--- title: "Representations before a decision in NSW" description: "Preparing NSW show-cause responses and representations about proposed government decisions, including evidence, statutory criteria and workable alternatives." canonical: https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/administrative-representations/ language: en-AU last_updated: 2026-10-21 source_revision: 1296179e97249d22fa332459637b866a57239ff0 publisher: "Stone & Pillar Legal" --- Council & regulatory # An authority is proposing an adverse decision A proposed refusal, licence restriction or enforcement decision may leave room for a supported response. We identify the issue the authority must decide, the material it relies on and the evidence that could make a difference. - Jurisdiction New South Wales - Page type Issue overview - Timing Time-sensitive On this page - [This page may be relevant if:](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/administrative-representations/#for-you-if) - [What this usually means](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/administrative-representations/#what-it-means) - [What commonly matters](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/administrative-representations/#what-matters) - [How we help](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/administrative-representations/#how-we-help) Time-sensitive Time limits vary by decision and review mechanism. Confirm the applicable period from the notice, current legislation and procedural rules. If a date may be running, do not rely on an online enquiry. [Call (02) 8014 5817](tel:+61280145817) ## This page may be relevant if: - You have received a show-cause letter or proposed decision - An authority has invited submissions about adverse material - You want to propose a different condition, scope of work or compliance program ## What this usually means - Identify whether the document proposes a decision or already imposes an obligation. The response and review pathways may differ. - Where a statutory representation process applies, its requirements govern the response. An opportunity to make submissions should not be assumed for every decision or urgent order. - A useful submission addresses the applicable test, disputed facts and any alternative the authority can lawfully adopt. It cannot guarantee a favourable decision. ## What commonly matters 1. ### The opportunity to respond Check the invitation, statutory process, response date and material available. Seek advice promptly if essential evidence cannot be obtained within the stated time. 2. ### Evidence and alternatives Link each factual correction to a document or report. Explain how a proposed alternative addresses the authority's concern and can be implemented. 3. ### Preparing for the decision Assess the cost of the response and the practical consequences if it is rejected. Identify any later review pathway separately. ## How we help - Prepare representations and show-cause responses - Work with technical advisers on supporting evidence - Assess proposed conditions and alternative compliance arrangements This page is general information only and is not legal advice. It may not be current, and how the law applies depends on the specific facts. For advice on your situation, contact Stone & Pillar Legal. Time-sensitive ## Representations before a decision Identify the proposed decision, the authority and the date for submissions. The preliminary call covers - What has happened and the decision you need to make - The authority or other party involved, so we can check for conflicts - Any date stated in the documents you have received - Whether the firm can assist, and what a scoped first step would involve Tell us which document you received, who issued it and any date it states. Keep it to hand for the call. [Speak with a lawyer](https://stonepillar.com.au/contact/?timing=deadline\&issue=administrative-representations#schedule) [Request a call back](https://stonepillar.com.au/contact/?timing=deadline\&issue=administrative-representations#enquiry) Complimentary A 30-minute preliminary call. No legal advice is provided. Neither booking nor the call engages the firm. If a deadline is close, call [(02) 8014 5817 ](tel:+61280145817)· [Email](mailto:enquiries@stonepillar.com.au) Your enquiry will be reviewed by Michael Themis , Principal Solicitor of Stone & Pillar Legal. ## What to bring - The proposed decision or invitation and adverse material - Relevant approvals, correspondence and technical reports - Your preferred outcome and any practical alternative [Related practice area Administrative law and government enforcement](https://stonepillar.com.au/services/administrative-law/) ## Related situations - [Council & regulatory A regulator has contacted you NSW government investigations: information requests, interviews, records, statutory powers and the relationship between a response and possible enforcement.](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/government-investigations/) - [Council & regulatory You want a government decision reconsidered An overview of NSW internal review, merits review and judicial review: identifying the decision, available forum, evidence, deadlines and litigation risks.](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/government-decision-review/) - [Council & regulatory Council issued an order Respond effectively to notices of intention, orders (including stop work orders), compliance action and enforcement risk.](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/council-notices/) [All situations](https://stonepillar.com.au/issues/) Where to start ## Discuss representations before a decision Tell us what the authority proposes and what you would like it to consider. We can discuss whether an initial engagement should address the response, evidence or alternatives. [Request a call back](https://stonepillar.com.au/contact/?timing=deadline\&issue=administrative-representations#enquiry) [Speak with a lawyer](https://stonepillar.com.au/contact/?timing=deadline\&issue=administrative-representations#schedule) 30 minutes · Phone or Teams · No charge Complimentary 30-minute preliminary call. No legal advice is provided. Neither booking nor the call engages the firm; we act only once we confirm in writing. Tell us any deadline or response date; it remains your responsibility until we confirm in writing that we act for you. --- The information and tools on this website are general information only, are not legal advice, and do not create a solicitor–client relationship. Please don’t send confidential or privileged material until we confirm in writing that we can act. Do tell us any deadline or response date; it remains your responsibility until we confirm in writing that we act for you. See the full [Disclaimer](https://stonepillar.com.au/disclaimer/) and [collection notice](https://stonepillar.com.au/privacy/#collection-notice) . © 2026 Stone & Pillar Legal · New South Wales Stone & Pillar Legal is a business name of Stone & Pillar Pty Ltd ABN 11 698 040 854. Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.