Administrative & Regulatory Law

Administrative and regulatory lawyers in Melbourne for government decisions, licensing, procedural fairness and review in Victoria.

If a department or regulator has refused, cancelled, suspended or conditioned a licence, accreditation or other permission, time limits often apply. Advice early in the process helps identify what is at risk and whether a review pathway exists.

Administrative law is concerned with whether public authorities exercise statutory powers lawfully. In practical terms, that means examining whether a decision was made within power, whether the decision-maker followed a fair process, and whether the outcome was based on relevant evidence and a proper reading of the legislation.

Merits review and judicial review are different pathways. One asks whether the decision was the correct or preferable one. The other asks whether the decision was made lawfully. Which is available depends on the statute and the decision.

We act for individuals, business owners, directors, professionals, police members and former police members, protective services officers, security licence holders, firearms licence holders, government employees, public-sector workers, professionals facing disciplinary action, and organisations interacting with regulators.

We examine the decision, the process used to reach it, the material relied upon and the review options that may be available. Where required, we prepare submissions and appear in tribunal proceedings or court reviews.

If you have received a decision from a government department, regulator or statutory authority, contact Octagon Legal to discuss your options and any applicable review rights.