State and Local

State governments and local councils are at the frontline of delivering services to Australians, whilst having to navigate issues such as budget constraints, lack of resources and increased expectations and demands from their citizens.

Through a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each local council, our highly experienced, multi-disciplined local government team delivers expert legal solutions and guidance to support local councils in meeting their objectives.

As a Canberra-based firm appointed to the NSW Local Government Panel, we regularly engage with the NSW local governments in the South Eastern, Illawarra and Murrumbidgee regions. For councils located close to Canberra, our multi-jurisdictional experience in property, commercial and workplace law has real value.

We can also help with:

The MV difference

A reputation for expertise in state and local government law

Probity and Procurement
Property Development Law: We have extensive experience working with governments and developers to find appropriate legal and practical solutions in land development projects and property transactions.
Building and Construction Law: Having advised both governments and companies, we bring a deeply practical, commercial approach to front and back-end construction matters, as well as property transactions.
Contract Law: We advise on all aspects of contracts, deeds, MoUs and contract management, including issues such as delay claims, extension of time requests, variations, defects rectification, completion processes, insolvency issues and statutory claims under the security of payment legislation.
Commercial Law: We advise on commercial law matters, including probity and procurement issues associated with sensitive, high profile programs. These have ranged from the National Broadband Network roll out and highly sensitive ICT outsourcing projects to the Youth Detention Centre project and the joint venture redevelopment of the old Burnie Court site at Lyons.
Banking and Finance Law: Our lawyers have a deep understanding of project structuring, securitisation and risk, and we have acted on several complex project financing and refinancing arrangements with loan amounts in excess of $100 million.
Industrial Relations and Employment Law: We advise and represent governments on the full range of employment and industrial relations issues, including code of conduct investigations, misconduct, discrimination and sexual harassment, employee entitlements and rights, enterprise agreements and bargaining, award compliance, common law employment contracts, unfair dismissals and general protection applications.

The local knowledge for the job

We appreciate what’s required from legal advisers in significant, sensitive or contentious matters, having advised governments on matters such as the “Mr Fluffy” loose-fill asbestos buyback program and highly sensitive outsourcing and development projects.