Corruption 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 […]
ReadmoreThe experiments continue: R&D incentive design after Budget 2026
There is a quiet but profound shift embedded in the 2026 Budget’s R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) reforms. It is another hypothesis in a long-running policy experiment to define what innovation is, and how much of it Government should support. It goes well beyond rates, thresholds or offsets. Historically, the R&DTI has recognised that innovation is […]
ReadmoreSexual harassment claims: First decision under the Fair Work Act
The Federal Circuit and Family Court has handed down the first decision under the Fair Work Act’s sexual harassment provisions, finding a sole director personally liable and ordering just under $60,000 in combined penalties and compensation. This decision marks a shift in the legal landscape for workplace sexual harassment claims, with workers now able to bring […]
ReadmoreThe impact of Generative AI on the Fair Work Commission
AI is quickly becoming the new normal for the Fair Work Commission (Commission), prompting Justice Hatcher, President of the Commission to publish a statement[1] and an exposure draft of the proposed Guidance Note: Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Commission cases (GenAI Guidance Note)[2]. The GenAI Guidance Note comes after growing concerns that the Commission […]
ReadmoreLabour and materials prices on the rise: Understanding escalation risk in construction contracts
Price escalation for labour and materials is hitting Australian construction projects hard. Global supply chain disruption, fuel shortages, inflationary pressures and geopolitical instability continue to squeeze project pricing and delivery. This article explores how existing contracts likely deal with inflationary pressures and what options are available to best manage the risk. Part 1: Impact on […]
ReadmoreRecusal in civil penalty proceedings: High Court hands down decision in SunshineLoans Pty Ltd v ASIC [2026] HCA 8
The High Court’s decision in SunshineLoans Pty Ltd v ASIC [2026] HCA 8 provides authoritative guidance on apprehended bias in bifurcated civil penalty proceedings, confirming that firm findings at the liability stage do not, without more, disqualify a trial judge from determining penalty. While the judgment (SunshineLoans’ appeal dismissed with costs, 7-0) brings finality to […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – September 2025
In this edition of the Queensland Corruption and Integrity Update we review the latest updates from key Queensland integrity bodies including the CCC, the Office of the Independent Assessor, the Information Commissioner, the Integrity Commissioner, and the Ombudsman. We also highlighted updates on the operation of the Right to Information and Information Privacy Acts. CCC […]
ReadmoreGroundbreaking whistleblower developments – ASIC v TerraCom Limited ACN 143 533 537
On 26 August 2025, the Federal Court of Australia handed down a decision resulting in ASIC’s first enforcement outcome for contraventions of the whistleblower provisions of the Corporations Act (Cth) 2001 (Corporations Act) in ASIC v TerraCom Limited ACN 143 533 537. Background TerraCom Limited ACN 143 533 537 (TerraCom) is a public company listed […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – August 2025
In this edition of the Queensland Corruption and Integrity Update we consider various updates related to the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee, the Crime and Corruption Commission and the Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner, as well as from the recent estimates hearings. Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee Public Meetings On 19 August 2025, the […]
ReadmoreATO pivots to enforcement and penalties for STP breaches
The Australian Taxation Office has updated its website to announce a new draft Law Administration Practice Statement is coming on the administration of penalties that apply to employers or superannuation funds who fail to comply with Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting obligations. The ATO has said the draft title of the new PS LA is […]
ReadmoreFinder: ASIC to continue to pursue cases to clarify crypto regulation as the Federal Court finds that a crypto-asset is not a debenture
On 24 July 2025, the Full Federal Court dismissed ASIC’s appeal against Finder Wallet Pty Ltd (Finder Wallet) and ordered it to pay costs.[1] The Court held that the primary judge made no error in concluding that the ‘Finder Earn’ product did not amount to a ‘debenture’ within the meaning of s 9 of the […]
ReadmoreCreditors beware: liquidator’s discretion not to call a creditor’s meeting upheld in NSWSC judgment
On 13 June 2025, the Honourable Black J delivered judgment in the Supreme Court of NSW in In the matter of Balamara Resources Limited (in liquidation) [2025] NSWSC 618. His Honour confirmed that the liquidators of Balamara Resources Limited (Balamara) were justified in declining to convene a meeting of the creditors of Balamara at the […]
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