Government Law Series 2024
This series, designed for Government lawyers, provides key updates you need in your role. Discover the intricacies of governmental transparency and data protection. Hear from the NSW Ombudsman's Office about the intricacies of whistleblowing and the implications of the new legislation. Delve into the latest developments surrounding the new legislation and handling whistleblowing investigations. Hear insights from NSW ICAC about it’s recent investigation report and maturity model. WEB243N58Z
Description
Attend the entire series and earn 4 CPD units including:
3 units in Substantive Law
1 unit in Professional Skills
This program is based on NSW legislation
If you register for the full series as a live online product after the date of an individual session, you will be sent the recording for the sessions that have passed. Alternatively, you can register for individual sessions by following the links below.
Session 1
Navigating FOI Challenges and Fortifying Digital Fortresses in the Public
Tuesday, 5 March 2024
Discover the intricacies of governmental transparency and data protection at our upcoming seminar, where legal experts will unravel the complexities of Access to Government Information, will guide you through the intricate processes of making applications under FOI, Archives Act, or GIPA. Gain profound insights into the grounds for objection and the nuanced aspects of practice and procedure as you navigate this labyrinth of information access. You will also equip yourself with a profound understanding of key legal obligations surrounding the handling of government and personal information. Delve into ethical considerations intricately tied to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, gaining practical insights into the ever-evolving landscape of privacy impact assessments. WEB243N58AZ
Chair: Richard Chew, Partner, K&L Gates
2.00pm to 3.00pm Access to Government Information: Current Issues in FOI
- Making an application under FOI, Archives Act or GIPA;
- Grounds for objection;
- Practice and procedure;
- A cloak for impropriety?
- Alternative mechanisms for scrutiny.
Presented by Ian Latham, Barrister, Denman Chambers
Practice Management and Business
3.00pm to 4.00pm Safeguarding Data in a Digital Age - Cyber Security, Privacy and other Legal Tips and Considerations for the Public Sector
- Handling and protecting government information and personal information - key legal obligations
- Data ethics, privacy and security considerations related to the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies
- Privacy impact assessments - when to conduct, who to involve and how to undertake
- Managing privacy and cyber security issues contractually:
- Liability and risk management;
- Privacy and cyber security terms and conditions; and
- Using data sharing agreements.
- Preparing and responding to a data breach:
- Legal response and risk management; and
- Navigating the new NSW Mandatory Notification of Data Breach Scheme
Presented by Monique Azzopardi, Special Counsel, Clayton Utz
Register here for Session 1 only
Session 2
CANCELLED: Roadmap for Whistleblower Protection Reform: The New Public Interest Disclosure Act
Session 3
Unveiling Transparency: NSW’S Anti-Corruption Landscape and the Role of NACC
Monday, 18 March 2024
Join us to unravel the complexities of anti-corruption measures in New South Wales. Hear insights from NSW ICAC about it’s recent investigation report and it’s maturity model. Learn how to write an Agency’s compliance program for the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act and tips for planning and conducting internal administrative inquiries. WEB243N58CZ
Chair: Amy Douglas-Baker, Barrister at Fourth Floor Selborne Chambers
2.00pm to 3.00pm Corruption and Integrity: NSW ICAC Insights from its Recent Investigation Reports and its Corruption Control Maturity Publications
- Recent ICAC investigation reports, including an overview of:
- corrupt conduct findings made
- corruption prevention issues identified
- ICAC corruption maturity model including the:
- pillars of controls and how they work together in mature corruption control
- supporting systems and processes, and how they allow these pillars to be implemented effectively and efficiently
Presented by Dr Benjamin Marx, Principal Officer, Corruption Prevention, NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption
3.00pm to 4.00pm The Future of Integrity: Navigating the National Anti-Corruption Commission's Blueprint
- Designing an Agency’s compliance program for the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act
- Planning and conducting internal administrative inquiries when serious or systemic corrupt conduct is suspected
- Reporting suspected serious or systemic corrupt conduct to the NACC,
- Consequences for a failure to report
- Responding to a stop-action direction from the NACC
- Compelling participation by witnesses in interviews
- The production of information during an Agency’s internal inquiry,
- Witness objections and protections
- The relevance of secrecy obligations and the Privacy Act 1988 during an inquiry
Presented by Dr Stephen Gordon Thompson, Special Counsel, Sparke Helmore; Accredited Specialist in Government and Administrative Law
Register here for Session 3 only
Presenters
Richard Chew
Richard is an experienced intellectual property and technology lawyer who focuses on commercial transactions and technology, telecommunications and outsourcing matters in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. He assists his clients with commercial transactions, technology and IP commercialisation, outsourcing, IT and commercial telecommunications arrangements, strategic procurement and sourcing, vendor management and negotiated company and business mergers and acquisitions across a range of industries. Richard also works with clients on commercial transactions in the Asia Pacific region, including China, Thailand and India. Richard assisted clients with some of the largest business critical technology and outsourcing transactions in Australia and South East Asia. Working with a diverse range of clients, from small and medium enterprises to the largest ASX-listed companies, his clients operate in the food, liquor, retail, telecommunications and technology services industries. Richard has a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, all from the Australian National University.
Ian Latham
Ian Latham is a barrister at Denman Chambers specialising in employment and industrial law, particularly in the area of civil penalty. He has appeared in many civil penalty cases particularly ABCC v Parker (No 1) and (No 2), BKH Contractors Case (No 1) and (No 2) and FWO v ZNZ, FWO v A-Z and FWO v Robit Nominees. He writes for the Lexis Fair Work Act Service and the Lexis Industrial Relations Act (NSW) Service.
Monique Azzopardi
Monique is an experienced commercial lawyer with special expertise in technology transactions. She has strong experience acting for clients in the private and public sectors across the full spectrum of commercial and technology matters, including as a key adviser to the NSW and Commonwealth governments on a number of major projects of State and national significance. She is skilled at developing plain-English contractual documents that are tailored to the project and are legally and commercially robust. Another core part of Monique's practice is privacy law and data protection. She is regularly called upon to assist clients to navigate privacy legislation and to undertake privacy impact assessments. She also crafts tailored privacy provisions for contracts to ensure that contracts are aligned with all relevant privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Elizabeth Ticehurst
Elizabeth Ticehurst is an accredited specialist in Employment and Industrial Law and is an expert in the emerging area of whistleblowing law. She is the author of “The Whistleblowing Handbook” and has conducted whistleblower response training for Boards, executive teams and senior management in industries ranging from finance and banking to resources and retail. With two decades of experience working in the Asia Pacific Region, Elizabeth has first-hand knowledge of the complexities of managing a diverse workforce across several jurisdictions. She is a sought-after speaker and trainer and regularly presents at external conferences and seminars.
Patrick Sheehy
Patrick Sheehy returned to the NSW Ombudsman’s Office in March 2023 as the Manager, PID Advice team, Public Interest Disclosures Unit. He previously worked at the office between 2013 and 2018 in police oversight and child protection. Before rejoining the Ombudsman’s Office, Patrick worked at a large NSW university where he managed investigations of protected disclosures and other complex complaints.
Erin Infanti
Irin is a seasoned integrity professional with a focus on conducting sensitive investigations into integrity risks, corruption, and staff misconduct. She champions systemic improvement, emphasizing proactive measures such as policy development, whistleblower reforms, technology-enabled detection, and cultural change. With a track record of leading high-profile integrity projects and collaborating with senior executives, external oversight agencies, and members of parliament, Irin is dedicated to creating transparent and accountable organizational environments.
Claire Bousfield
Claire is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of legal experience, including five years as a solicitor in private practice and a significant tenure in child protection for the NSW State Government. Currently leading KPMG's whistleblowing reporting service, FairCall, Claire has become a trusted advisor on whistleblowing matters, handling hundreds of cases. Her expertise lies in providing practical and tailored advice to both whistleblowers and organizations, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and fostering a positive speak-up culture. Claire's leadership extends to delivering whistleblower training to C-suite and board members, showcasing her ability to articulate complex subjects with clarity. Claire's career reflects her commitment to ethical business practices, as she navigates the intersection of law, investigations, and corporate compliance. Her analytical skills, strong leadership, and dedication to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes make her a dynamic force in promoting transparency and accountability in the corporate landscape.
Amy Douglas-Baker
Amy Douglas-Baker was called to the Bar in 2009 and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Bachelor of Laws (Hons), and Master of Laws (Hons Eq) from the University of Sydney. Prior to commencing practice as a barrister, Amy was a Tipstaff/Researcher to Justice Hall in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and an Associate to Judge Nicholls in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Amy practises in public/administrative law and commercial/equity and has extensive experience in inquests, commissions of inquiry, professional disciplinary proceedings, judicial and merits review and on applications for suppression and protective orders involving matters of public interest immunity and protected information. Amy regularly appears for and advises the Registrar-General of NSW, the NSW Crime Commission, the NSW Commissioner of Police, the NSW Commissioner for Fair Trading, the NSW Commissioner of Corrective Services, the Office of the Children’s Guardian and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia in civil and criminal matters. Amy is a member of the Constitutional and Administrative Law Section of the NSW Bar Association, the Australian Association of Constitutional Law, and the Australian Institute of Administrative Law. Amy served on a Professional Conduct Committee of the NSW Bar Association for 8 consecutive years and has served on numerous other Bar Association committees including as an officer-holder.
Benjamin Marx
Benjamin Marx commenced in ICAC’s Corruption Prevention division in 2006. He has managed or led many ICAC corruption prevention projects, including those on employment screening, invoice payment controls, IT contractors and NGO-delivered human services. He is also currently managing the ICAC CP in Practice project that is examining how corruption control is implemented within NSW state government agencies. Dr Marx has also performed or managed corruption prevention analysis on over 20 ICAC investigations, led many internal analyses of ICAC complaint data, and currently manages ICAC’s program of speaking engagements and training workshops. In 2020, he returned to ICAC from an 18-month secondment to Transport for NSW where he was responsible for TfNSW’s fraud and corruption prevention program. Prior to working at ICAC, he completed a PhD in Psychology at the University of Sydney that explored some of the cognitive and attitudinal elements of moral reasoning, having previously conducted research on relative risk judgements.
Dr Stephen Gordon Thompson
Dr Stephen Thompson is a special counsel with Sparke Helmore, solicitors. He is an accredited specialist in public and administrative law in NSW and practices exclusively in that area. He is a legal officer in the Army Reserve practising in military administrative law.