Steven Brnovic

Steven is a fixture in public and regulatory law matters. 

Steven has been recognised by Doyle's Guide as one of Australia's Leading Public and Administrative Law Junior Barristers, in 2021, 2022 and 2023. In 2022, he was appointed a Commissioner of the newly-established Victorian Liquor Commission, where he sits as a Tribunal member and on inquiries related to liquor-industry regulation. In 2023, he was appointed by the Attorney-General as an Independent Reviewer under the Legal Aid Act 1978 (Vic). Late in 2020, Steven was appointed by the Premier as Counsel Assisting the COVID-19 Hotel Quarantine Inquiry. He is also an examiner for and member of the LIV's Administrative Law Accredited Specialisation Advisory Panel.

Steven has a strong presence in the Review and Regulation, Human Rights, and Building and Property lists at VCAT, as well as specialist tribunals such as the Victorian Racing Tribunal, the Building Appeals Board and Suitability Panel.  Steven appears for decision-makers and applicants in merits reviews at VCAT and the AAT.  He has conducted judicial review proceedings with respect to migration matters, as well as VCAT decisions (both led and unled), conducted and defended regulatory prosecutions, represented statutory authorities in coronial inquests and has a strong advisory practice, including with respect to protection visas and character cancellations, jurisdiction, statutory interpretation, environment protection and licensing matters. He has a current focus on matters arising under the Open Courts Act 2013, Worker Screening Act 2020, Environment Protection Act 2017, Freedom of Information Act 1982, Building Act 1993, Road Safety Act 1986 and Children Youth and Families Act 2005. 

Prior to coming to the Bar, Steven was General Counsel to Victoria’s commercial passenger vehicle industry regulator and Board Secretary.  He was a key player in establishing the statutory framework for regulating ride-share providers. 

Steven has previously been a Senior Solicitor at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office and in-house legal advisor at the then Department of Immigration. Steven was an LIV Accredited Specialist in Administrative Law. He has held Executive Officer in the Victorian Public Service, including acting as Chief Executive Officer of the Taxi Services Commission. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and Council of Australasian Tribunals. 

Steven read with Her Honour Justice Elizabeth Bennett.  His Senior Mentor was Dr Matt Collins AM QC.