Mathew is a conscientious and dedicated advocate. He accepts briefs in the following areas of law: administrative, commercial, employment and discrimination, criminal, consumer, and class actions.
Since coming to the bar Mathew has established a strong administrative law practice, appearing regularly in the Federal Circuit Court, and Federal Court. He also appears in merits review matters in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He has significant expertise in immigration and refugee law.
Prior to coming to the bar Mathew was a lawyer at the Consumer Action Law Centre. During that time he was involved in cases relating to unsolicited sales, banking, responsible lending, property law, and retirement housing. Mathew offers expertise in the Australian Consumer Law, the ASIC Act, and the National Credit Code.
His early work as an advocate includes his time as a practicing lawyer for Victoria Legal Aid’s civil division, acting in judicial review matters as well as merits review matters in VCAT and the Mental Health Tribunal. He also practiced in Victoria Legal Aid’s criminal appeals division.
Mathew holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelors of Laws with first class honours from the Australian National University. He also holds a Masters of Law from Columbia University in New York City. His masters study focused on public law and statutory interpretation. Throughout his education and career Mathew has prioritised study and practice that have remained squarely focused on serving the public good.
From 2005 – 2006 Mathew was an associate to the Honourable Justice Charles and the Honourable Justice Osborn in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Mathew’s public speaking expertise extends beyond the courtroom. He tutored at La Trobe University in employment law, and previously worked as a stand-up comedian, winning awards for his work.
He has been a member of the Liberty Victoria policy committee since 2016.
Mathew Kenneally has been involved in the following cases:
- DDN17 v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2018] FCA 1126 (Judicial review of character cancellation)
- McCutcheon v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2018] FCA 828 (Judicial review of character cancellation).
- MacDonald and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (Veterans' entitlements) [2018] AATA 1520 (Veterans entitlements review in the AAT).
- Virma Ninon v Metropolitan Taxi Club Inc [2017] FWC 6617 (Jurisdictional hearing in the Fair Work Commission).
