Statements of reasons – how to make them effective and meet procedural fairness requirements

Overview

Many government decision-making/review regimes now require decision-makers to provide a Statement of Reasons to justify their decision, including the Judicial Review Act 1991 (Qld). Even if it is not formally mandated, a Statement of Reasons is widely accepted as a critical component of best practice decision-making.  It allows affected individuals to understand the rationale behind decisions and reinforces accountability, transparency and the defensibility of decision-making at all levels.

Government Decision-makers, particularly at senior levels, therefore need a strong understanding of the nuances of the preparation of Statements of Reasons, and the Courts' evolving expectations about their content. Our workshop will take you through these matters in a straightforward, real-world context, and will give you the opportunity to workshop any difficult issues you have encountered.

Who should attend?

Any government officers involved in decision-making processes. However, our workshop is particularly tailored for officers who prepare complex briefing notes or make complex decisions requiring the consideration of high-level Government policy issues at Executive and Senior levels, voluminous briefing packages and lengthy decision-making processes.

What we will cover

In this session, we will cover critical practical considerations in the preparation of advanced and complex Statements of Reasons, including:

  • The rules governing entitlement to a Statement of Reasons and the underlying rationale for giving reasons
  • Practical issues associated with Statements of Reasons - for example, time limits, mechanisms of refusal, requests for supplementation
  • Appropriately satisfying the requirements set out in the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
  • Articulating the underlying legal / policy bases of a decision the subject of a Statement of Reasons
  • Identifying and dealing with material questions of fact
  • Properly considering (and referencing) evidence
  • Dealing with confidential information
  • Demonstrating proper and genuine engagement with evidence and submissions
  • Fact-finding versus expressing opinions and dealing with high-level Government policy issues
  • Appeal rights.

What you will learn

Our workshop will equip you with a practical, real-world skillset to break down, in a straightforward way, complex and voluminous decision-making processes and prepare comprehensive and rational Statements of Reasons.

Our workshop will equip decision-makers with the ability to foresee and forestall potential areas of future challenge, avoid those pitfalls, and maximise the defensibility of their decisions – both when challenged externally through legal processes, and reviewed internally by Senior Officers, Ministers and Government.

Event Details

Dates: 19 March, 28 August

Time: 8.45am for 9.00am - 12.45pm

Venue:
Clayton Utz Brisbane

Cost: Inc GST
$844 per person
$760 per person if booking two weeks before the workshop
$717 per person if in a group of three or more

Further information:
Phone: 1800 882 110
Email [email protected]

To Register:

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What our clients say

Statements of reasons – how to make them effective and meet procedural fairness requirements

This was an excellent workshop. The content was highly relevant and well precented. It was a great balance of legal and practical training. Administration, venue and catering all excellent.

Liked the reference to previous court findings and other examples used to get learning across. Materials provided as a part of the course were good and useful.

Good opportunity to revisit the key elements and obtain some expert and detailed information.

Support when you need it most

As a participant of our program you'll have comfort in knowing that you can depend on us for ongoing support. Whether it be two weeks or two years after the workshop, you can call us at any time for a short, no-cost consultation.

Recommended CPD point allocation: 3 points  (excluding WA).
If this particular educational activity is relevant to your immediate or long term needs in relation to your professional development and practice of the law, then you should claim one CPD unit for each hour of attendance, refreshment breaks not included. Please contact your Professional Body for your state.