Adam Watts, Author at McLeods Barristers and Solicitors

Filter by Practice Area

The right of local governments to recover legal costs in proceedings for recovery of unpaid rates

Published on 28 January 2022| By Adam Watts

Local governments are given significant power in relation to the recovery of unpaid rates under the Local Government Act 1995 (WA) (LG Act), including the right to recover the costs of rates recovery proceedings under section 6.56 of the LG Act, which states— ‘[if] a...

Litigation and dispute resolution, Updates

Defamation of local government elected members and officers

Published on 14 September 2021| By Adam Watts

IntroductionIt is a common belief that defamation cases are most often commenced by high-profile public figures against mainstream media organisations for the publication of false and unsubstantiated material that serves to harm the defamed individual. The most recent...

Rates and debt recovery

Enforcement of judgment debts

Published on 18 December 2019| By Adam Watts

For local governments, monetary judgment debts (including for payment of outstanding rates and associated costs) may remain outstanding for extended periods, in some instances over several years. This may occur for a range of reasons, including where: the...

Property and development

Lodgement of rates caveats through PEXA

Published on 14 February 2019| By Adam Watts

A common tool used by local governments to secure outstanding rates debts is the lodgement of a rates caveat pursuant to section 6.64(3) of the Local Government Act 1995. Lodging such a caveat prevents any dealings (including refinancing, sale of land etc) on the land...

Compliance and enforcement

The Defence of Provocation for Dog Attacks

Published on 03 April 2018| By Adam Watts

Dog attacks are an unfortunate occurrence that most local governments are required to deal with on a relatively frequent basis. As a serious offence under the Dog Act 1976 subject to a maximum penalty of $20,000 dog attacks are determined in court rather than by way...

« Older Entries

The right of local governments to recover legal costs in proceedings for recovery of unpaid rates

Defamation of local government elected members and officers

Enforcement of judgment debts

Lodgement of rates caveats through PEXA

The Defence of Provocation for Dog Attacks

Contact Us

Address:

Phone:

Email: