ACCC 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 […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | May 2026 Edition
In the May 2026 edition of Consumer Express, we unpack the legal developments most relevant to businesses operating in an increasingly complex consumer environment, with a focus on the regulatory reforms and emerging risks shaping the landscape ahead. This edition covers the Federal Government’s proposed prohibition on unfair trading practices, including new rules targeting subscription […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | October 2025 Edition
In the October 2025 edition of Consumer Express, we explore the latest legal and regulatory developments impacting the consumer sector, with a focus on the emerging trends and challenges our clients are navigating. This edition covers the continued growth in online retail spending, driven by the rise of mobile-first shopping experiences, as well as the […]
ReadmoreLandlords proposed to gain new powers under Queensland’s crackdown on illegal tobacco trade
The Queensland Parliament recently introduced the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Dismantling Illegal Trade) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (Bill), a sweeping reform aimed at curbing illegal tobacco and nicotine trade across the state. Building on recent regulatory changes, from 1 September 2024, it became a requirement for any retailer or wholesaler of smoking products […]
ReadmoreImportant update for landlords: New tobacco licensing laws in NSW and lease termination rights
The NSW Government has recently passed major changes to tobacco laws that directly affect landlords leasing premises to retailers and wholesalers of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products. What’s changed? As of 1 July 2025, the NSW Tobacco Licensing Scheme is officially in effect. This means: All retailers and wholesalers of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products […]
ReadmoreImportant tobacco licensing changes impacting Victorian tenants: Key details
New regulations have come into effect in Victoria that will impact retail tenants that sell tobacco. As of 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government has introduced a mandatory licensing scheme for all businesses that sell tobacco products – whether retail or wholesale. This includes sales through shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, convenience stores, tobacconists, liquor outlets, […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | May 2025 Edition
In the May 2025 edition of Consumer Express, we focus on the key developments impacting our consumer clients, including the positive duty to prevent unlawful sexual discrimination, updates on wage theft laws, and the complexities surrounding retail lease rent reviews. We also take a closer look at the ACCC’s 2025-2026 enforcement priorities and the potential […]
ReadmorePost-CB Cold Storage: Navigating the evolving landscape of ‘Retail Premises’ in Victoria
In recent years, there has been a notable trend in Victoria towards a broader interpretation of what constitutes ‘retail premises’ under section 4 of the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) (Act). This shift has significant implications for both landlords and tenants, as it affects the applicability of the Act’s protections such as: prohibition on the […]
ReadmoreCaps are back: The Supreme Court confirms caps on a rent review are permitted in Victorian retail leases
The Supreme Court of Victoria has recently handed down a decision which confirms that a cap on a rent review is not prohibited under section 35 of the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) (RLA). The decision overturns an order of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) which held that a cap on a rent […]
ReadmoreBusy day in Parliament – Victorian Government responds to stamp duty and apartment design standards
On Thursday 21 March 2024, the Victorian Government released its responses to the inquiries in relation to land transfer duty fees and apartment design standards. Key takeaways are provided below. Commercial and Industrial Property Tax The government in its response confirmed its commitment to abolish and replace stamp duty with the Commercial and Industrial Property […]
ReadmoreThe City of Melbourne Street Network is Changing – Have your say on the Future Streets Framework
The City of Melbourne (Council) has proposed the Future Streets Framework (Framework). The Framework seeks to implement the strategic directions of the Transport Strategy 2030, which seeks to reallocate more space to people walking and cycling in the Melbourne CBD, reduce central city through-traffic and transform precincts around major transport interchanges into pedestrian thoroughfares. New […]
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