Public works can be a real nuisance: Liability risks for public infrastructure
In an important judgment for public authorities procuring major infrastructure works, the High Court has held that, absent unambiguous language, statutory authority is not a blanket immunity to private nuisance claims arising from the conduct of the works. Rather, statutory authority only excuses nuisance if the interference with a person’s ordinary enjoyment of their land […]
ReadmoreAustralia launches AI Safety Institute and releases National AI Plan
The Labor government has recently announced the launch of the Australian AI Safety Institute (AISI), a national watchdog dedicated to ensuring the safe and responsible development of AI in Australia. The government will begin rolling out the AISI in early 2026. The AISI has been developed to oversee the deployment and regulation of AI technology […]
ReadmoreNo likes before sixteen: Australia’s social media minimum age restriction
On 10 December 2025, Australia became the first country to enforce a minimum age requirement for social media accounts. This landmark reform introduces the Social Media Minimum Age obligation (SMMA) under Part 4A of the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) (OSA), requiring platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from creating or […]
ReadmoreMarket recap – Recent key developments in Australian Digital Assets regulation
Australia’s digital assets sector has undergone several major regulatory developments in recent months. Below is a high-level chronological recap of the key consultations, legislative proposals, and updates shaping the industry’s landscape during this period. Treasury consults on exposure draft legislation regulating digital asset platforms On 25 September 2025, Treasury opened consultation on draft legislation to […]
ReadmoreIntellectual property and AI – Retro-fitting current frameworks for new concepts
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be transforming how we work with information, but it’s also raising a number of questions as to what we ‘own’ – both as to what goes in, and what comes out. For instance, the Productivity Commission’s interim report into Harnessing Data and Digital Technology identified that restrictions on the use of […]
ReadmoreA system under strain: The “unsustainable” rise in Fair Work Commission applications
In a statement released earlier this month by Justice Hatcher, President of the Fair Work Commission, the current workload of the Fair Work Commission (Commission) has been put under the spotlight.[1] Justice Hatcher expressed concern that the continuing growth in applications is “unsustainable within the Commission’s current operational, performance and funding structures” and compromises “the […]
Readmore2025 year in review: A recap of workplace law changes and upcoming changes in 2026
This past year saw numerous changes to workplace laws and significant case developments. This article provides a summary of the 2025 changes and an overview of some key changes to have on your radar for 2026. Key updates: What employers need to know 1. Employment contracts: The future of set-off clauses In September 2025, the […]
ReadmoreBreaking the silence: Victoria to restrict the use of non-disclosure agreements in workplace sexual harassment cases
On 29 October 2025, the Victorian Government introduced the Restricting Non-Disclosure Agreements (Sexual Harassment at Work) Bill 2025 (Vic) (Bill) to parliament. The Bill responds to findings by the Ministerial Taskforce on Workplace Sexual Harassment in Victoria (Taskforce) that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are being misused to silence workers who have been subjected to sexual harassment, […]
ReadmoreVictoria’s planning shake up: What developers need to know
Victoria is on the cusp of its most transformative planning reform in decades. The Planning Amendment Better Decisions Made Faster Bill 2025 (Bill) aims to modernise the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Act), streamlining approvals, reducing delays and accelerating housing delivery. These sweeping changes will directly affect landowners and developers, altering permit application processes, planning […]
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 […]
ReadmoreFederal Court confirms $5.8m penalty against Australian Clinical Labs over data breach
The Federal Court has confirmed Australian Clinical Labs (ACL) must pay a $5.8m civil penalty along with $400,000 in legal costs to settle proceedings commenced by the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).[1] The proceedings arose from the OAIC’s investigation into a cybersecurity attack on Medlab Pathology (Medlab) that exposed personal information relating to approximately 223,000 Australians,[2] […]
ReadmoreHow are heritage properties in Victoria now assessed for land tax?
Landowners who own investments properties, commercial properties, holiday homes and vacant land are required to pay land tax. A landowner’s annual land tax is based on the “site value” of all the taxable land owned. The “site value” of land is set by the Valuer-General and reflects the unimproved value of the land, meaning the […]
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