Confront NCAT’s complexities head-on with this focused program, crafted to address common concerns and pitfalls. Wondering if NCAT is the right forum? Gain clarity on when to opt in, tackle jurisdictional challenges, and learn effective techniques for handling and challenging evidence. Sharpen your advocacy skills to present a strong case with a competitive edge. And if an appeal is necessary, discover how to build a compelling argument. This seminar equips you with the strategies and insights needed to navigate NCAT’s obstacles and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Presenters

Mark Robinson SC, Macquarie Street Chambers
Mark Robinson is a Senior Counsel based in Sydney practising in administrative law and general law. He was a founding part-time Judicial Member of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal of New South Wales in the General Division - hearing matters on privacy and freedom of information. He served on that tribunal and its Appeal Panel for seven years. For sixteen years, Mark was an occasional part-time lecturer in undergraduate ‘Administrative Law’ in the Law Faculties of the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. For twenty six years, Mark acted as the lead author and editor of New South Wales Administrative Law, a two volume looseleaf service, published by Thomson Reuters (since 1996) which covers Supreme Court judicial review, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), statutory interpretation, freedom of information and privacy. Mark has authored and edited three legal texts (each published by Thomson Reuters): Judicial Review: The Laws of Australia published in 2014, with an encyclopaedic coverage of judicial review Australia wide; NCAT - Practice and Procedure, 2nd ed, published in 2020; and Administrative Law: The Laws of Australia, published in 2017. It concerns State and Federal tribunals and it also covers the Ombudsmen and freedom of information around Australia.


Timothy Bland, Barrister Hunter St Chambers
Tim Bland came to the Bar from a background in human services and the building industry for the first 20 years of his working life. Educated at Melbourne's Wesley College he has from there achieved a BA in 1991 and LLB in 2000. Tim was admitted to practice in 2000 and called to the Bar in 2002. He worked in a boutique construction law firm from 1999 to 2001. Since admission he has focused on building & construction disputes and has is an accredited Adjudicator under both the Queensland and NSW security for payment acts. He has also obtained a post-graduate qualification in mediation and arbitration. Tim appears in all jurisdictions that have a building & construction division or focus including but not limited to Builder Licensing in the ADT Home Building matters in the NCAT, Local District and Supreme Court. He has also appeared in the superior courts of Victoria and Queensland. Tim is able to focus the industry knowledge, which is kept current by membership of the Master Builders Association and serving their committees, and legal expertise to each matter in which he is briefed. Tim also appears in the Corporations list of the Supreme Court on insolvency matters and the Federal court in Bankruptcy matters. He regularly takes other commercial briefs to which he applies the same attention and skill. Tim regularly appears in courts and tribunals in rural and regional NSW.


Mark Isaac, Barrister, Tenth Floor St James Hall Chambers
Mark was admitted to the NSW Bar in May 2021. Prior to coming to the Bar, he obtained his degree in Bachelor of Laws at the University of Auckland and was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand in 2014. He has gained experience working as a solicitor at Willis & Bowring and appearing in NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Local and District Courts, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and the Supreme Court. Mark is building a strong practice in equity, bankruptcy & insolvency and commercial disputes. He also practises in appellate law, building and construction and real property.


Paul Folino-Gallo, Barrister, Third Floor Wentworth Chambers


Jason Polese, Barrister, Clarence Chambers