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GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR LAW

GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR LAW

Hit your professional best with postgraduate study

A POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION IN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR LAW GIVES YOU AN EDGE

The College of Law helps you strengthen your understanding of government decision-making, statutory interpretation and administrative review. Your career is an opportunity to unlock your potential. Postgraduate study equips you with the practical skills to do it, helping you meet a version of yourself who can achieve things you could only imagine.

Advance your career with practical expertise in governance, public law and policy implementation. Study a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master of Laws that connects public sector law with applied skills in regulation and accountability.

Enhance your capability, expand your influence and advance your career in government or regulatory practice.

Scroll down to explore postgraduate programs in government and administrative law.

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INTAKE 1 STARTS 9 FEB 2026

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PROGRAM OPTIONS - GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR LAW

Graduate Certificate in Applied Law

2

Choose any two subjects across practice areas

A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)

$4,150 per subject - FEE-HELP

Approx 6 months
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Graduate Diploma of Applied Law (Government and Public Sector Law)

4

4 core subjects (GOV1, GOV2, GOV3, GOV4)

A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)

$4,150 per subject - FEE-HELP

1 year part-time
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Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Government and Public Sector Law

8

3 GOV subjects, 4 elective subjects or a second major and the Capstone project in Government and Public Sector Law

A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)

$4,150 per subject - FEE-HELP

2 years part-time
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OR START WITH A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

Take control of your career

If you decide later to progress towards a Masters, you’ll receive credit towards that award.

Learn more

GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR LAW SUBJECTS

GOV00 - Capstone Project (Government and Public Sector Law)

Intake 2, 4

The Capstone Project is taken as the final subject, as a culmination of the knowledge and skills attained throughout the major. It will allow students to demonstrate their skills in a specialist practice area using real-life scenarios and case studies.

 Throughout the intake, students will receive individualised feedback from their lecturer and will also have access to a rich array of skills modules that include guides, samples, and practice exercises for honing their legal skills. The highlight of the Capstone Project is the final task, where students will prepare a Final Portfolio that demonstrates their legal writing, research, and oral skills.

TOPICS

THE SUBJECT HAS FOUR COMPONENTS

  1. Four short answer questions
  2. Two legal writing samples
  3. Oral communication (e.g. client interview) assessment held through online conferencing
  4. Reflective analysis

GOV1 - Foundations of Government and Public Sector Law

Intake 1, 3
The role of government/public sector lawyers is unique. In order to provide legal services in a government/public sector setting, students will need to be familiar with the application of particular laws in a given context and to be aware of, understand and factor in, a whole overlay of government/public sector issues. Whether students are dealing with a purely “administrative law” issue, or an issue relating to government/public sector service delivery, or a commercial, or quasi-commercial, transaction involving a government/public sector agency, there will almost always be some unique government/public sector-related issues that will require their consideration, advice and action. The purpose of this subject is to ensure that students are able, in any given situation, to identify relevant government/public sector issues and that they are able to deal with them or, where necessary, refer them to the appropriate specialists. The subject focuses on the practical operation of government/public sector law rather than the particular laws which might apply in a particular context.

TOPICS

  • The role and professional responsibilities of government/public sector lawyers
  • Distinguishing between policy development and legal advice
  • Dealing with parliamentary process and statutory interpretation
  • Drafting issues for the government/public sector lawyer
  • Public access to information held by government/public sector agencies
  • Managing public sector records
  • Understanding administrative law and accountability
  • Understanding contracts, procurement and financial accountability

GOV2 - Privacy and Information Management

Intake 2, 4
This subject focuses on privacy and information management issues that arise in government legal professional practice. The subject takes a holistic approach to the topics of privacy, confidentiality and freedom of information within the context of national (Commonwealth and state/territorial jurisdictions) and international contexts. The subject includes critical exploration of current and emergent issues in privacy and information law and practice, including media, social media, big data, open data and cloud data management.

TOPICS

  • Introduction to privacy
  • The legislative regime
  • Guidelines and enforcement/sanction issues
  • Confidentiality
  • Public access to information held by government/public sector agencies
  • Security of personal information, breaches and stakeholders
  • Inter-jurisdictional and data sharing considerations

GOV3 - Legislation and its Interpretation

Intake 3
The ability to find relevant legislation and interpret it is an essential skill for every lawyer. This practice-based subject advances on the key knowledge and skill required when interpreting and drafting statutory provisions.

TOPICS

  • Introduction to statutes
  • Statutes fundamentals
  • Commencement and enforceability
  • Impact of legislation
  • Validity
  • Rules of statutory interpretation
  • Strategic application of statutory interpretation rules

GOV4 - Contracting, Procurement and Probity

Intake 2
This practice-based subject advances on the foundational knowledge about government and public sector by focusing on the areas of contracting, procurement and probity. The subject will cover power of contract and the role of the lawyer, procurement, tendering and contracting processes, types of contracts, award and management of contracts, probity and accountability, and relevant complaints and litigation processes.

TOPICS

  • Identity of government
  • Procurement
  • The tendering and contract process
  • Types of contracts
  • Award and management of contracts
  • Probity and accountability
  • Procurement and bid challenges

START DATES

Showing options for 'General'. Select a different tab to view options for that tab.
Feb Intake 1 May Intake 2 Aug Intake 3 Nov Intake 4
START DATE 09 Feb 2026 11 May 2026 10 Aug 2026 09 Nov 2026
CENSUS 25 Feb 2026 27 May 2026 26 Aug 2026 02 Dec 2026
END DATE 01 May 2026 31 Jul 2026 30 Oct 2026 05 Feb 2027
Showing options for 'Intensives'. Select a different tab to view options for that tab.
Subject Start Date Census End Date Workshop Date
DRP3 - Advocacy 21 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 30 Oct 2026
DRP4 - Mediation 19 Jan 2026 28 Jan 2026 27 Feb 2026

9 - 13 February 2026
FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation 09 Feb 2026 18 Feb 2026 20 Mar 2026

Intake 1
2-4 March 2026 NSW/VIC
5-7 March 2026 QLD/WA

Intake 2
31 Aug - 2 Sep 2026 NSW/VIC
3 -5 Sept 2026 QLD/WA
FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation 10 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 18 Sep 2026

Intake 1
2-4 March 2026 NSW/VIC
5-7 March 2026 QLD/WA

Intake 2
31 Aug - 2 Sep 2026 NSW/VIC
3 -5 Sept 2026 QLD/WA
FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution 23 Mar 2026 01 Apr 2026 01 May 2026

Intake 1, 2026
16 - 18 April 2026   NSW/VIC
13 - 15 April 2026  QLD/WA

Intake 2, 2026
15 - 17 October 2026   NSW/VIC
12 - 14 October 2026  QLD/WA
FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution 21 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 30 Oct 2026

Intake 1, 2026
16 - 18 April 2026   NSW/VIC
13 - 15 April 2026  QLD/WA

Intake 2, 2026
15 - 17 October 2026   NSW/VIC
12 - 14 October 2026  QLD/WA
FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution 04 May 2026 13 May 2026 12 Jun 2026

Intake 1, 2026
25 - 27 May 2026  NSW/VIC
28 - 30 May 2026  QLD/WA

Intake 2, 2026
23 - 25 November 2026 NSW/VIC
26 - 28 November 2026 QLD/WA
FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution 02 Nov 2026 11 Nov 2026 11 Dec 2026

Intake 1, 2026
25 - 27 May 2026  NSW/VIC
28 - 30 May 2026  QLD/WA

Intake 2, 2026
23 - 25 November 2026 NSW/VIC
26 - 28 November 2026 QLD/WA
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 26 Jan 2026 04 Feb 2026 06 Mar 2026

Intake 2, 2025
16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 1, 2026
6 - 8 July 2026 QLD & WA
9 - 11 July 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1, 12 February 2027
Day 2-4, 15 - 17 Feb 2027 QLD & WA
Day 2-4, 18 - 20 Feb 2027 NSW & VIC 
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 15 Jun 2026 24 Jun 2026 24 Jul 2026

Intake 2, 2025
16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 1, 2026
6 - 8 July 2026 QLD & WA
9 - 11 July 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1, 12 February 2027
Day 2-4, 15 - 17 Feb 2027 QLD & WA
Day 2-4, 18 - 20 Feb 2027 NSW & VIC 
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 25 Jan 2027 03 Feb 2027 05 Mar 2027

Intake 2, 2025
16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 1, 2026
6 - 8 July 2026 QLD & WA
9 - 11 July 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1, 12 February 2027
Day 2-4, 15 - 17 Feb 2027 QLD & WA
Day 2-4, 18 - 20 Feb 2027 NSW & VIC 
FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice 06 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 29 May 2026

Intake 1, 2026
Day 1: 23 April 2026    
Days 2-4: 28-30 April 2026
Day 5: 20 May 2026

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1: 25 September 2026    
Days 2-4: 29 September - 1 October 2026
Day 5: 21 October 2026
FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice 07 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 30 Oct 2026

Intake 1, 2026
Day 1: 23 April 2026    
Days 2-4: 28-30 April 2026
Day 5: 20 May 2026

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1: 25 September 2026    
Days 2-4: 29 September - 1 October 2026
Day 5: 21 October 2026
LB3 - Business Strategy: Planning for Success 04 May 2026 13 May 2026 12 Jun 2026
LB3 - Business Strategy: Planning for Success 02 Nov 2026 11 Nov 2026 11 Dec 2025
Showing options for 'FDRP'. Select a different tab to view options for that tab.
Subject Start Date Census End Date Workshop Date
FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation 09 Feb 2026 18 Feb 2026 20 Mar 2026

Intake 1
2-4 March 2026 NSW/VIC
5-7 March 2026 QLD/WA

Intake 2
31 Aug - 2 Sep 2026 NSW/VIC
3 -5 Sept 2026 QLD/WA
FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation 10 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 18 Sep 2026

Intake 1
2-4 March 2026 NSW/VIC
5-7 March 2026 QLD/WA

Intake 2
31 Aug - 2 Sep 2026 NSW/VIC
3 -5 Sept 2026 QLD/WA
FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution 23 Mar 2026 01 Apr 2026 01 May 2026

Intake 1, 2026
16 - 18 April 2026   NSW/VIC
13 - 15 April 2026  QLD/WA

Intake 2, 2026
15 - 17 October 2026   NSW/VIC
12 - 14 October 2026  QLD/WA
FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution 21 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 30 Oct 2026

Intake 1, 2026
16 - 18 April 2026   NSW/VIC
13 - 15 April 2026  QLD/WA

Intake 2, 2026
15 - 17 October 2026   NSW/VIC
12 - 14 October 2026  QLD/WA
FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution 04 May 2026 13 May 2026 12 Jun 2026

Intake 1, 2026
25 - 27 May 2026  NSW/VIC
28 - 30 May 2026  QLD/WA

Intake 2, 2026
23 - 25 November 2026 NSW/VIC
26 - 28 November 2026 QLD/WA
FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution 02 Nov 2026 11 Nov 2026 11 Dec 2026

Intake 1, 2026
25 - 27 May 2026  NSW/VIC
28 - 30 May 2026  QLD/WA

Intake 2, 2026
23 - 25 November 2026 NSW/VIC
26 - 28 November 2026 QLD/WA
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 26 Jan 2026 04 Feb 2026 06 Mar 2026

Intake 2, 2025
16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 1, 2026
6 - 8 July 2026 QLD & WA
9 - 11 July 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1, 12 February 2027
Day 2-4, 15 - 17 Feb 2027 QLD & WA
Day 2-4, 18 - 20 Feb 2027 NSW & VIC 

 
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 15 Jun 2026 24 Jun 2026 24 Jul 2026

Intake 2, 2025
16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 1, 2026
6 - 8 July 2026 QLD & WA
9 - 11 July 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1, 12 February 2027
Day 2-4, 15 - 17 Feb 2027 QLD & WA
Day 2-4, 18 - 20 Feb 2027 NSW & VIC 

 
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 25 Jan 2027 03 Feb 2027 05 Mar 2027

Intake 2, 2025
16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 1, 2026
6 - 8 July 2026 QLD & WA
9 - 11 July 2026 NSW & VIC 

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1, 12 February 2027
Day 2-4, 15 - 17 Feb 2027 QLD & WA
Day 2-4, 18 - 20 Feb 2027 NSW & VIC 

 
FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice 06 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 29 May 2026

Intake 1, 2026
Day 1: 23 April 2026    
Days 2-4: 28-30 April 2026
Day 5: 20 May 2026

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1: 25 Sept 2026    
Days 2-4: 29 Sept - 1 Oct 2026
Day 5: 21 Oct 2026
FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice 07 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 30 Oct 2026

Intake 1, 2026
Day 1: 23 April 2026    
Days 2-4: 28-30 April 2026
Day 5: 20 May 2026

Intake 2, 2026
Day 1: 25 Sept 2026    
Days 2-4: 29 Sept - 1 Oct 2026
Day 5: 21 Oct 2026

TEACHING STAFF

Greg Ross

Principal
Greg D Ross Lawyer Pty Ltd
Find out more

Jeanette Scott

Solicitor and Principal
Double N Legal
Find out more

Pauline Harbaugh

Manager - Superannuation
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
Find out more

Scott Alden

Partner
Mills Oakley
Find out more

BECOME A BETTER LEGISLATION INTERPRETER

Government and Public Sector Law Course Guide

Career in Government and Public Sector Law Guide

Graduate Certificate Course Guide

5 Tips for Choosing Postgraduate Subjects

How to Ask Your Employer to Fund Your Postgraduate Studies

HAVE QUESTIONS OR READY TO ENROL?

Book a call back with one of our Customer and Student Engagement Advisors

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I regularly apply the practical skills learnt through the course in my day-to-day practice. There’s no doubt I will continue to do so in the future.

Kirsh Nath, LLM Graduate - Commercial Litigation

I think my favourite thing about the study that I've done at the College of Law is the different experiences of all the lecturers, and tutors. Their practical experience that they were able to give us in terms of the content and was always so helpful and insightful. 

Jessica Popple, LLM Graduate - Family Law

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