Corporate Commonwealth Entities Legal Network

AGS established the Corporate Commonwealth Entities Legal Network to link together general counsel, senior lawyers and executives of corporate bodies established under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (the PGPA Act).

Launched at AGS Sydney in June 2011, the network has the support of the Department of Finance which often collaborates in presenting on topics dealing with both legal and financial matters relevant to corporate Commonwealth bodies. We currently hold 3 forums each year in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne. These are well-attended, interactive events.

The network aims to share information and experiences about common legal issues and concerns, enhance awareness of Commonwealth legal developments, facilitate training on Commonwealth legal issues, and recognise and support the professionalism of Commonwealth legal practice in corporate Commonwealth entities.

Key areas of focus are legal and technical issues across subjects including corporate governance, statutory interpretation, FOI, procurement, administrative law, practice management, issues dealing with resourcing, team structures, professional development, procurement of external legal services and professional networking opportunities.

Who are the network's members?

A positive, dynamic and interactive group with many areas of common interest and interaction, the network currently involves more than 140 general counsel, senior lawyers and executives from more than 50 corporate Commonwealth entities.

The network provides benefits for its members by assisting them to build working relationships with their counterparts in other corporate Commonwealth entities through a network register, interactive email group, legal forums in the largest capital cities and other activities.

AGS convenes and coordinates the network, assisted and advised by a Management Committee comprising representatives of corporate Commonwealth entities in the major capitals.

Our Committee Members are as follows:

• TBC, Convenor of the CCELN, AGS
• Catriona Dove, General Counsel, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
• Andrew Paloni, Special Counsel – Major Projects, Australian Institute of Marine Science
• Andrew Ford, Deputy Chief Counsel, National Disability Insurance Agency
• Felicity Dougherty, General Counsel, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
• Rebecca Kenny, General Counsel, Creative Australia

If you are a General Counsel, Senior Lawyer or Executive working for a Corporate Commonwealth entity, you are welcome to join the network by registering your interest.