Legal service directions and guidelines

The model litigant principles set standards about how the state should behave when it is a party to legal proceedings. Under the model litigant principles, the state has an obligation to act as a model litigant in the conduct of all litigation.

These model inquest principles have been issued at the direction of The Premier and the Attorney-General and apply to the State and all agencies.

The significant litigation directions help ensure that claims and litigation that are significant to government are centrally considered and managed in a way that has proper regard to the public interest and whole-of-government considerations.

Significant litigation matters are notified to the Attorney-General, who then decides whether the matter should be referred to Cabinet. Significant litigation matters may be referred to Cabinet for information purposes only, or for a decision about responding to or managing the litigation.

The tied work guidelines outline the categories of legal services (tied work) that are required to be provided by Crown Law. The tied work guidelines apply to departments, organisations or business units within departments and government instrumentalities that represent the Crown.

In relation to other legal services (untied work), department and agencies may choose to engage Crown Law or a private solicitor or barrister.

The Solicitor-General, Gim Del Villar KC is available to provide legal advice and representation in matters of importance to the government.

These guidelines set out how the State of Queensland and all agencies should respond to civil litigation against the State brought by claimants who have been abused as children and are intended to ensure a compassionate and consistent approach by government and to make civil litigation less traumatic for victims.