Davidson, Justin

Justin practices predominantly in information protection, administrative law, national security and commission of inquiry matters. He assists a wide range of Commonwealth parties in responding to subpoenas and other compulsory information notices in courts and tribunals around Australia. He is well-versed in a range of information protection regimes including the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004. He has substantial expertise in privileges and immunities, including legal professional privilege and parliamentary privilege matters. He regularly advises on and appears in disputes under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), Privacy Act 1988 and Archives Act 1983. Justin also has significant expertise in administrative law litigation, appearing before various tribunals and federal courts.

His often-high-profile matters range from appearing for Commonwealth agencies resisting disclosure of national security information to defending permits for the application of rat poison over Lord Howe Island. Among others, he led the Commonwealth representation before the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He has acted for Commonwealth parties in significant coronial inquests, including Takata airbags and SIEV 221.

Justin is widely recognised for his exemplary client service and advice. He is also an accomplished trainer, frequently assisting agencies with their learning and development needs across a wide range of administrative law topics. He was a section editor for the Australian Journal of Administrative Law for 10 years, and has guest lectured at the Australian National University and the National Security College, among others.