Rebekha is an experienced dispute resolution partner focusing on administrative and public law, statutory interpretation, regulatory matters and commercial disputes. She has advised and represented witnesses appearing before Royal Commissions and anti-corruption / integrity commissions. Rebekha is also a trusted advisor on privacy, secrecy, freedom of information and information security issues for government departments, multinational corporations, and non-for-profit organisations.
Rebekha specialises in litigious administrative law matters including defending applications for review in the AAT and running applications for judicial review in the Federal and High Courts, as well as before State and territory Supreme Courts. She also provides advice on regulatory issues for private sector companies, particularly those operating in highly regulated industries (such as telcos and utilities). Rebekha has advised and represented companies as part of regulatory investigations, including providing responses to notices, and advising about and negotiating enforcement outcomes.
Rebekha has developed a niche practice in preparing and delivering bespoke legal training, as well as developing guidance materials for complex statutory regimes (for government departments administering the relevant law as well as provide companies wanting guidance on compliance). She regularly travels around the country delivering training to lawyers and statutory decision makers, including about defensible decision making.
Rebekha is known for her highly responsive and collaborative approach with most of her clients working with her for the duration of her career.
Rebekha’s work highlights include:
- Australia Radioactive Waste Agency: representing the Minister for the high profile judicial review application before the Federal Court in respect of the decision to declare a site as the site for the national radioactive waste management facility.
- Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources: acted for the Department in defending applications for review of decisions of Industry, Innovation and Science Australia in respect of the research and development tax incentive for the past thirteen years before the AAT and the Federal Court.
- Nikias Nominees: carriage of a high profile ADJR Act application in relation to the development of a shopping centre on behalf of a local developer. This matter proceeded through the ACT Supreme Court, ACT Court of Appeal and to the High Court. The client was ultimately successful.
- Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme: advised various witnesses to prepare written submissions and appear at public hearings before the Commission.
- Integrity Commission: representation of a witness before a high profile inquiry.
- ACCC Investigation: assisted a large private client in a highly regulated industry with a multi-year investigation, involving numerous s155 notices, compliance audits, multi-million dollar remediation action and extensive reporting obligations. Rebekha was the key lawyer for the duration of this investigation, including being seconded to the project team.
