Planning, Local Government & Public Sector Lawyers

Specialised Legal Support for Local Government in Perth & WA

For over a decade, HHG Legal Group has been a WALGA Legal Services Preferred Supplier Panel member, providing expert legal support to local governments across Perth and regional Western Australia.

With extensive legal experience in the public sector, our team of lawyers deliver cost-effective, efficient, and timely legal advice tailored to the challenges faced by local councils and public sector bodies.

Our in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks, due process, and government decision-making systems allows us to provide strong strategic guidance that ensures compliance and effective decision-making. Several of our team members have also held in-house local government positions, giving us first-hand insight into the complexities of local council operations across Perth & Western Australia.

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Governance

We provide expert legal guidance to local governments, helping councils maintain compliance, manage risks, and strengthen decision-making. Our services include:

• Advising local government CEOs on state government contracts and heads of agreement.
• Participating in project control groups to proactively assist identify and manage legal risks.
• Created process maps (or complex flow chart) of the decision-making process and all legislative requirements (criteria to be met) and consequences of failures at any point in the process including availability of review.
• Advising local government and private clients on Freedom of Information Act matters, including making and responding to applications and objections.
• Advising local government clients on the review of adverse Ministerial decisions and processes affecting funding and property rights.
• Code of Conduct matters (Employees, Elected Members, Committee Members and Candidates)
• Local Government Act 1995 compliance
• Legal Audits and providing governance advice.
• Audit/Oversight Committee Appointments
• Policy & procedure review and drafting
• Investigations
• Delegations Reviews
• Freedom of Information

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Property & Leasing

We assist local governments with all aspects of property and leasing, ensuring compliance and effective management of assets. Our services include:

• Commercial, Community and ground leasing
• Land Sales & Acquisitions
• Easements, (e.g. Drainage, Public Access)
• Sales & Development Agreements for public and private sector projects.
• Community Housing legal support
• Retirement Village property matters, including compliance and lease agreements.
• Commercial leasing contracts for recreational / community development facilities.
• State Administrative Tribunal applications in relation to matters involving planning and land use, building regulation, strata titles legislation, professional regulation and discipline and administration.
• Advocacy to the State Solicitor’s Office for the transfer of land held under the Charitable Trusts Act 1962.

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Projects and Procurement

HHG Legal Group provides legal expertise in project management, procurement, and contract negotiation to support local governments in delivering successful projects. Our services include:

• Negotiated and prepared project and subcontractor contracts, deeds, contracts of sale, leasing documentation, RFTs/ RFQs/EOIs and the procurement contracts awarded, for multiple local governments.
• Preparing tender documents and contracts for minor and major projects including design contracts, design and construct contracts, and construction contracts.
• Planning & Risk Management
• ‘Design, Construct & Operate’ Contracts
• Major & Minor works contracts
• Review and drafting of RFT/RFQ documentation to ensure legal clarity and compliance.
• Policy Review & Drafting
• Sub-contractor protection advice to mitigate legal and financial risks.

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Town Planning

HHG Legal Group provides expert legal guidance on town planning, urban development, and land use matters for local governments. Our services include:

• Supporting urban renewal projects, including negotiating the surrender of management orders over crown reserves for redevelopment.
• Preparing and negotiating land sale development agreements
• Negotiating agreements with the Water Corporation (e.g. to convert drains to ‘urban stream’ parklands.)
• Providing advice in relation to determination of planning applications.
• Drafting and reviewing of local government policies, planning instruments and local laws.
• Decision-making guidance on complex planning and development matters.
• Drafting planning instruments
• Condition deferral agreements
• POS (public open space) contribution agreements
• Land acquisition

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Employment and Safety

• Providing strategic advice on discrimination, bullying, and harassment claims
• Managing disputes and implementing workplace policies and codes of conduct.
• Drafting and reviewing employment contract templates for a large metropolitan local government, including letters of engagement, employment contracts, extensions to contract, deeds of settlement.
• CEO & Executive Employment Contracts
• Manager Employment Contracts and Engagement Letters (EBA and/or Award)
• Guiding performance management processes, helping councils address workplace concerns effectively
• Conducting investigations, including matters related to misconduct and regulatory compliance

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• Dispute Resolution

  Representing and defending local authorities in matters involving legislative breaches and local law enforcement.

• Managing construction disputes, including contractor disagreements and delayed public works claims.
• Environmental and land clearing matters, including regulatory inquiries and prosecutions.
• Licensing regimes, covering health and hygiene, fisheries, liquor, and hospitality compliance.
• Zoning and heritage regulations, ensuring adherence to local planning laws.
• Professional discipline and regulatory compliance, advising on enforcement actions and legal obligations.
• Successfully representing local government clients in planning and development disputes.
• Defending local authorities in relation to preference payment claims under the Corporations Act 2001.
• Advising local governments on actions against ratepayers and businesses in contravention of various legislation including the Local Government Act 1995, the Dog Act 1976 and the Building Act 2011.
• Construction Contract Disputes
• Property & Leasing Disputes
• Land access and Asset Disputes
• Arbitration & mediation
• Litigation
• Debt recovery

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In-house Support

HHG Legal Group provides flexible in-house legal support to local governments, ensuring continuity and expert guidance when needed. Our services include:

• Providing in-house legal services by retainer (e.g. covering annual leave periods for legal and governance positions)
• Governance Manager Relief to cover temporary absences, such as annual leave.
• In-house Legal Retainers for ongoing legal support.
• Governance Manager Retainers
• General Counsel Retainers
• Governance Support Services

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