General property

AGS has unrivalled expertise in handling property projects that are unique to the Commonwealth. Activity by the Commonwealth in the property space can bring with it issues that are founded in the unique operations of government and the regulatory and policy framework. We have an unparalleled understanding of, experience and expertise in this context. This, when combined with our commercial acumen and industry understanding, places us in the best position to support agencies in the delivery of their projects.

Our breadth and depth of experience means we have a highly developed ability to strike the right balance between commercial drivers, regulations and policy. We help our clients navigate the potential tension between the commercial imperatives of a project and regulatory requirements, to achieve the project aims, within time and within budget.

We bring our expertise of working across the whole of government which means we have visibility into best processes and outcomes across the Commonwealth and can leverage that understanding to support you in the delivery of your projects.

Unlike any other law firm, we exist to serve the needs of the Commonwealth and so we bring to all our projects the singular goal of protecting the interests of the Commonwealth. We bring knowledge of law, policy and practice to our interactions with and advice to clients.

AGS has unrivalled corporate memory around Commonwealth property issues and is never conflicted against the best interests of government. Our learnings and our cultural alignment with government add direct value to your agency's property matters.

We have handled complex compulsory acquisition matters for iconic infrastructure projects and regularly advise the Commonwealth on compulsory acquistions, native title, heritage and environmental issues, easements, covenants, land use agreements, and security of purposes mechanisms. AGS has worked extensively with Commonwealth agencies on a range of complex disposal and acquisition matters, including the Second Sydney Airport project.

AGS lawyers have also been involved in a number of large-scale greenfield projects, including assisting with the purchase, development and sale of sites for a wide range of clients, such as Defence, Environment and Infrastructure.

That we work in all Australian jurisdictions means we are aware of State laws that can impact your acquisition, and also the likely community response and media interest in your project. By ensuring we work with you to understand these issues and develop strategies to mitigate any potential negatives, we can protect your reputation throughout the process while still achieving your objectives.

AGS can, of course, seamlessly provide authoritative constitutional advice on your property matter where necessary. We advise on complex interactions between State and Territory and Commonwealth laws as they arise. The interplay of these laws is often a key feature of agency property projects. AGS's expertise is second to none having advised on the interplay between constitutional law, Commonwealth law and local laws for over 100 years.

We are the experts in all matters around native title, having represented the Commonwealth in virtually all contentious matters since 1993. AGS has on-the-ground, local experience in achieving resolution around native title issues (including advising and negotiating Indigenous Land Use Agreements), as well as land rights legislation. Our extensive experience in auditing and managing related risk across multiple agencies means best practice across the whole of government is built into our advice.