Lawyers

Lawyers in Queensland are held to a high standard in all areas of practice. Allegations of professional misconduct or unsatisfactory professional conduct can arise from client interactions, unsatisfactory client outcomes, legal cost issues or personal conduct outside of legal practice. It is important for lawyers to obtain independent representation when facing an allegation or an investigation by the Legal Services Commission or their own governing body.

Police officers

Police officers in Queensland, both on and off duty, must comply with internal policies and procedures and the legislative Acts that govern their professional powers and responsibilities. Expectations of police officers from the community are high, and complaint investigations often result in disciplinary proceedings and even criminal charges. It is important for police officers to have legal representation from the start of a complaint matter to ensure the best outcomes are obtained. We are experts in this area of law and have an ongoing professional relationship with the Queensland Police Union of Employees and its legal defence program for police officer Union members.

Medical professionals

Medical professionals in Queensland are governed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (“AHPRA”). AHPRA’s primary role is to protect the public and set standards and policies for all registered health practitioners. These standards include training, qualifications, competence and ethics. AHPRA also functions to support fifteen national boards, which in turn regulate each specific healthcare area. Medical professional complaints can be investigated both by AHPRA and the relevant national board. These types of investigations can result not only in disciplinary action but also referrals to the police for criminal investigation and possible charges.

Teachers

Teacher conduct in Queensland falls under the regulation of the Queensland College of Teachers. This body investigates and undertakes disciplinary action concerning grounds such as being convicted of an indictable offence, incompetence, unsatisfactory behaviour or a contravention of standards. Disciplinary action can result in the suspension or cancellation of a teacher’s registration should certain thresholds be met. These types of investigations can result not only in disciplinary action but also referrals to the police for criminal investigation and possible charges.

Security providers

In Queensland, the law requires you to be appropriately licensed if you wish to engage in work as a security provider. A security provider is a:

• security firm;
• security office;
• security advisor;
• security equipment installer;
• bodyguard;
• crown controller; and
• private investigator.

We can assist with the initial license application process.

Once licensed, a provider’s conduct, professionally and personally, is continually scrutinised. This means the provider’s license can be suspended or cancelled, or a renewal of the license is refused. Show cause proceedings will be commenced if there are grounds concerning the provider’s suitability to be an appropriate person to hold a license.

You must not engage in any of these services without holding an appropriate license; otherwise, you are liable to a criminal offence with maximum penalties of 1000 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.