Matt Floro
Principal Lawyer
Matt is a senior environmental, planning, climate, energy and administrative lawyer.
Matt was admitted to the legal profession in 2013 and has practised law in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. Across his various roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors, he has advised on the environmental laws and policies of all Australian jurisdictions. He has assisted Ministers, Federal, State and local government, private companies, community groups and individuals. He holds master's degrees in law and public administration and undergraduate degrees in law and economics.
In 2022, Matt was named as Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year and the Legal and Professional Category Winner of the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards. He is a former National President of the National Environmental Law Association.
Past Experience
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2023-2024
Advised on policy regarding environment, climate, planning and heritage, including the development and implementation of the landmark Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 (NSW), NSW Net Zero Commission and Environment Protection Authority reforms.
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2023 (parental leave cover)
Acted for a Commonwealth government client in a pre-Proposed Acquisition Notice Class 3 matter.
Acted for a health services provider on a State significant development application.
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2022-2023
Led a team of five lawyers advising on climate change law in multiple Australian jurisdictions.
Recognised in the 2023 Best Lawyers in Australia Guide for Climate Change Law.
Awarded the Law Council of Australia's Mahla Pearlman AO Award for 2022 Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year.
Awarded the Legal and Professional Category Winner of the 2022 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards.
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2018-2021
Acted for a community client in the landmark Australian climate litigation, Gloucester Resources Ltd v Minister for Planning [2019] NSWLEC 7.
Acted for a community client in the first Australian climate statutory duties mandamus case, Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action Incorporated v Environment Protection Authority [2021] NSWLEC 92.
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2017-2018
Acted for a State government client on land acquisition matters.
Acted for a resources company on water matters.
Acted for an Asian investment management firm on regionally significant developments.
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2016-2017
Advised on reforms to Victoria's integrity and accountability bodies, including the Auditor-General, Ombudsman, and Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, and reforms to State environmental legislation and the public sector.
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2014-2016
Acted for governments and private companies on major infrastructure and transport projects in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Acted for the State government on the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Village urban renewal project.
Acted for a developer in judicial review litigation.
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2013
Assisted the Judge with the administration of Court hearings in civil, criminal and appellate jurisdictions.