Leanne O'Neill
Partner
Litigation
Expertise
Leanne is an experienced litigator with a distinguished career representing both public and private sector clients across complex matters in the Land Court, Federal Court, and National Native Title Tribunal. Her practice spans cultural heritage law, native title, statutory valuations, environmental planning, and compliance enforcement. Known for her strategic approach and deep understanding of government and regulatory frameworks, Leanne has acted in numerous precedent-setting cases and continues to advise clients on matters at the intersection of land use, heritage protection, and environmental planning.
Experience
- Supervising and acting solicitor for various cultural heritage and native title precedent cases in the Land Court, National Native Title Tribunal and Federal Court including injunctions and matters related to declaratory relief under the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth);
- representing the State of Queensland in the numerous matters under the Right to Negotiate Procedures in the National Native Title Tribunal and landowners in the Federal Court related to native title implications on pastoral leases;
- responsible for the coordination, management and representation of the State in over 448 commercial valuation appeals in the Land Court under the Valuation of Land Act 1944 (Qld) and approximately 50 residential valuation appeals;
- advising the State of Queensland and private clients in relation to objections to statutory valuations;
- responsible for the coordination and management of over 100 planning and environment appeals to which the State was a party in the Planning and Environment Court, and over 20 planning appeals for private clients and statutory authorities;
- advising and representing both the private and public sectors in relation to show cause notices and other compliance matters, including in the Planning and Environment Court, Land Court and Magistrates Court; and
- advising on leasing and leasing disputes where unique environmental and other issues arise, e.g. marinas and laboratories.