Latest News
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22Jul2013
Client Newsletter: Recent changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987
A suite of changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (PE Act) came into operation on 22 July 2013. The changes implement a number of government election commitments and are designed to improve the general operation of the Act, and in particular, to improve and simplify key planning processes. -
17Jul2013
Client Newsletter: Reforms to Native Vegetation Regulation
The Victorian Government has released a new policy: Permitted Clearing of Native Vegetation - Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (2013). The new policy replaces Victoria's Native Vegetation Management - A Framework for Action (2002) and seeks to ensure that clearing of native vegetation results in no net loss to Victoria's biodiversity. This is a policy shift from the previous requirement for 'net gain'. In September 2013, the new policy will be incorporated into all planning schemes in Victoria. There will also be associated reforms to the State Planning Policy Framework, and planning controls concerning the removal of native vegetation. The reforms will introduce new risk-based pathways for permit applications to remove native vegetation. Most applications will fall in the low risk pathway, which has fewer application requirements than other pathways. -
28Jun2013
Client Newsletter: Protected Disclosure Act 2012
The Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (PD Act) facilitates disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies, and provides protection from detrimental action to the person making the disclosure, as well as witnesses and persons who are the subject of an investigation. However, not all disclosures will be captured by the PD Act. Entities must establish procedures under the PD Act before 10 August 2013. -
06Jun2013
Seminar: Protected Disclosure Act 2012 - A Voyage of Discovery
Vanessa Twigg's Powerpoint Presentation "Protected Disclosure Act 2012 - A Voyage of Discovery", seminar held on Thursday 30 May 2013. -
23Apr2013
Case Note: Decision on the internal working documents and legal professional privilege exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
Case Note: Decision on the internal working documents and legal professional privilege exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. -
23Apr2013
Client Newsletter: Referral Authorities - New roles and responsibilities
Newsletter: Referral Authorities - New roles and responsibilities. -
03Apr2013
Seminar: Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Seminar: Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution -
25Mar2013
2013 Trainee Lawyers
Five trainees have joined the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) as part of its 2013 Traineeship program. As in previous years, the program attracted many candidates of an extremely high calibre. -
09Jan2013
Podcast: Emergency Alert System Project
Please click here to access our latest podcast on the Emergency Alert System project, run by the Office of the Emergency Service Commissioner. Interviewer: Shaun Le Grand, Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor, Police Interview panel: Alan Foster, Office of the Emergency Service Commissioner Wendy Grenville, Office of the Emergency Service Commissioner Sarah Daniell, Victorian Government Solicitor's Office -
18Oct2012