The legal profession in Australia provides a clear example of how a profession can balance state responsibilities with national coordination.
At the state level, every practising lawyer must hold a practising certificate issued by the local admitting authority. For example, in Victoria this is governed under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) and administered through the Law Institute of Victoria. Equivalent provisions exist in every state and territory. These state-based regimes ensure professional competence, discipline, and statutory obligations are tied directly to the jurisdictions where lawyers practice.
At the national level, the profession speaks with one voice through the Law Council of Australia. The Law Council represents Australian lawyers on issues that cross state borders or sit at the federal level. Its remit spans:
- Areas of law shaped by federal legislation, such as family law, corporations law, migration law and constitutional issues.
- Policy debates affecting the profession, including access to justice, regulatory harmonisation, diversity and inclusion, and international engagement.
This dual structure — state statutory licensing and national advocacy — ensures lawyers are regulated where they work, while still having a coordinated voice on matters that affect the profession as a whole.
For surveyors, mappers and geospatial professionals, the lesson is similar. State-level associations will always be critical, because statutory responsibilities such as land titling and professional licensing remain with the states. But a national body is also essential to manage migration assessments, nationally recognised professions such as hydrographic surveying, federal policy, and Australia’s role in international forums and standards.
The legal profession shows it is possible to respect state authority while ensuring a strong, united national voice.
Daniel Paez
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