Articles

Australian bank notes - scattered
ATO’s approach to settlements with Australia’s largest taxpayers

The ATO has published its findings report on public and multinational business settlements 2022-2023. In this article, we unpack the ATO’s findings, and outline the considerations that the ATO will...

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Federal Court decision signals the end of the road for Mercedes-Benz franchise agreements

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd (MBAuP) has been found not to have engaged in unconscionable conduct against its Australian dealers when it moved the dealers from long-running franchise...

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Net zero in NSW: emissions reduction targets reach State Parliament

The NSW Government has introduced the Climate (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023 (Bill) to enshrine emissions reduction targets in law in New South Wales and establish a new Net Zero Commission to monitor...

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Dual-path M&A recommendation can hurt retail shareholders

Bidders for Australian listed companies usually decide to make a formal takeover bid or alternatively propose a scheme of arrangement. But sometimes both paths are taken together and a scheme of...

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Is this the beginning of the end for thermal coal mine approvals in Australia?

In November 2022, the Queensland Land Court (QLC) recommended that Waratah Coal’s application for a mining lease and an environmental authority in relation to the proposed Galilee Basin thermal...

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One step forward, one back: advancements in digital defamation reform amidst a setback in uniformity

The latest signpost on the long road to defamation law reform appears to point to another departure from national uniformity with the announcement that not all states are on-board for a revised set...

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Personal property securities get a makeover

After more than ten years of operation, the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) and the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) are in line for a major overhaul.

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New South Wales 2023-24 budget: increasing taxes and reducing exemptions

On 19 September 2023, the New South Wales government released its 2023-24 budget and in doing so it made a number of significant revenue announcements which are all aimed at increasing government...

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State and Territory budget snap shot - wrap up of key business announcements

On 19 September 2023, New South Wales was the last Australian state to hand down its 2023/24 budget.

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Steel yourselves: record penalties ordered against BlueScope for attempted cartel conduct

BlueScope Steel (BlueScope) has been recently fined with a record-breaking $57.5 million and its former general manager with $575,000 for attempted cartel conduct to induce other suppliers to...

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Lessons from the first Tribunal decision on a merger authorisation

In its first review of a merger authorisation application since the current regime came into effect in 2017, the Australian Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) has upheld the Australian Competition and...

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Getting ready for the new positive duty on employers to eliminate sexual harassment

In the lead up to 12 December 2023, employers should ensure they have robust systems in place to comply with their new positive duty obligations.

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Deeds of cross guarantee – be aware of the ongoing obligations

As many companies are required to lodge annual financial statements this month, we hope this note serves as a timely reminder to ensure that your company is meeting its ongoing obligations under...

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National airline granted foreign state immunity against a winding up application

The New South Wales Court of Appeal has confirmed that foreign state immunity extends to a national airline subject to a winding up application.

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Untangling the Closing Loopholes Bill

This week, the Federal Government introduced the long awaited Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 (Bill).

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The question left hanging - at what stage is serious harm to be determined?

Almost a year ago, we commented on the first application of the serious harm test in s10A, which introduced as part of the 2021 defamation legislation reforms.

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Medicare's first penalty against a pathology provider for paying above market rents

A recent Federal Court decision has resulted in a $1.65 million penalty being imposed on a pathology service provider for paying rents for collection sites within medical centres at significantly...

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Independent review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 released

On 24 August 2023, the NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, tabled the independent review (Report) of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (Act) in Parliament.

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Digital Bytes – cyber, privacy & data update

While we await progress on the broad-reaching reforms to Australia’s Privacy Act proposed in the Attorney-General’s Review Report published in February 2023, there are plenty of other developments...

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Treasury begins consultation on managed investment scheme laws

In August, the Commonwealth commenced formal consultation on its review of the regulatory framework governing Australian managed investment schemes (MISs).

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Amendments to Victorian mineral resources legislation – what you need to know

The Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Amendment Bill 2023 (Amendment Bill) recently passed the Victorian Parliament and now awaits Proclamation.

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Employment law compliance checklist for secure jobs better pay and Respect@Work

On 30 June 2023, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Act 2023 (Act) received Royal Assent.

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ASIC files another greenwashing case, this time against Active Super trustee

Further to our recent insight on ASIC’s greenwashing case against Vanguard Investments, ASIC’s strategic focus on greenwashing conduct in the funds sector continues.

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New exemptions from financial service licensing for foreign financial service providers

On 7 August 2023, the Commonwealth Government released exposure draft legislation to introduce exemptions from the Australian financial service licence (AFSL) regime for foreign financial service...

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