SRL East planning controls now in force: What developers need to know
Overview On 14 July 2026, two significant planning scheme amendments were gazetted via Special Government Gazette No. 1432, giving statutory effect to structure plans for the Clayton and Box Hill stations along the Suburban Rail Loop East (SRL East) corridor. These amendments represent the culmination of a process that began with the appointment of the […]
ReadmorePrime Minister announces national AI regulation: Key takeaways for investors, developers and operators
On 15 July 2026, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a speech [1] outlining the Australian Government’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. The announcement signals a significant shift from piecemeal, sector-by-sector responses to a unified national framework. Below, we summarise the key announcements and their implications for businesses operating or investing in Australia. Australian standards […]
ReadmoreOAIC sweep highlights ad-tech privacy risks: Determinations against Medmate and Monash IVF’s use of tracking pixels
OAIC sweep highlights ad-tech privacy risks: determinations against Medmate and Monash IVF’s use of tracking pixels The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has drawn a clear line in the sand regarding the use of online tracking technologies in Australia, in its recent determinations following commissioner-initiated investigations into Medmate Australia Pty Ltd (Medmate)[1] and […]
ReadmoreGame of chance: July 2026 permit fee changes
Australian trade promotion regulators have increased permit application fees, effective 1 July 2026. Here is a practical refresher on where and when permits are required for games of chance in Australia and an outline of the new fees. Authored by: Antoine Pace, Partner Crystal Lee, Paralegal Jade Lamb, Paralegal Madison Sullivan, Paralegal
ReadmoreACCC blocks Coles’ proposed Kalgoorlie supermarket: Implications for shopping centre developers, owners and managers
The ACCC has determined that Coles must not put into effect its proposed acquisition of a leasehold interest for a new supermarket site in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia. The decision is significant for shopping centre owners, developers and managers because it shows that supermarket anchor tenant arrangements, including proposed leases over greenfield sites, may attract detailed […]
ReadmoreRent review caps upheld under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic)
Landlords and tenants negotiating Victorian retail leases gain clarity on the use of rent caps. On 16 June 2026, the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal in Northcote Shopping Centre Pty Ltd v Aldi Foods Pty Ltd [2026] VSCA 140 refused leave to appeal the earlier Supreme Court decision, confirming that contractual caps on rent increases in […]
ReadmoreThe new Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme: What it means for LNG and gas supply in Australia
On 7 May 2026, the Commonwealth government announced the design of a new East Coast Gas Reservation Scheme, marking the most significant structural intervention in Australia’s gas market in decades. While initially unveiled as a reservation scheme for the east coast, when the draft design framework was published on 27 May 2026, it was recast […]
ReadmoreThe Startup Series | Capital raising exemptions
This article is the fourth article in The Startup Series – a collection of short articles covering key concepts that early-stage companies in Australia establishing a business or raising capital. Australian capital raising exemptions If a company is seeking to raise capital in Australia through an offer of securities, it is critical to consider whether: […]
ReadmoreThe Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026: A new framework for building approvals and oversight of building work in NSW
The NSW Government introduced the Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026 (NSW) (Building Approvals Bill) that proposes a fundamental restructuring of the building approvals and certification regime while building on the quality and enforcement regime developed in prior legislation. For developers, builders, certifiers and manufacturers, the reforms will change how projects move from design through […]
ReadmoreThe Startup Series | What are shareholders’ agreements and why should my business have one?
This is the third article in The Startup Series – a collection of short articles covering key concepts for early stage companies in Australia that are establishing a business or raising capital. What are shareholders’ agreements and why should my business have one? A shareholders’ agreement is a legally binding contract between some or all […]
ReadmoreSmall businesses as the next frontier: Treasury consults on extending the unfair trading ban
The Federal Government has released a consultation paper examining whether the forthcoming unfair trading practices prohibition should be extended to protect small businesses and franchisees. The proposal, which was previously foreshadowed by the Government in 2025, signals a potentially significant expansion of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and would reshape expectations for business‑to‑business conduct across the […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – June 2026
In this edition of the Queensland Corruption and Integrity Update, we consider the recent PCCC hearings and review a number of updates from the CCC, the Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner, the Queensland Ombudsman and the Councillor Conduct Tribunal. We also consider the announcement of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Councillor Conduct Framework. CCC […]
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