We work closely with departments, agencies and Parliamentary Counsel on drafting, implementing and interpreting legislation, legislative instruments, guidelines and statutory rules.
We can provide your department or agency with the urgent, practical advice you need. Our whole of government perspective means we can provide holistic advice, identifying and balancing risks and recommending practical solutions.
Legislative development
The VGSO can help you turn policy intent into drafted, implemented law. We are experts at developing high quality legislative instruments, guidelines or statutory rules that best achieve your policy objectives. We work closely with the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Crown Counsel and the Solicitor-General.
Our services include:
- preparing drafting instructions, explanatory memoranda and Charter statements for the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel
- reviewing existing legislation and advising on options to address deficiencies, implement priorities and achieve government objectives
- drafting regulations, Orders in Council, proclamations, Ministerial Orders, and other legislative instruments such as Codes of Practice, guidelines, policies and directions
- preparing regulatory impact statements and liaising with Better Regulation Victoria about consultation requirements
- managing the passage of legislation including identifying and mitigating risk
Statutory interpretation
Our solicitors have a wealth of experience in complex statutory interpretation. We combine deep organisational knowledge with an unparalleled understanding of the Victorian legal and political context. This means we can identify issues in a timely manner and deliver practical advice to manage associated risks, and work with you to set strategies and policy positions. We can also advise and act in disputes where statutory interpretation questions arise - from first instance decision making to Tribunals, superior courts and appeals.
We can provide statutory interpretation advice in all key areas of government including:
- land, planning and environmental law
- human rights and discrimination
- employment, industrial relations and occupational health and safety
- policing and emergency management
- privacy, technology and access to information
- licensing, enforcement and other regulatory regimes
- administrative decision making
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