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Matthew Beazley

Special Counsel

Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts

  • Water
  • Government
  • Property
  • Land Acquisition and Compensation
  • Planning and Environment
  • Government Law
  • Local Government

Matthew’s practice encompasses planning, environment, local government and property law. He has appeared as advocate in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Building Appeals Board, Planning Panels Victoria and Liquor Licensing Victoria.

Matthew’s skills also encompass compulsory acquisition matters, where he has acted on behalf of acquiring authorities and claimants.

Matthew appears for councils, developers, referral authorities and objectors in merits review applications at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and panel hearings. He also appears for councils, private clients and referral authorities in enforcement and prosecution proceedings. 

Experience

  • Representing and advising councils, the state, statutory authorities, private developers and objectors in planning, environmental and water law cases.
  • Appears as an advocate in the Victorian Courts, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Planning Panels Victoria, Building Appeals Board and liquor licensing matters.
  • Extensive experience in enforcement proceedings in the Supreme Court, Magistrates' Court and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in planning and environmental law, Food Act prosecutions, health and water law matters.
  • Advising acquiring authorities and claimants and litigating claims in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land.
  • Leading the response on behalf of the Department of Planning and Community Development at the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

Leadership

  • Member, Law Institute of Victoria
  • Member, Victorian Environmental and Planning Law Association
  • Recognised by Best Lawyers for expertise in Planning and Environment Law (since 2014)
  • Former Committee Member, Russell Kennedy Women's Network
  • Former Committee Member, Russell Kennedy Male Advocate for Gender Equality
  • Former Committee Member, Planning Institute of Australia (Vic)
  • Ranked as Recommended by Doyle's Guide, in the area of Town Planning & Development