Gilbert + Tobin is honoured to have acted in a pro bono capacity for Machado Joseph Disease Foundation in proceedings against the Commonwealth to help win back a $10 million grant.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Flick of the Federal Court ruled that the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Scullion did not have the power to revoke a previous Ministerial direction to award a $10 million grant from the Aboriginal Benefit Account to the foundation. The grant was intended to expand services in remote NT Indigenous communities most affected by the hereditary neurodegenerative condition. It had previously been approved and publically announced by then Minister Macklin.

Litigation partner Steven Glass says “This is a very pleasing and important result for the Machado Joseph Disease Foundation. We are proud to have been a part of this landmark decision which will help them continue their important work in providing practical help to those families affected as well as funding for research.” The Gilbert + Tobin team was led by Litigation partner Steven Glass and supported by lawyers Asia Lenard, Amy Rogers and Alex Borowsky.

If you are looking for pro bono lawyers, we are proud supporters of social justice providing legal advice & support to marginalised & disadvantaged people across Australia.