Contact

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P: 9262 6188

E: tward@pvlaw.com.au

Overview

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Tom joined the firm in April 2019 having previously worked as an in house solicitor at the City of Sydney and Sutherland Shire Council for nearly 10 years.

Tom’s previous roles as an in house council solicitor have given him a detailed understanding of the operation of local government and the importance of working closely with clients to resolve complex legal issues in a practical way.

Tom’s work is primarily focused on planning appeals and criminal prosecutions. Tom has appeared in numerous courts and tribunals including the Land and Environment Court, District and Local Courts and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Experience

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  • Class 3 compulsory acquisition proceedings in the Land and Environment Court against Roads and Maritime Services in relation to acquisitions of part of Sydney Park for construction of the WestConnex project.
  • Complex Class 1 appeals including large scale commercial and residential developments and developments involving heritage items.
  • Class 4 civil enforcement proceedings particularly relating to non-compliance with Fire Safety Orders.
  • Class 6 appeals against the severity of penalties imposed in the Local Court for breaches of planning laws.
  • Local Court prosecutions for unauthorised development undertaken to heritage items which included working closely with the Office of Environment and Heritage to ensure protection and restoration of heritage items.
  • Prosecution of a food business for continual serious breaches of the Food Act 2003 and Food Standards Code. A publication order was ordered by the Court requiring the defendant to advertise their breaches in metropolitan newspapers.
  • Severity appeals in the District Court for breaches of the Food Act 2003.
  • Appearing in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in relation to proceedings under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
  • Advising council’s on their legislative obligations under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
  • Assisting councils responding to complaints made to the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Anti-Discrimination Board NSW.
  • Advising and acting for councils in relation to matters under the Companion Animals Act 1998 including prosecutions for dog attacks and appeals in relation to dangerous dog declarations.
  • Providing advice and training to council staff on planning appeals, legal updates and enforcement and investigation powers.
  • Reviewing statutory notices and orders under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Local Government Act, Swimming Pools Act and the Protection of the Environment Operations Act.

Contact

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P: 9262 6188

E: tward@pvlaw.com.au

Areas of Expertise

Qualifications

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BComm LLB 2009, University of Wollongong