Advanced Government Decision-Making

Government and Ministerial decision-making is becoming increasingly complex. Recent developments continue to highlight the complexity of administrative law principles and the liability issues relating to administrative decision-making.

This workshop examines the administrative processes that are essential in making good and robust decisions.

Who should attend

• Government lawyers
• Government decision-makers
• Anyone involved in providing advice or briefings to Ministers or senior officers. 

What we will cover

• The essential elements of a lawful decision-making process
• Establishing proper authority for the decision-making process
• Identifying, gathering and analysis of relevant evidence
• The difficulties arising from the receipt of confidential or informant information
• Legal advice and inadvertent waiver of legal privilege
• Ensuring procedural fairness
• The obligations imposed by the rules of natural justice and the development of practical procedures are to ensure compliance with those obligations
• Legal issues with respect to briefing notes
• Processes and drafting of statements of reasons
• Review and appeal processes
• Avoiding liability (eg. for negligence, misfeasance in public office).

What you will learn

• A deeper appreciation of the principles of administrative law and  good decision-making
• An understanding of how administrative decisions can be challenged
• A practical decision-making model which you can readily apply
• Practical skills in preparing statements of reasons.