Local Government
Local councils and other public authorities face many compliance and legislative burdens. DLA Phillips Fox's lawyers have significant experience helping councils and other government agencies achieve their strategic objectives while working within tight legal constraints. We understand the political and stakeholder pressures that exist within the local government sphere.
We deliver:
- Strategic vision - our lawyers understand the specific legal environment in which local government operates. We work in partnership with council officers to help them achieve their long-term goals while ensuring they comply with legal obligations.
- Government insight – many DLA Phillips Fox’s lawyers have either worked with, or been seconded to, government for extensive periods.
- A strong track record – we have been advising councils and other public authorities on planning, environmental, local government and employment law for many years.
We advise and assist councils and public authorities on:
- Planning appeals and planning scheme amendments.
- Initiation and defence of civil actions.
- Compulsory acquisition and compensation.
- Purchase, lease and licensing of land, including crown land, and property management.
- Contaminated land and waste management.
- Environmental risk management (including responses to climate change) and environmental impact assessment.
- Water law.
- Employment law, industrial relations, OH&S and WorkCover.
- Administrative law, including statutory procedures and local laws.
- Intellectual property and copyright.
- Debt collection.
- Roads and public transport.
- Agreements between councils and other bodies.
- Governance including Codes of Conduct, meeting procedures and elections.
- Privacy and freedom of information.
- Training.