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Government

Holding Redlich has a history of advising and acting for departments, agencies and councils across the three tiers of Government – Federal, State and local.

Government

We have a proven track record of providing effective, responsive and reliable services to the public sector.

Expertise

Holding Redlich considers that an expert, independent, and well-resourced public service is essential for good government, and we work with our public sector clients to assist them to achieve positive outcomes in the public interest.

Understanding government

Our deep understanding of government is fostered from our experience acting for all levels of government through our appointment to the Whole of Australian Government legal services panel; our position on the legal panels of the New South Wales Government, Victorian Government and Queensland Government; and advising more than 60 local councils across Australia.

We know that to properly understand the challenges in providing legal advice to government, a firm needs to possess a breadth of experience drawn from working internally for government and also externally for consumers of government services. Many of our lawyers have worked in senior positions in government, served on government owned or associated bodies and boards, have government experience gained from secondments, or have a long experience in acting for government.

This experience helps us to understand the unique challenges of the public sector, including the financial, ethical, legislative and policy frameworks within which government operates. We also understand that the legal position on any issue is only one part of the wider picture, as government manages a range of stakeholder interests.

Ability to assist government

Our National Government Law Practice fosters deeply interactive relationships with our government clients, delivering expert legal services and advice that addresses the above key factors. We develop strategies to appropriately manage the considerations and risks of matters, and at all times ensure our clients are protected and their reputation is maintained.

Holding Redlich is experienced in handling difficult and complex legal issues for government across the full spectrum, including:

  • statutory interpretation 
  • public law matters, including administrative law, privacy and freedom of information
  • merits review and Federal and Supreme Court judicial review proceedings
  • royal commissions, inquiries, investigations and independent reviews
  • significant and/or sensitive property transactions
  • disputes and contentious transactions
  • public sector employment, industrial relations and workplace health and safety
  • probity and procurement.

We act for a range of government entities and stakeholders, including departments, agencies, government-owned corporations, statutory authorities and ministers.

We are also actively involved in and support the Institute of Public Administration Australia.

Recent Posts

25 September 2026 - Knowledge

NSW Government Bulletin: As AI use grows, are your governance frameworks keeping pace?

#New South Wales Government, #Government, #Governance, #Data & Privacy

AI use across the NSW Government is expanding quickly. To best leverage the technology while maintaining public trust, agencies should pair innovation with practical governance, clear accountability, risk-based assurance and transparent record-keeping.

24 September 2026 - Knowledge

Fair Work Commission releases new AI guidance and warns against blind reliance on AI

#Workplace Relations & Safety, #Digital Economy, #Government

The Fair Work Commission’s new AI guidance, effective 20 October 2026, requires parties to disclose and verify generative AI use in Commission cases, while a recent adverse costs order highlights the risks of blind reliance on AI in Fair Work Commission proceedings.

24 September 2026 - In the News

Holding Redlich Partner Samantha Haddon named a finalist in the 2026 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards

#Australian Government, #Government

Holding Redlich is proud to share that Partner Samantha Haddon has been named a finalist in the 2026 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards for Mentor of the Year.

22 September 2026 - Knowledge

Is the National Trust principle history? How Victoria's planning reforms could change permit decision-making

#Planning, Environment & Sustainability, #Victorian Government, #Local Government, #Government

Victorian planning law has long limited decision-makers to matters relevant to planning control purposes, but changes under the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Act 2026 may broaden what must be considered, challenging the National Trust principle.

16 September 2026 - Knowledge

Privacy lessons for Victorian government agencies from the Bunnings decision

#Data & Privacy, #Victorian Government, #Government

The Bunnings facial recognition decision offers important lessons for Victorian government agencies that collect, use or disclose sensitive personal information.

08 September 2026 - Knowledge

When is an FOI processing estimate reasonable? Lessons from ‘BBP’ and DFAT

#Government, #Australian Government, #Administrative Law

The Information Commissioner’s decision in ‘BBP’ and DFAT [2026] AICmr 74 highlights that evidence matters more than page counts when justifying a processing estimate relied on to establish a practical refusal reason for a Freedom of Information request.

25 June 2026 - Media Release

Holding Redlich announces 17 promotions including three new partners

#Construction, Infrastructure & Projects, #Corporate & Commercial Law, #Dispute Resolution & Litigation, #Government, #Planning, Environment & Sustainability, #Property & Development, #Workplace Relations & Safety

Holding Redlich is pleased to announce the promotion of 17 lawyers across its national offices, including three senior lawyers to partnership. The promotions will take effect on 1 July 2026.

05 June 2026 - In the News

Holding Redlich Partner Elizabeth Carroll named Government Partner of the Year at 2026 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards

#Australian Government, #Government

Holding Redlich is proud to announce that ACT Managing Partner Elizabeth Carroll has been named Government Partner of the Year at the 2026 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards, recognising her expertise, outstanding leadership and commitment to delivering strong outcomes for government clients.

24 March 2026 - Knowledge

NSW Government Bulletin: What lies ahead for the public sector in 2026

#Government, #New South Wales Government

This year's annual NSW Government lawyers CLE series focused on the skills government lawyers need to prepare for the challenges in the year ahead. We revisit some of the key sessions from the series.

10 December 2025 - Knowledge

Managing psychosocial risks: A top priority for employers

#Government, #Workplace Relations & Safety

Failing to manage psychosocial hazards can expose employers to serious consequences, from legal liability and regulatory scrutiny to prosecution. This article examines what psychosocial hazards are and how employers can implement effective strategies to manage them.