Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

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

to achieve the best outcomes (legal and/or non-legal) for your client, whether a public sector agency or private sector organisation or individual citizen.

Other Information

When Offered and Delivery Mode:  This online 8 week course is offered four times a year in the first, second, third and fourth 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.

Indicative Assessment

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.

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

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.

Prescribed Texts

Content book and related materials are provided prior to the course commencing.  Most materials are also provided online.

Preliminary Reading

If it is some time since your undergraduate studies in Administrative Law, refresh your knowledge of general principles, using one of the several general administrative law texts.

Reading lists are available through the course homepage in WATTLE.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links