Legal System Publications

Media release to announce the publication of the Administrative Review Council’s Statement of Position.

The Administrative Review Council, in response to a systemic issue notice, has published a Statement of Position. This page shares the relevant information on this publication.

Statement to advise of the outcomes of the Administrative Review Council’s meeting on 25 May 2026, including progress of the Council’s inquiries and Statement of Position on agency implementation of court and tribunal decisions, and plans to update the Council’s guide on the decisions that should be subject to merits review.

The Native Title Legislation Amendment Act 2021 introduced a number of technical and substantive changes to the Native Title Act 1993, and required evaluation within 5 years.

The Australian Government has responded to the former Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Progress Report and Final Report

Statement to advise of the outcomes of the Administrative Review Council’s meeting on meeting on 30 March 2026, including progress of the Social Security Inquiry and Statement of Position on agency implementation of Court and Tribunal decisions.

The Australian Government has responded to the recommendations in the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee report on the performance and integrity of Australia's administrative review system.

The Australian Government has responded to the recommendations in the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee’s report on the Judiciary Amendment (Commonwealth Model Litigant Obligations) Bill 2017.

The Australian Government has responded to the recommendations in the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee’s final report on the Nature and scope of any agreement reached by the Commonwealth and Western Australian governments in relation to the distribution of proceeds of the liquidation of, and litigation concerning, the Bell Group of companies (the proceeds).

The page contains the Terms of Reference for the Recovery of Family Assistance Debts Inquiry. The Terms of Reference outlines the background to the Inquiry, its scope, consultation processes and timeframes.

The Measurement and Evaluation Framework sets out a consistent approach to measuring and assessing the effectiveness of the National Justice Reinvestment Programs.

Non-corporate Commonwealth entities can apply to have a non-tied provider undertake tied legal work.

Office of Legal Services Coordination Guidance Note 20: information to help Commonwealth agencies when briefing the Solicitor-General.

Office of Legal Services Coordination - Guidance Note 1: this guidance note clarifies when the Legal Services Directions will apply to an entity when carrying out Commonwealth legal work that involves a criminal prosecution or related proceeding.

Commonwealth agencies must obtain the approval of the Attorney General (or their delegate) prior to objecting to the jurisdiction of a State or Territory court or submitting or objecting to the exercise of compulsory or decision-making powers by a State or Territory body that is not a court within Chapter III of the Constitution.

Office of Legal Services Coordination - Guidance Note 2: Tied legal work involves categories of Commonwealth legal work that can only be handled by specific legal services providers or entities. The tied work rules apply to all legal services provided for and on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Office of Legal Services Coordination - Guidance Note 3: the Legal Services Directions promote consultation, collaboration and information sharing across government on the interpretation of legislation. By consulting on requests and sharing legal advice, entities maximise efficiencies, minimise duplication and reduce the potential for inconsistent advice and action on legal issues across the Commonwealth.

Office of Legal Services Coordination - Guidance Note 5: Entities must report to OLSC on significant issues that arise in Commonwealth legal work, including in relation to handling of claims, provision of advice, litigation and involvement in dispute management.

Office of Legal Services Coordination - Guidance Note 6: Under section 36 of the Legal Services Directions, an entity must seek the approval of the Attorney-General to settle a claim or litigation reported as significant.

Office of Legal Services Coordination - Guidance Note 8: Entities are obliged to consider alternatives to litigation including using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes. This guidance note also includes information about choosing an ADR process and ADR practitioner.