Government & Public Law · Southern Sydney
1 education law firm in Southern Sydney, New South Wales, including Hurstville, Sutherland, Cronulla, Bankstown.
1 firm
Penshurst, NSW · Southern Sydney
Duncan & MacKenzie Solicitors provides legal services in Penshurst, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Business & Commercial Law and Education Law.
They advise students, parents and institutions on suspensions, exclusions and discrimination.
School and university decisions on discipline, disability and enrolment can shape a young person's future.
Education is governed by state education acts and federal disability standards. Complaints can go to state ombudsmen, anti-discrimination bodies and, for universities, internal appeals and TEQSA.
Understand the next step
Describe the institution, decision and whether the client is a student, parent, employee or provider. Different internal, regulatory and legal processes may apply.
Ask about privacy, the student’s participation and any immediate educational arrangements while advice is obtained.
Southern Sydney includes several distinct local centres. A residential conveyance, small-business lease and family property settlement can each need different expertise even when all involve the same home or premises.
For education law, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Southern Sydney. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
Keep the complete notice, reasons and review information. Record when and how the decision was received.
Ask whether internal review, a tribunal, complaint or court process is available. The Administrative Review Tribunal reviews specified Commonwealth decisions, not every government matter.
Identify evidence relevant to the disputed findings and ask how the agency file can be obtained. Clarify the result the reviewer can provide.
Clarify charges for advice, submissions, appearances and reports. Ask about legal aid or specialist assistance where appropriate.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Give the decision and receipt dates immediately. A general complaint may not preserve an opportunity to seek formal review.
In New South Wales, most criminal and minor civil matters start in the Local Court, with more serious matters in the District Court and Supreme Court. Tenancy, strata, consumer and guardianship disputes usually go to NCAT. Solicitors are licensed by the Law Society of New South Wales, and complaints about lawyers go to the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner.
Good to know
Often, yes, through the school system's review process and sometimes a tribunal or court.
Most matters start in the Local Court. More serious cases go to the District Court or the Supreme Court of NSW. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Practising certificates in New South Wales are managed by the Law Society of New South Wales. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.