Skip to main content
article thumbnail

Gillian Gehrke

Special Counsel

Brisbane

+61 7 3144 7953

Gillian is a Special Counsel in our Australian Government Team, with a proven track record of excellence in administrative law and government litigation. She regularly appears on behalf of Commonwealth government clients in the Administrative Review Tribunal, Federal Court of Australia and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Gillian also assists Commonwealth government departments on secondments, in both litigation and policy roles.

EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Gillian is well positioned to advise government clients, due to her broad range of private practice and public service experience.

At Moray & Agnew, Gillian enjoys managing a range of government litigation matters, including Commonwealth workers’ compensation, National Disability Insurance Scheme, social security and child support matters. Gillian is also available to assist Commonwealth clients in bringing applications under the Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders (CWPO) Scheme.

Gillian has a proven track record of excellence in managing complex merits review and judicial review matters. She earns her reputation as a skilled and dedicated government lawyer. She is frequently involved in matters involving self-represented applicants, as well as sensitive government matters, and demonstrates a “firm but fair” approach with high standards of professionalism at all times.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Some published decisions in which Gillian has appeared as solicitor-advocate for Commonwealth government clients include:

  • Sullivan and Repatriation Commission [2023] AATA 3044
  • Lynch and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission [2023] AATA 2229
  • Amai and Secretary, Department of Social Services [2021] AATA 937
  • BCNW and Child Support Registrar [2023] AATA 768
  • Cole and Secretary, Department of Social Services [2023] AATA 398
  • Englezos and Secretary, Department of Social Services [2020] AATA 4650
  • Hawkins and Secretary, Department of Social Services gillAATA 1917

Some published decisions in which Gillian instructed Counsel include:

  • McHugh and Comcare [2025] ARTA 1419
  • Ellenberger and Comcare [2025] ARTA 1342
  • Sanchez and Comcare [2025] ARTA 79 [2025] ARTA 79.

RECOGNITION

Gillian was awarded a University Medal by The University of Queensland for outstanding academic results for the duration of her law degree, as well as a prize for achieving the highest grade in these subjects. Her academic achievements are echoed in her success in legal practice.

Gillian also organised the “Feed our Healthcare Workers” project, bringing together the Brisbane legal community to support frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expertise

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (International Relations), 2018, University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Laws (1st Class Honours, University Medal), 2018, University of Queensland
  • Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, 2018, Queensland College of Law 

Memberships

  • Queensland Law Society