Government Insights

26 October 2007

Welcome to our latest edition of Government Insights, in which we'll look at a crucial issue in the election period - the caretaker conventions. What are they, and how do they affect your decision-making over the next few weeks?

We'll also look at

how Government procurement might have to change in the light of the Baxter decision
best practice in decision-making
new guidance for agencies in developing their own IP management policies
transferring an FOI request; and
model litigants duties and self-represented litigants.

Taking care of business when an election is called

By Caroline Bush and Michael Palfrey.

With the Federal election approaching, Caroline Bush and Michael Palfrey look at the key features of the caretaker conventions and how they may affect your decision-making.

Government contractors no longer able to rely on crown immunity

By Philip Harrison.

Companies negotiating or contracting with Government no longer enjoy Government's immunity from the Trade Practices Act, as Philip Harrison explains.

Government policy on IP: Is your house in order?

By Richard Morrison, Lisa Keeling and Magdalena Iwasiw.

Management of intellectual property varies across agencies, but a new set of principles attempts to bring some guidance. Richard Morrison, Lisa Keeling and Magdalena Iwasiw discuss the new IP Principles and the challenges - and benefits - for agencies in developing their own IP management policies.

Administrative Review Council releases best-practice guides on decision-making

By Michael Palfrey.

Five new guides set out the basic elements in proper decision-making, but as Michael Palfrey shows, their real impact will come with area-specific expansion.

The Clayton Utz guides to good decision-making for Government

The Clayton Utz Government Services Group has produced its own series of eight succinct, easy-to-use guides to aid governmental decision-makers in carrying out their tasks, which should ideally be read in conjunction with the ARC guides.

Transferring a freedom of information request: When can you? And how?

By Zac Chami.

Zac Chami looks at a recurring problem for Government agencies - when can you transfer an FOI request?

Self-represented but not alone: judges’ duties to help

By Sally Sheppard.

The significance of the human rights of equality before the law and access to justice. How far - if at all - ought judges go in helping self-represented litigants? And what does that mean for Government parties who often face them in court? Sally Sheppard looks for answers in a recent case.

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