Legal services panel – Victorian Government Solicitors Office (VGSO) exclusive services

Exclusive services provided by the Victorian Government Solicitors Office (VGSO) under the Legal services contract.

1. All matters:

1. relating to the roles of, or involving, the Attorney-General as first law officer of the State of Victoria;
2. relating to the Royal Prerogative of Mercy;
3. where there is no obvious contradictor;
4. relating to the establishment of Royal Commissions and Boards of Inquiry;
5. relating to the powers of Royal Commissions and Boards of Inquiry;
6. relating to representation of judicial officers (except for personal injuries matters);
7. arising under, or involving the interpretation of, the Victorian Constitution;
8. relating to the powers and privileges of the arms of the Victorian government, including executive privilege;
9. arising under, or involving the interpretation of, the Commonwealth Constitution;
10. relating to the Governor;
11. relating to the establishment and structuring of co-operative or uniform legislative schemes or referrals of legislative power to the Commonwealth;
12. relating to intergovernmental agreements;
13. relating to allegations by the State of contempt of court, except where the Director of Public Prosecutions is handling the matter;
14. relating to native title or the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010;
15. relating to the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006;
16. where the unusual nature of the case or the best interests of the State require central legal management, (for example, when such management is required in relation to:
    1. resolution of disputes between Departments and/or agencies of the State;
    2. public interest immunity, in whatever context it arises;
    3. composition, jurisdiction and rules of quasi-judicial bodies;
    4. matters relating to policing requiring governmental confidentiality); and
17. relating to judicial review, when more than one Department or Agency is involved, unless one of the exceptions set out in paragraph 2 applies.

2. Exceptions

1. If there has been a specific contrary decision by the Attorney-General or the relevant Minister after consultation with the Attorney-General.
2. In relation to sub-paragraphs (g) to (o), where those issues arise in a way which is incidental, self-evident or requires the application of well settled precedent.