Don’t risk your career, your livelihood, or your future
For many professionals, an allegation of wrongdoing can have far more consequences than just the immediate stress or anxiety which follows the making of a complaint. For some, a complaint of this kind can result in investigations, regulatory action or prosecution, and criminal offences. This is of course in addition the reputational damage which might follow from such a complaint.
We have advocated for clients in both the private and the public sectors for a range of disputes and investigations. We can assist you with preparing oral or written submissions, with attending an investigation or hearing, or with appealing a prior decision.
If you have been notified that a complaint has been made against you, it is important that you receive accurate advice as soon as possible so that you understand your rights and obligations. Many regulators have different rules, procedures and processes and it is important that you know where you stand.
We understand that often, a complaint does not represent the full story. We pride ourselves on providing you with a thorough analysis of your case, and accurate advice regarding your options.
If you have a professional discipline matter, please reach out to us.
Our Expertise
Since he first entered the profession, Zac Reinke has been involved in assisting clients with professional discipline and regulatory matters. Our experience allows us to assist clients from a range of professions, including:
- AHPRA Investigations and Disciplinary Matters
- ASIC Investigations
- Federal Aviation Matters
- Chartered Practising Accountants
- Public Sector Act Investigations
- Queensland Corrective Services
- Legal Services Commission Investigations and Prosecutions
- Queensland College of Teacher Investigations
- Investigations by the Department of Education, the Department of Child Safety and other Government entities
Frequently Asked Questions about Professional Discipline
In most investigations the investigating agency have obligations to provide ‘procedural fairness’ to the accused person. Each agency or body will be unique in some way meaning that there is no defined path that each matter will take.
Typically, most matters commence with a show cause notice, statement of allegations, or sometimes with an invitation to participate in an “informal interview”. There will then be a process of back and forth between the agency and your legal representative in regards to the allegations and your responses before a final decision is made.
If you have received a show cause notice (or a similar document) it is important that you do not begin engaging with the agency without obtaining legal advice. In many cases, what can seem like an informal discussion could have impacts far beyond those first contemplated, or at the minimum, severely restrict your lawyers ability to assist you.
In almost every case, it is best to immediately seek out an experience legal practitioner and provide them with copies of all relevant documents and information that you have. If you have been given a tight deadline in which to respond, extensions of time can usually be sought in order for you to do so.
Reinke Lawyers provides representation and advice at every stage of the disciplinary process — from the initial investigation through to any formal hearing or prosecution. We help you understand what the regulator is looking for, respond to requests for information, prepare submissions, and advocate for you if the matter proceeds to hearing.
Zac Reinke’s prior experience working within a government regulator gives us a practical understanding of how these processes operate from the inside. We use that knowledge to anticipate how your matter is likely to be assessed and to build the most effective response on your behalf.