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Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Experienced lawyer Richard Beasley SC has today been appointed as a judge of the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales.
Since being admitted as a barrister in 1997 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2011, Mr Beasley has become known as a respected lawyer specialising in environmental issues.
He has advised on major planning matters including the Barangaroo and Allianz Stadium redevelopments and numerous mining approvals.
He was Commissioner to the Auburn City Council Public Inquiry in 2016, Commissioner to the Blue Mountains City Council Public Inquiry in 2018 and Senior Counsel Assisting the Murray Darling Basin Royal Commission in 2018-2019.
Mr Beasley was also Senior Counsel Assisting the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess in 2020 and Commissioner for the Special Commission of Inquiry into NSW Healthcare Funding in 2023-2024.
He was appointed Commissioner for the River Murray (SA) in 2022 and Environmental Counsel to the Board of the Environmental Protection Authority in 2023, each for a three-year term.
In addition to environmental matters, Mr Beasley has experience in commercial and administrative law. He graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 1987 and from the University of Sydney with a Master of Laws in 1995.
Outside of law, Mr Beasley is the author of five novels, including Hell Has Harbour Views, which was adapted for ABC television in 2005, and Dead in the Water, a non-fiction account of the environmental degradation to the Murray-Darling Basin.
Mr Beasley will be sworn in on 17 March 2025.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Beasley SC to the Land and Environment Court.
“In almost three decades in law Mr Beasley has advised on many environmental issues, including urban planning and mining approval matters, and a royal commission.
“His vast experience in the field of environmental law will be an asset to the Court.
“I congratulate Mr Beasley on his appointment.”
05 Mar 2025