Georgia Suhren

Profile

Georgia practises primarily in criminal law, regulatory and disciplinary matters. She has appeared led and unled in criminal trials. Georgia also has an interest in coronial inquests and inquiries and accepts briefs to advise on matters of public law and human rights.

Georgia prosecutes and defends regulatory matters, including for offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, the Environmental Protection Act 2017, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. Georgia has also advised on the sufficiency of evidence and criminal charges for WorkSafe and the Legal Services Board.

Georgia has experience in matters involving public interest immunity and disclosure. She has appeared in applications relating to the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Act 1985 and the Tobacco Act 1987 involving ‘protected information’. Georgia has been appointed as special counsel in these matters, as well as appearing on behalf of the Chief Commissioner of Police (CCP). Georgia has also been briefed by the CCP in relation to disclosure issues arising in criminal proceedings, and to provide advice.

Georgia also appears in on behalf of both the Attorney-General and the Secretary to the Department of Fairness, Families and Housing in respect of matters arising under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997. Georgia has also been briefed on behalf of the Secretary to the Department of Justice and Community Safety in relation to applications under the Serious Offenders Act 2018.

Georgia has experience in NDIS matters, including review of NDIA decisions regarding access and supports in the AAT. She has provided merits and prospects advice in respect of applications for review.

Since coming to the Bar, Georgia has worked in Alice Springs, appearing for clients of NAAJA. She has also been briefed to appear in the Family Division of the Children’s Court and in family law matters, both property and parenting disputes.

Immediately prior to coming to the Bar, Georgia was a Senior Solicitor at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office (VGSO). In that role, she conducted proceedings under the Serious Offenders Act 2018 and provided legal advice to Corrections Victoria, including in relation to the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. Whilst working at the VGSO, Georgia was seconded to Inner Melbourne Community Legal Service, where she appeared as a duty lawyer at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and defended clients in summary crime proceedings.

Georgia was also a lawyer at the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission. In that capacity, Georgia advised on the use of coercive and specialist investigative powers, as well as issues arising under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 and jurisdictional matters arising under the IBAC Act 2011. She also conducted prosecutions in relation to both Victoria Police and public service corruption.

Georgia commenced her career as a solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions, working in the general trial division and in the Specialist Sex Offences Unit.

Georgia holds an Indictable Crime Certificate.

Georgia is the current President of Women in Crime and has been a committee member since 2019. Georgia is also a member of the pilot Equity and Diversity List of Victoria Legal Aid.

Georgia read with Sarah Keating and her senior mentor was Sally Flynn KC.

Professional Standards Scheme

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.