14 March 2025
39 min read
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To help those in the public sector prepare for what lies ahead, we shared valuable skills and insights at our recent NSW Government lawyers CLE intensive.
Sessions from the program included:
If you missed our session or are interested in these topics, you can access the on-demand links below. Each session is eligible for CPD points and may require a one-time registration.
Witness interviewing is an integral part of conducting an investigation or preparing a case for litigation. Special Counsel Helen Sims explores the art of executing a successful witness interview, providing practical tips and guidance on avoiding ethical pitfalls.
Watch now.
The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) is a highly effective tool for contractors to maintain cash flow on an interim basis. As principals, what should NSW government agencies be aware of when facing claims under the Act? Partner Christine Jones distils the Act, from the principal’s perspective, for NSW government agencies.
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Arbitration is a flexible form of dispute resolution that can be tailored to suit particular situations. Partner Geoff Farnsworth considers what arbitration offers NSW government agencies.
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Any government procurement requires careful consideration of insurances and how its availability and nature impact other risk allocation in the contract. Partner Helena Golovanoff outlines key concepts in insurance, discusses the role of insurance as a risk management tool and explores the fundamental framework for determining insurance types and levels in agreements for procuring goods and services.
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In today’s tech-driven world, the ethical duties of lawyers are more important than ever. Partner Ian Robertson and National Risk and Compliance Manager Kristin Watkins dive into the fundamental responsibilities lawyers owe to their clients, the court and regulatory bodies. Discussion topics include fiduciary duties, confidentiality, legal professional privilege, conduct rules and ethical issues for in-house counsel.
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AI has unlocked new opportunities to augment the current skill sets of lawyers. However, correct legal research technique and fact checking is still crucial for ensuring accurate, precise, and on-point research results. Chief Knowledge Officer Keren Smith demonstrates how to research effectively with free tools such as Jade, Legify, AustLII, save time with certain functions in GPT-4 and Microsoft Copilot, and how to set up free news, legislation, and case law alerts.
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This session explores the practicalities, risks and legal considerations of selected existing and emerging productivity tools and techniques for in-house practice, shared by Partner Thomas Kwok and Special Counsel Katharine Huxley.
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If you have any questions about the above topics, please contact us here.
International Women’s Day: Equal Representation in Government yet to be achieved
LGNSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said gender imbalance remained a challenge in all spheres of government, and in society more broadly. “Our elected bodies should reflect the communities they serve, so female representation is crucial. In 1995 only 23% of councillors in NSW were female. Following the 2024 council elections, women now make up 41% of all councillors. We’re moving in the right direction,” Cr Miller said (7 March 2025). Read more here.
NSW Government cracks down on antisemitism and other hatred as three new bills pass Parliament
The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill 2025, Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025, and Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025 all passed the Parliament overnight. The legislation will create new offences and provide for tougher penalties for existing charges (21 February 2025). Read more here.
Mandatory sentencing is not the answer
The Law Council of Australia is extremely disappointed in the Government’s proposal to impose mandatory sentencing in response to certain hate crimes and a broad range of terrorism offences. “It is vitally important in challenging times to uphold rule of law principles and not adopt measures that risk serious injustice… under mandatory sentencing, the personal circumstances of the offender are not taken into consideration. This has the potential to disproportionately impact vulnerable groups,” Law Council of Australia President, Juliana Warner said (6 February 2025). Read more here.
Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade
The Albanese government has signed up New South Wales to its new schools funding agreement, with an extra A$4.8 billion in funding for the state’s public schools over ten years. Queensland remains the only state still to join the agreement, which ties federal funding to schools to specific measures, such as phonics checks and teacher training. The federal government is working hard to finalise a deal with that state before going into caretaker mode for the election (3 March 2025). Read more here.
Transparency at the heart of strata reforms
The reforms give property owners better information and increase accountability for strata managers through improved transparency around their financial relationships and potential conflicts of interest. NSW Fair Trading will be enforcing these new obligations, with strata managers required to understand and comply with the new requirements, including auditing their previous disclosure practices to identify any gaps, and implement processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting under the new requirements (11 February 2025). Read more here.
New ‘Missing Middle’ Housing Policy a missed opportunity
The peak body for local government in NSW has responded to today’s roll-out of the State Government’s low and mid-rise housing policy, warning the “one-size-fits-all" approach fails to address community infrastructure needs and is a missed opportunity to provide urgently needed affordable housing, particularly for essential workers in key locations (21 February 2025). Read more here.
$1 billion to build critical Western Sydney infrastructure
Jointly funded by both governments, the project will upgrade Fifteenth Avenue to create a critical transit corridor from Liverpool to the new Western Sydney International Airport. Over 22,000 vehicles per day travel along the congested two-lane Fifteenth Avenue, with around 8 per cent of those being trucks. Liverpool City Council predicts a significant increase in housing in the areas immediately around Fifteenth Avenue, which could see as many as 63,000 additional people living there by 2041 (19 January 2025). Read more here.
New research funded to find plastic waste solutions
Three pioneering projects have been awarded $1.25 million by the NSW Government to tackle plastic pollution through innovative and impactful solutions. Each project will receive between $308,000 and $493,000, and completion is expected by 31 May 2027 (5 February 2025). Read more here.
New environmental name and shame register to warn and protect the public
The powers were introduced by the NSW Government in April this year under changes to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). The changes also doubled penalties for environmental crimes and increased powers to deter repeat offenders and make polluters pay. In addition to naming the two businesses, Carbon MF Pty Ltd and Sams Maintenance and Pest Control Pty Ltd, the public warning register also lists directors, related business names and aliases due to ongoing concerns about their business practices (23 December 2024). Read more here.
Support for local jobs and industry in government response to procurement inquiry
The Minns Labor Government has agreed to support 20 of the 22 recommendations made by the NSW Parliament’s Upper House inquiry into government procurement practices. The inquiry, which was launched in October 2023, was prompted by concerns from the government regarding the decline in local manufacturing and local content over the past ten years (20 December 2024). Read more here.
New Year, New Rules: Government Sides with Developers over Local Voices
Today's confirmation of eligibility criteria for the State Government’s new Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) has generously presented developers with the freedom to exceed development standards by up to 20 per cent, giving greater opportunities for profit-driven land banking, and no mandated requirement to meaningfully provide affordable housing. Local Government NSW says the HDA will further weaken the role of community-led strategic planning while doing nothing to address real barriers to housing delivery such as land banking, skills and labour shortages and soaring costs of materials and labour (20 December 2024). Read more here.
Key investment priorities for the Energy Security Corporation
The Energy Security Corporation is seeded with $1 billion to help build a more reliable energy system. It will work with the private sector to plug investment gaps in the market, ensuring NSW homes and businesses can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy. The key priorities for investment include short to long-duration storage projects that capture excess renewable energy, to maximise use of electricity generated from solar and wind (14 February 2025). Read more here.
Deadline for pubs and clubs to comply with new ATM laws fast approaching
Under new rules, machines that allow cash withdrawals must be placed at least 5m from the entry to a gaming room and not be visible from any machine or entry to a gaming room. Having ATMs and EFTPOS facilities further away from gaming machines encourages a break in play for vulnerable customers, who may benefit from taking a step away to consider how much they are spending. The new rules came into place on 1 January, with a one-month grace period to comply (26 January 2025). Read more here.
Use of legal professional privilege in Commonwealth investigations
The Albanese Government is releasing a discussion paper on the use of legal professional privilege claims in Commonwealth investigations as part of the Government’s comprehensive response to the PwC tax leaks scandal. The Attorney‑General’s Department and Treasury are undertaking public consultation until 28 February 2025. Access the discussion paper and read more here.
Support for ART improving administrative decision making
Yesterday, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) published online its first ‘notice of systemic issue. A key design feature of the newly constituted ART is the ability for its President to identify, escalate and report on systemic issues in administrative decision-making. This was a feature the Law Council strongly supported throughout its engagement with the Government on the establishment of the ART (19 December 2024). Read more here.
Wild ride for NSW lawyers: new guidance on direct speech evidence
NSW lawyers should carefully address the exact degree of a witness’ recollection of conversations, and the precise words used when drafting affidavits to ensure they meet the varying drafting expectations of federal and NSW courts, with direct speech to be far more limited in federal than NSW courts (13 December 2024). Read more here.
Bell CJ slams PLT costs, welcomes proposed changes
Regarding several large firms covering PLT fees as an incentive for graduates to join their ranks, His Honour acknowledged that, while not inherently problematic, this practice creates an uneven competitive landscape, disadvantageous to those who aspire to work in public service roles. As a result, Bell CJ revealed that “the College of Law has announced that it will significantly reduce the standard PLT tuition fee to a newly adjusted base of $9,200, with arrangements in place for ongoing review mechanisms into the future” (11 February 2025). Read more here.
Have your say – Review of the Roads Act 1993
The NSW Government is undertaking a review the Roads Act 1993 to create a more contemporary planning and management framework for roads and streets across NSW. This review aims to better enable Transport for NSW and councils as decision makers and recognises the function of roads not only for vehicle traffic but for all road users. Consultation will be open until 28 March 2025. Read more here.
Have your say – Remaking the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017
The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation (the Regulation) applies to all NSW workplaces to protect workers from risks to their health and safety. The current Regulation ends on 1 September 2025 unless it is remade, with or without changes. Consultation period is open until 12 March 2025. Access the Discussion Paper and read more here.
Have your say – NSW energy from waste framework review
Over the next 20 years, NSW waste volumes are forecast to grow to 27 million tonnes in 2041. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the NSW energy from waste framework until 8 April 2025. Access the Options Paper and read more here.
Have your say – Restrictive practices legislative framework
Restrictive practices are actions or interventions that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of a person to change a behaviour which is likely to place the physical safety of the person or others in serious jeopardy. The aim of the proposed framework is to reduce and, where possible, eliminate the use of restrictive practices. The Department of Communities and Justice is seeking feedback until 28 February 2025. Access the Consultation Paper and read more here.
Have your say – Consultation on council meeting reforms
The Office of Local Government (OLG) is inviting feedback from the local government sector and others on proposed amendments to the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW (Model Meeting Code). The amendments aim to simplify the Model Meeting Code, promote the dignity of the council chamber, de-politicise the role of general manager and boost transparency, integrity and public participation in meetings. Consultation period is open until 28 February 2025. Access the Consultation Draft and read more here.
Have your say – Off the plan contracts and covenants laws under review
Buying a home ‘off the plan’ allows home buyers to commit to purchasing a property before it is built and can help people get into the property market. It also helps developers to finance the new residential building project. The NSW Government is proposing reforms to build greater confidence in the housing market by preventing developers from delaying off the plan settlement dates and providing home buyers with more certainty. Consultation period is open until 7 March 2025. Access the discussion paper and read more here.
Have your say – Remaking the retirement villages Regulation
In NSW, retirement village operators are regulated by the Retirement Villages Regulation 2017 (the current Regulation), which supports the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (the Act). The current Regulation will expire on 1 September 2025. Remaking the Regulation allows the NSW Government to consider feedback on how to improve, modernise and streamline the current laws. Consultation period is open until 12 March 2025. Access the Consultation Draft and read more here.
“Present and future challenges to the rule of law and for the legal profession”
The Hon A S Bell Chief Justice of New South Wales gave the opening of law term dinner address for 2025 at the Hilton Hotel. In his speech he addressed many challenges about the state of society and the rule of law, this included a strong condemnation of anti-sematic activity, the rise of Gen AI, threats to the independence of the judiciary and barriers of entry to the legal profession (6 February 2025). Access the Speech here.
Use of Automated Decision-making by Government: Consultation Paper
The Law Council of Australia provided a submission to contribute to the Attorney-General’s Department’s November 2024 Consultation Paper on the use of automated decision-making (ADM) by government. The Law Council notes that, following the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme (Robodebt Royal Commission), the Australian Government has committed to considering opportunities for legislative reform to introduce a consistent framework for ADM in service delivery by public sector agencies (30 January 2025). Access the Submission here.
Law Society of NSW Annual Report 2024
The annual report of the Law Society provides a comprehensive overview of the organization's activities and achievements over the past year. It highlights key initiatives, strategic goals, and the society's efforts to support the legal profession, advocate for legal reforms, and enhance access to justice The report reflects on its accomplishments, challenges, and future direction in fostering a thriving, ethical, and well-regulated legal community (20 December 2024). Access the Report here.
Casebook January 2025: Investigations and complaint-handling case studies
This Casebook includes a summary of all investigations completed by the NSW Ombudsman between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024. This six-monthly report highlights some of the myriad of complaints it has dealt with across a range of NSW government agencies, local councils and community service providers (20 January 2025). Access the Casebook here.
Annual equality report shows positive inroads, but pay gap at the Bar still a significant concern
The Law Council of Australia welcomes the success of its Equitable Briefing Policy in achieving briefing rates targets and driving change but is concerned by the continuing gender pay gap faced by women barristers. “In particular, that the target of ensuring women barristers receive at least 30 per cent of all briefs continues to be exceeded. This is a third year in a row this goal has been met,” said Law Council of Australia President Juliana Warner (20 February 2025). Access the Annual Report and read more here.
NSW Public Sector Report 2024
The 2024 NSW Public Sector Report is an assessment of the state of the NSW public sector by the Secretary of the Premier’s Department. The report assesses the sector’s performance, including notable achievements, challenges and priorities, and provides an analysis of government sector workforce data (20 December 2024). Read more here.
Annual Compliance Report: Energy network operator compliance during 2023-24
This is the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW’s (IPART) annual report on the NSW energy network operators’1 compliance with relevant obligations for the year 2023–24. Network operator compliance is based on the required self-reporting from network operators, annual self-assessed compliance reports signed by the Chair of the Board of Directors and the CEO, notification of events, and a program of audits conducted by IPART. The Report discloses the compliance and non-compliance of energy operators including Transgrid, Ausgrid, Endeavor Energy and Essential Energy (6 February 2025). Access the Report here.
SP 95221 v Lane Cove Council [2025] NSWSC 172
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – review for denial of procedural fairness – review on the grounds of irrelevant and relevant considerations – remedies – discretionary factors – delay – plaintiff is the Owners Corporation of a multi-residential apartment building erected in suburban Sydney – the second defendant is the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (“NCAT”) – the first defendant is a Council constituted under the Local Government Act 1993 (“the Council”), and the developer of the complex – after the building work is completed and the building is occupied, the plaintiff sought to file an application with the Registrar of NCAT against the Council and others for breach of the statutory warranties provided under the Home Building Act 1989 – application is rejected by the Registrar – NCAT files a submitting appearance in these proceedings – Council defends NCAT’s rejection of the application – whether the Registrar of NCAT denied the plaintiff procedural fairness in rejecting the application – whether the Registrar took into account irrelevant considerations or failed to take into account relevant considerations in rejecting the application – whether prerogative relief under Supreme Court Act 1970, s 69 should be refused on discretionary grounds due to the delay of the plaintiff in bringing these proceedings.
Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013, s 26; Civil Procedure Act 2005 Part 6; Design Practitioners Act 2020; Home Building Act 1989; Strata Schemes Management Act 2015; Strata schemes development Act 2015; Supreme Court Act 1970; Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005, r 59.2; Home Building Act 1989; Supreme Court Act 1970, s 69.
G & J Drivas Pty and Telado Pty Ltd v City of Parramatta Council [2025] NSWLEC 1033
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION – concept development application for building envelope, demolition and new work to the heritage building – impact of the concept development application on the heritage significance of the Murray’s Building – impact of the concept development application on the heritage significance of Centenary Square – appeal dismissed.
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Div 4.4 ss 4.21, 4.22, 4.24, ss 8.7; Land and Environment Court Act 1979 s 34; Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 cll 1.4, 2.7, 4.4, 5.10, 7.1, 7.3, 7.5, 7.8, 7.11, 7.12, 7.20, Sch 5, Pt 7; Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 cl 1.8A.
Applications by Kiama Municipal Council (Blue Haven Bonaira Aged Care Facility Redundancy Payments) [2025] NSWIRComm 1006
EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL LAW – Awards and enterprise agreements – termination – exemption from paying severance pay to employees on the basis of the employer having obtained acceptable alternative employment.
Industrial Relations Act 1996, s 10.
Fearon v Commissioner for Fair Trading [2025] NSWCATAD 44
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – real estate licences – application for renewal – disqualified person – triviality of offence – fit and proper person.
Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997 (NSW); Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (NSW); Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW); Property and Stock Agents Act 2002 (NSW); Property and Stock Agents Regulation 2022 (NSW).
Star Training Academy Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Police, NSW Police Force [2025] NSWCATOD 6
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW – trades – licensing of particular trades – security industry – master security licence – revocation – suitability to hold master security licence – fit and proper person – public interest – provision of false and misleading records to regulators.
Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997 (NSW); Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (NSW); Evidence Act 1995 (NSW); Fines Act 1996 (NSW); Migration Act 1958 (Cth); National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Cth); Public Health Act 2010 (NSW); Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) 2020 (NSW); Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW); Security Industry Regulation 2016 (NSW); Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 (Cth); Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW).
Townley v Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and Premier of New South Wales [2025] NSWCATAD 23
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – Government information – access – Cabinet Information – general principles – reasonable grounds – cl 2(1)(e).
Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; Government Information (Public Access) Act 2013.
Kingshill Development No 1 Pty Ltd v Port Stephens Council [2025] NSWLEC 1
APPEAL – s 56A Land and Environment Court Act 1979 (NSW) appeal – refusal of concept development application for large urban release area by commissioner – permissible scope of assessment of concept proposal made under s 4.22 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) – whether concept development application for subdivision – error in application of statutory definition of designated State public infrastructure – error in finding that clause in relevant local environmental plan should be applied in the merit assessment considerations – finding of uncertainty of location of stormwater diversion channel not unlawful – no errors of law in assessment of impacts of concept proposal on wetlands – refusal to grant development consent subject to Grampian conditions permissible – to the extent that errors of law established by appellants these were not vitiating in light of overall judgment.
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), ss 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 4.15, 4.22, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 (as at July 2023), s 5A (as at 24 August 2017); Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW), Sch 9; Biodiversity Conservation (Savings and Transitions) Regulation 2017 (NSW), regs 27, 28; Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW), ss 23G, 195, 195C, 195G; Interpretation Act 1987 (NSW), s 11; Land and Environment Court Act 1979 (NSW), s 56A; Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2000; Port Stephens Local Environment Plan 2013 (NSW), cll 6.1, 6.2 (as at 26 April 2023); Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW), Pt 3.
T & A Skills Care Service Pty Ltd v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] NSWCATAD 18
TAX AND REVENUE – land tax – primary production exemption – onus of proof not satisfied.
Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997 (NSW); Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (NSW); Land Tax Management Act 1956 (NSW)l; Taxation Administration Act 1996 (NSW).
Brazel v Sydney Water Corporation [2025] NSWCATAD 15
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – administrative review – Government information – legal professional privilege – prior determinations in proceedings between the parties – res judicata and issue estoppel – applicable principles – correct and preferable decision.
Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997 (NSW); Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (NSW); Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW); Legal Profession Uniform Act No 16a of 2014; Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW); Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (VIC).
Grant v Commissioner of Police [2025] NSWIRComm 1000
EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL LAW – victimisation – whether application filed out of time – whether, if so, the Commission should accept the application out of time – consideration of when time commences to run for purposes of limitation period where it is alleged that the employer engaged in a “course of conduct” – whether and when “ongoing detrimental conduct” provides a sufficient reason for the Commission to accept an application out of time – no sufficient reason to accept those parts of application made out of time.
CIVIL PROCEDURE – summary disposal – dismissal of proceedings – whether no reasonable cause of action disclosed – Applicant’s case fairly arguable.
Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW), ss 210, 213; Uniform Civil Procedure Rules, r 13.4.
Environment Protection Authority v Central Coast Council [2024] NSWLEC 141
CRIMINAL – sentencing for breach of condition of environment protection licence – early guilty plea – failure to maintain rising main in proper and efficient manner – relevance of financial crisis of amalgamated council and appointment of administrator to objective seriousness of offence considered – extent of environmental harm – application of s 10, s 10A of Criminal (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 not appropriate – mitigating circumstances considered – order for restoration project made – penalty imposed – publication order made.
CRIMINAL – sentencing for water pollution offence arising from operation of sewerage system – early guilty plea.
Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), ss 3A, 10, 10A, 21A, 22, 23; Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW), s 257B; Fines Act 1996 (NSW), ss 6, 122; Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), ss 220, 355, 438I, 438M, 731; Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW), ss 3, 64, 116, 120, 122, 169, 241, 244, 248, 250, 251, Sch 6.
DD55 Pty Ltd v Waverley Council [2025] NSWLEC 104
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION: dwelling house development in Coastal environment area and Coastal Use Area – whether aboriginal cultural heritage, practices and places are adversely impacted – aboriginal archaeological investigation – whether impacts on Coastal Environment Area have been minimised – whether impacts on Coastal Use Area have been minimised.
Coastal Management Act 2016; Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, ss 4.15, 8.7; Land and Environment Court Act 1979, ss 34, 34AA; National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, ss 5, 86, 90; Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, s 38; State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021, ss 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 4.6; State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022, s 2.1; Waverley Local Environmental Plan 2012, cll 5.10, 6.1, 6.2, 6.9, 6.15.
Webb v Secretary, Department of Communities and Justice [2025] NSWCATAD 38
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – application for administrative review of an administratively reviewable decision made under the Government Information (Public) Access Act 2009 (NSW) – application lodged out of time – whether time should be extended.
Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997 (NSW); Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (NSW) (repealed); Civil and Administrative Tribunal Amendment Act 2013 (NSW); Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW); Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW).
Proclamations commencing Acts
Child Protection (Working with Children) Amendment Act 2022 No 34 (2025-8) – published LW 24 January 2025
Victims Rights and Support Amendment (Victims Support Counselling) Act 2024 No 92 (2025-15) – published LW 31 January 2025
Transport Administration Amendment Act 2024 No 58 (2025-36) – published LW 14 February 2025
Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments
Environmental Planning and Assessment (Housing Delivery Authority) Order 2024 (2024-661) – published LW 19 December 2024
Water Sharing Plan for the Hunter Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources Amendment Order 2024 (2024-660) – published LW 18 December 2024
Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-5) – published LW 17 January 2025
Order regarding volunteers taking part in emergency operations (2025-7) – published LW 19 January 2025
Administrative Arrangements (Administrative Changes—Miscellaneous) Order 2025 (2025-9) – published LW 24 January 2025
Public Holidays Amendment Order 2025 (2025-10) – published LW 24 January 2025
Duties Amendment (Qualified Investors) Regulation 2025 (2025-16) – published LW 31 January 2025
Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Amendment Regulation 2025 (2025-17) – published LW 31 January 2025
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation 2025 (2025-18) – published LW 31 January 2025
Public Health Amendment (Scheduled Medical Conditions and Notifiable Diseases) Order 2025 (2025-19) – published LW 31 January 2025
Uniform Civil Procedure (Amendment No 104) Rule 2025 (2025-27) – published LW 31 January 2025
Water Management (General) Amendment (Specific Purpose Access Licences) Regulation 2025 (2025-29) – published LW 7 February 2025
Work and Development Order Guidelines 2024 (2025-28) – published LW 3 February 2025
National Regulatory System for Community Housing Tier Guidelines (2025-35) – published LW 10 February 2025
Fisheries Management (General) Amendment (Advisory Councils) Regulation 2025 (2025-37) – published LW 14 February 2025
National Regulatory System for Community Housing Tier Guidelines (2025-35) – published LW 10 February 2025
Water Management (General) Amendment (Floodplain Harvesting Access Licences) Regulation 2025 (2025-38) – published LW 14 February 2025
Electricity Infrastructure Investment Amendment (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2025 (2025-44) – published LW 21 February 2025
Fair Trading Amendment Regulation 2025 (2025-43) – published LW 19 February 2025
Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment (Demerit Points Reduction Trial) Regulation 2025 (2025-45) – published LW 21 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-56) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-57) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-58) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-59) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-60) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-61) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-62) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-63) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-64) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-65) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-66) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-67) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-68) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-69) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-70) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-71) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-72) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-73) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-74) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-75) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-76) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-77) – published LW 28 February 2025
Final Determination [Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016] (2025-78) – published LW 28 February 2025
Jury Amendment (Jury Allowance) Regulation 2025 (2025-79) – published LW 28 February 2025
Passenger Transport (Opal and Other Fares) Amendment Order 2025 (2025-83) – published LW 28 February 2025
Government Sector Employment Amendment Regulation 2025 (2025-86) – published LW 5 March 2025
Motor Accident Injuries (Indexation) Order 2025 (2025-90) – published LW 7 March 2025
Order regarding volunteers taking part in emergency operations (2025-87) – published LW 5 March 2025
Photo Card Amendment (Photo Card Fees) Regulation 2025 (2025-91) – published LW 7 March 2025
Sound NSW Advisory Board Regulation 2025 (2025-84) – published in the Sound NSW Advisory Board Act 2025 No 4, Schedule 2
Water Management (General) Amendment (Metering) Regulation 2025 (2025-92) – published LW 7 March 2025
Environmental Planning Instruments
Bland Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Amendment No 3) (2025-1) – published LW 10 January 2025
Inner West Local Environmental Plan (Housing) (Map Amendment No 1) (2025-2) – published LW 10 January 2025
Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan Amendment (Planning Systems) 2024 (2025-3) – published LW 10 January 2025
Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 (Map Amendment No 9) (2025-4) – published LW 10 January 2025
Lachlan Local Environmental Plan 2013 (Map Amendment No 2) (2025-6) – published LW 17 January 2025
Greater Hume Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Map Amendment No 1) (2025-11) – published LW 24 January 2025
Mid-Western Regional Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Map Amendment No 13) (2025-12) – published LW 24 January 2025
Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan Amendment (Complying Development) 2025 (2025-13) – published LW 24 January 2025
Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009 (Map Amendment No 7) (2025-14) – published LW 24 January 2025
Camden Local Environmental Plan Amendment (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2024 (2024-659) – published LW 16 December 2024
State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) Amendment (Places of Public Worship) 2024 (2024-662) – published LW 20 December 2024
Berrigan Local Environmental Plan 2013 (Map Amendment No 1) (2025-20) – published LW 31 January 2025
Byron Local Environmental Plan (Housing) (Map Amendment No 1) (2025-21) – published LW 31 January 2025
Campbelltown Local Environmental Plan 2015 (Amendment No 40) (2025-22) – published LW 31 January 2025
Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2014 (Map Amendment No 17) (2025-23) – published LW 31 January 2025
Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Map Amendment No 9) (2025-24) – published LW 31 January 2025
Sydney Local Environmental Plan Amendment (State Significant Development) 2025 (2025-25) – published LW 31 January 2025
Temora Local Environmental Plan 2010 (Map Amendment No 3) (2025-26) – published LW 31 January 2025
Central Coast Local Environmental Plan (Housing) (Map Amendment No 2) (2025-30) – published LW 7 February 2025
Cessnock Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Map Amendment No 14) (2025-31) – published LW 7 February 2025
Forbes Local Environmental Plan 2013 (Map Amendment No 1) (2025-32) – published LW 7 February 2025
Inner West Local Environmental Plan (Housing) (Map Amendment No 2) (2025-33) – published LW 7 February 2025
Snowy River Local Environmental Plan 2013 (Map Amendment No 2) (2025-34) – published LW 7 February 2025
Byron Local Environmental Plan 2014 (Amendment No 46) (2025-39) – published LW 14 February 2025
Cumberland Local Environmental Plan 2021 (Amendment No 8) (2025-40) – published LW 14 February 2025
Greater Hume Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Amendment No 10) (2025-41) – published LW 14 February 2025
State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) Amendment (Local Bonuses) 2025 (2025-42) – published LW 14 February 2025
Cabonne Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Amendment No 11) (2025-46) – published LW 21 February 2025
Canada Bay Local Environmental Plan 2013 (Map Amendment No 7) (2025-47) – published LW 21 February 2025
Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan 2013 (Map Amendment No 13) (2025-48) – published LW 21 February 2025
Hunters Hill Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Map Amendment No 2) (2025-49) – published LW 21 February 2025
Penrith Local Environmental Plan (Industry and Employment) (Map Amendment No 5) (2025-50) – published LW 21 February 2025
Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2015 (Map Amendment No 5) (2025-51) – published LW 21 February 2025
Wentworth Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Amendment No 23) (2025-52) – published LW 21 February 2025
Wingecarribee Local Environmental Plan 2010 (Amendment No 70) (2025-53) – published LW 21 February 2025
Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan (Precincts – Western Parkland City) (Map Amendment No 2) (2025-54) – published LW 21 February 2025
Ballina Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Map Amendment No 9) (2025-80) – published LW 28 February 2025
State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) Amendment (Low and Mid Rise Housing) 2025 (2025-81) – published LW 28 February 2025
State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) Amendment (Warrawong Site) 2025 (2025-82) – published LW 28 February 2025
Cabonne Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Amendment No 10) (2025-93) – published LW 7 March 2025
Hawkesbury Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Map Amendment No 7) (2025-94) – published LW 7 March 2025
Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 (Map Amendment No 7) (2025-95) – published LW 7 March 2025
Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan 2010 (Map Amendment No 2) (2025-96) – published LW 7 March 2025
Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Map Amendment No 11) (2025-97) – published LW 7 March 2025
Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009 (Amendment No 58) (2025-98) – published LW 7 March 2025
Cabonne Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Amendment No 10) (2025-93) – published LW 7 March 2025
Hawkesbury Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Map Amendment No 7) (2025-94) – published LW 7 March 2025
Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 (Map Amendment No 7) (2025-95) – published LW 7 March 2025
Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan 2010 (Map Amendment No 2) (2025-96) – published LW 7 March 2025
Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Map Amendment No 11) (2025-97) – published LW 7 March 2025
Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009 (Amendment No 58) (2025-98) – published LW 7 March 2025
Bills introduced – Government
Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill 2025
Industrial Relations Amendment Bill 2025
Bail Amendment (Extension of Limitation on Bail in Certain Circumstances) Bill 2025
Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025
Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2025
Statute Law Amendment (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025
Transport Administration Amendment (Sydney Metro Governance) Bill 2025
Work Health and Safety Amendment (Standalone Regulator) Bill 2025
Bills introduced – Non-Government
Crimes Amendment (Display of Nazi and Terrorist Symbols) Bill 2025
Greyhound Racing Ban Bill 2025
Summary Offences Amendment (Public Assemblies) Bill 2025
Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Health Care Access) Bill 2025
Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025
Bills revised following amendment in Committee
Creative Statement to Parliament Bill 2025
Sound NSW Advisory Board Bill 2025
Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment Bill 2025
Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025
Inspector of Custodial Services Amendment Bill 2025
Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment (FOGO Recycling) Bill 2025
Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament
Justice Legislation Amendment (Civil) Bill 2025
Marine Safety Amendment Bill 2025
Creative Statement to Parliament Bill 2025
Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment Bill 2025
Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025
Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill 2025
Industrial Relations Amendment Bill 2025
Inspector of Custodial Services Amendment Bill 2025
Justice Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2025
Mental Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment (FOGO Recycling) Bill 2025
Sound NSW Advisory Board Bill 2025
Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Bills assented to
Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment (FOGO Recycling) Act 2025 No 1 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Act 2025 No 10 –Assented to 02 March 2025
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Act 2025 No 11 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Marine Safety Amendment Act 2025 No 12 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Justice Legislation Amendment (Civil) Act 2025 No 13 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 No 14 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Justice Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2025 No 15 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Housing Amendment Act 2025 No 2 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Creative Statement to Parliament Act 2025 No 3 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Sound NSW Advisory Board Act 2025 No 4 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Mental Health Legislation Amendment Act 2025 No 5 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment Act 2025 No 6 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Inspector of Custodial Services Amendment Act 2025 No 7 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2025 No 8 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Act 2025 No 9 – Assented to 02 March 2025
Disclaimer
The information in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this newsletter is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.
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