Administrative Law Practice is an eight week course, offered online only.  The course is available twice a year, usually between March - May and September - November.

The course introduces administrative law practice from both federal government agency and private client perspectives.  The course prepares you to advise and assist clients on administrative law matters and to obtain review of federal administrative decisions.  The focus is on:

• understanding the decision-making process pursuant to legislation and generally
• review of decisions within government agencies and by external tribunals
• preparation of review documents such as statements of reasons and of Tribunal documents such as facts and contentions
• the role of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, Privacy, Freedom of Information, Judicial v Merits Review and the use of archives
• drafting skills
• understanding accountability and ethical considerations in administrative law practice.

This course is based on Commonwealth Administration Law.

You will experience different perspectives of Administrative Law practice as you represent a government agency for part of the scenario and a private citizen in another part of the matter.  Legal practitioners must have an understanding of, and experience in, advising on administrative law matters for different clients and ‘opposing' sides.

At the conclusion of the course, you should:

• when acting for a government agency, understand the importance of:
• proper process
• compliance with legislative requirements
• the authority of the decision-maker to make the decision (under legislation, delegation etc)
• the relationship between the agency and Minister in administrative decision-making
• the proper conduct of internal review
• providing proper and well-reasoned statements of reasons to applicants
• being able to advise the agency on managing responses to private citizen / applicant actions in relation to:
• an FOI request to the agency;
• a complaint to the Ombudsman's Office;
• a request for reasons for decisions;
• defending an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, including drafting the required documents

and generally advise the client as required by law, good practice and the circumstances of the matter.

• when representing a private client, you will understand how to obtain information on, and administrative review of, agency decision-making to:
• make a valid FOI request;
• seek internal review using the proper process for the particular problem;
• understand the relevant legislative and regulatory framework;
• seek reasons for decisions, including a formal Statement of Reasons;
• lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman's office;
• critically analyse and assess all information provided by all parties;
• identify all alternative means of redress (which may be non-legal as well as legal);
• make an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT);
• conduct the matter before the AAT

and generally advise the client as required by law, good practice and the circumstances of the matter.

The Administrative Law course focuses on developing your legal practice skills in: 

• problem solving and analysis
• managing multiple pieces of legislation, policy documents and files
• communication - writing and drafting
• working co-operatively
• sharing ideas and knowledge
• reflective practice

Students have three (3) assessment exercises, worth 45%, 15% and 40% respectively.

Assessment 3 exercise is usually partnered work.  Paired students have their own online team room to exchanges ideas and work.

Hours required will depend on previous experience and/or knowledge.

You self pace your study to meet online course timelines and assessment deadlines within an 8 week intensive course.

If you intend using IT supplied by your employer, please be aware that you are likely to experience difficulties accessing key on-line resources due to firewall and security restrictions.

The computer you intend to use should meet the following minimum specifications.

Hardware

• CD ROM/ DVD Player
• Sound Card and speakers
• Video Card
• Modem
• Broadband (dial-up access is not recommended) access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• Printer

Software

• The recommended web browsers are Internet Explorer or Safari
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free download)
• Real Player (Free download)
• Microsoft Word

When Offered and Delivery Mode:  This online 8 week course is offered twice a year in the 2nd and 3rd teaching periods.

Classification in Graduate Studies Select:  Specialist. In addition an elective in the GDLP program, can be used as part of the articulation into the LLM and LLM (in practice) programs.