About Maria

Maria is a highly experienced advocate in the planning jurisdiction, appearing in both VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria. She has developed an expertise in large Environmental Effects Statement matters through working on the Melbourne Metro Project and desalination plant in Wonthaggi, as well as long, complex VCAT cases with multiple parties and complex issues. Maria worked as a ministerial adviser to the Hon. John Thwaites when he was Deputy Premier of Victoria, Planning Minister and Minister for Health.

Experience

• Advocacy

  Advising and appearing as an advocate on behalf of local government authorities in the planning list of the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal.

• Mediation & Arbitration

  Acting for local government authorities in applications for interlocutory and permanent injunctions, in the Supreme Court and, on appeal in the Victorian Court of Appeal and the High Court.

• Valuations & compensations

  Acting for acquiring authorities and claimants in relation to land acquisition and compensation matters, including contested matters in the Supreme Court of Victoria and at the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal

• Dispute, resolution & Litigation

  Advising government authorities on whether proposed course of action are within power and defending authorities against allegations of acting outside their powers, including Supreme Court proceedings.