and state/territorial jurisdictions) and international contexts. The subject includes critical exploration of current and emergent issues in privacy and information law and practice, including media, social media, big data, open data and cloud data management.

Topics

  • Introduction to privacy
  • The legislative regime
  • Guidelines & enforcement/sanction issues Confidentiality
  • Confidentiality
  • Public access to information held by government/public sector agencies
  • Security of personal information, breaches and stakeholders
  • Inter-jurisdictional and data sharing considerations

GOV3

Legislation and its Interpretation

The ability to find relevant legislation and interpret it is an essential skill for every lawyer. This practice-based subject advances on the key knowledge and skill required when interpreting and drafting statutory provisions.

Topics

  • Introduction to statutes
  • Statutes fundamentals
  • Commencement and enforceability
  • Impact of legislation
  • Validity
  • Rules of statutory interpretation
  • Strategic application of statutory interpretation rules

GOV4

Contracting, Procurement and Probity

This practice-based subject advances on your foundational knowledge about government and public sector by focusing on the areas of contracting, procurement and probity. The subject will cover power of contract and the role of the lawyer, procurement, tendering and contracting processes, types of contracts, award and management of contracts, probity and accountability, and relevant complaints and litigation processes.

Topics

  • Identity of government
  • Procurement
  • The tendering and contract process
  • Types of contracts
  • Award and management of contracts
  • Probity and accountability
  • Procurement and bid challenges

GOV00

Capstone Project (Government & Public Sector Law)

The Capstone Project is taken as your final subject, as a culmination of the knowledge and skills attained throughout your major. It will allow you to demonstrate your skills in a specialist practice area using real-life scenarios and case studies.

Throughout the intake, you will receive individualised feedback from your lecturer and will also have access to a rich array of skills modules that include guides, samples, and practice exercises for honing your legal skills.

The highlight of the Capstone Project is the final task, where you will prepare a Final Portfolio that demonstrates your legal writing, research, and oral skills.

Topics

  • Four short answer questions
  • Two legal writing samples
  • Oral communication (e.g. client interview) assessment held through online conferencing
  • Reflective analysis of oral communication

The fee per subject in 2021 is $3,450 (no GST applies). However, our fees are reviewed annually and may vary during your enrolment.

Start with a Graduate Diploma of Applied Law (Government & Public Sector Law)

You will complete the following 4 subjects: GOV1, GOV2, GOV3 and GOV4.

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World class teaching team

Scott Alden

Partner, Holding Redlich

Scott advises private and public sector clients on major projects, including WestConnex and Flinders Port. Scott has specific expertise in government infrastructure projects, general contractual and legislative advice and the tendering process (at all levels of government).

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Scott-Alden

Lyn Nicholson

General Counsel

Lyn Nicholson is a General Counsel in the Corporate & Commercial group of Holding Redlich with a broad wealth of corporate and commercial experience. Lyn has significant expertise advising on complex corporate transactions. Lyn’s experience includes developing and implementing privacy and information security policies and negotiating contracts for the exploitation of information assets. 

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Lyn

Why choose government law?

“One of the best decisions I ever made was to work for an independent government agency! I would highly recommend the public service if you’re passionate about making a difference. While bound by some external parameters, enforcement work is highly strategic and creative. ACCC investigations involve industry research and engagement to understand the factors affecting different markets. There’s a constant interplay between law and economics, as well as other areas such as marketing, management, media and public policy"
Grace Mickle, ASIC enforcement lawyer, formerly ACCC investigator

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