Denis McLeod, Author at McLeods Lawyers

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Public Works – Power of local governments to undertake public works without obtaining planning approval

Published on 03 July 2025| By Denis McLeod

The issue The decision of the majority in the Court of Appeal in the case City of Gosnells v Reid[1] is significant as to the question whether it is open to a local government in WA to undertake a public work without first obtaining planning approval, by relying on...

Planning and environment, Updates

Announcing the Retirement of Denis McLeod AM

Published on 17 June 2025| By Denis McLeod

Announcing the retirement of Denis McLeod AM Dear Colleagues, It is both a moment of reflection and celebration as we announce the forthcoming retirement of Denis McLeod AM, founding partner of McLeods Lawyers, effective 31 December 2025. Denis retires after more than...

Governance and administrative law, Updates

Bias vs the statutory duty of members to vote

Published on 05 February 2024| By Denis McLeod

Overview Under the common law, as a general rule, decision-makers are disqualified from acting in a matter where they have a bias, actual or apprehended. A breach of the rule may result in any decision being rendered invalid. Yet under the local government law in...

Governance and administrative law, Updates

Do local governments in Western Australia lack a general power to provide public works?

Published on 09 May 2023| By Denis McLeod

The recent decision of Archer J in Reid v City of Gosnells [2023] WASC 48 has called into question the power of local governments to provide public works within their districts. This article considers the legislative history and context for the provision of public...

Governance and administrative law, Updates

Election Invalidity – Court of Disputed Returns

Published on 26 July 2022| By Denis McLeod

In the October 2021 North Ward election for the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, an unusual and extreme set of irregularities occurred, and resulted in a decision by the Court of Disputed Returns to invalidate the election, terminating the appointment of the two...

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Public Works – Power of local governments to undertake public works without obtaining planning approval

Announcing the Retirement of Denis McLeod AM

Bias vs the statutory duty of members to vote

Do local governments in Western Australia lack a general power to provide public works?

Election Invalidity – Court of Disputed Returns

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