Join for a practical and insightful exploration of statutory interpretation in action. Unpack how interpretive principles apply not only to legislation but also to contracts and administrative decision-making. Examine the intersection of human rights and interpretation, review recent key decisions plus gain hands-on strategies for framing arguments, drafting advice and avoiding common interpretive pitfalls. All guided by expert and experienced practitioners.

Presenters

Cathy Dowsett SC, Young’s List
Cathy Dowsett SC practices in employment, discrimination, administrative law and regulatory proceedings. She has an appellate and trial practice. Cathy is regularly briefed in employment, equal opportunity and discrimination matters, primarily by employers, in matters arising in both the Federal and State jurisdictions. Her administrative law practice encompasses judicial review and merits review proceedings in relation to commonwealth workers compensation, veterans’ entitlements, the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Cathy also has Royal Commission and Board of Inquiry experience.


James Smart, Partner, Maddocks
James heads up the Victorian State Government sector at Maddocks and acts for a wide range of Victorian government departments and agencies. He has over 28 years experience advising the government sector and has drafted a large number of significant government contracts. James advises on statutory interpretation, governance, regulatory and compliance issues on a daily basis and assists a number of Victorian regulators to carry out their statutory functions. He also has specific expertise in the commercial and governance issues associated with the establishment of new government entities.


Natalie Blok, Barrister, Ah Ket Chambers
Natalie is a Melbourne-based barrister with a diverse practice in public law, environment, planning, and employment law. Her clients include government agencies, water authorities, ministers, councils, developers, individuals, and objectors. With experience in judicial and merits review, regulatory matters, inquests, and investigations, Natalie is a skilled advocate who regularly appears both led and unled in courts, tribunals, planning panels, and boards of inquiries in Victoria. Water law, environmental law, and waste regulation are key areas of focus for Natalie, who is particularly passionate about the intersections of regulation, policy, and sustainability. She welcomes briefs that explore these critical issues. Natalie is also an accredited mediator (AMDRAS), having completed the Victorian Bar’s Lawyer’s Mediation Certificate in 2025. Natalie holds a Master of Public and International Law from the University of Melbourne.


James Cameron, Barrister, Castan Chambers
James is a Barrister at the Victorian Bar practicing in public law, including administrative law, regulatory and disciplinary matters, and health law. Before coming to the Bar, James held a number of roles in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Health. James was also an Associate to His Honour Judge Taft in the County Court. James is an Honorary Fellow at the Melbourne Law School, having earlier completed a PhD there.

James Stoller, Barrister, Ah Ket Chambers
James specialises in proceedings involving government parties. He acts for and against government entities in judicial review proceedings and statutory appeals; professional disciplinary, licensing, and civil penalty proceedings; applications for regulatory injunctions; applications to stay regulatory action; planning and environmental cases; merits review proceedings; investigations and inquiries; common law cases involving government defendants; and statutory prosecutions in a regulatory context.


Amy Kelly, Special Counsel, Maddocks
Amy completed her articles of clerkship with Maddocks in 2006 and has recently returned to Maddocks following a period spent in house, most recently in the role of General Counsel at the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA). In her time at ESTA, Amy was responsible for providing legal advice in respect of a range of issues, including general contract and commercial advice, complaints and FOI, privacy and records management, governance, policy and government engagement, and litigation. Amy was also responsible for the Board Secretary function and in the management of matters relating to Office of the Chief Executive. In that capacity, Amy has extensive experience working with internal and external stakeholders including senior executives and Board members and understands the importance of providing clear, frank and fearless advice to her clients. During her time at Maddocks, Amy has worked with a variety of clients including local government, state government departments, statutory bodies, individuals, private business and large corporate entities.