Justine Matthews

Justine is Special Counsel at Hall Payne Lawyers, bringing over 20 years of legal expertise to the firm. Specialising in Health Law, she is dedicated to supporting health practitioners facing complaints, investigations, disciplinary actions or navigating the registration process with Ahpra.

Justine's compassionate and professional approach ensures her clients feel supported during some of the most challenging times in their careers.

She has represented doctors and health practitioners before numerous authorities and regulatory bodies, including the:

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra);
• Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO);
• Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC);
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission;
• Australian Information Commissioner; and
• State and Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunals.

Justine is renowned for her ability to navigate sensitive and complex cases, consistently handling high-pressure matters with discretion and exceptional expertise. Her practice includes:

• Supporting practitioners manage notifications to regulators and investigations arising from allegations of unsatisfactory performance, unprofessional conduct, or professional misconduct.
• Assisting practitioners subject to health and performance assessments.
• Responding to proposals to take Immediate Action.
• Helping practitioners resolve registration issues with Ahpra.
• Assisting practitioners with coronial inquiries and appearing in coronial inquests.
• Handling privacy matters before the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and Freedom of Information requests.
• Managing scope of practice and credentialing issues.
• Representing practitioners in Medicare inquiries undertaken by the Practitioner Review Programme or the Professional Services Review Agency.
• Defending allegations of discrimination before the Human Rights Commission and the Federal Court.
• Making submissions to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on behalf of practitioners.
• Compiling exemption applications to s19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 on behalf of International Medical Graduates.

In addition to her legal acumen, Justine has delivered training seminars and published articles to support the medical profession in understanding regulatory requirements and minimising risk.

Justine’s extensive career includes senior roles in both private practice and corporate settings. She has served as Partner in Charge at leading law firms and has been recognised for her legal excellence, including listings in Australia’s Best Lawyers and Doyle’s Guide for Defendant Litigation. Justine offers guidance and confidence that sets her apart in her field. Justine is also a member of the Women Lawyers Association Queensland.

Outside of work, Justine enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her boys’ sporting endeavours, and experimenting in the kitchen.