New whistleblower laws: ASIC consults on whistleblower policy requirements
We recently published a comprehensive guide to the new obligations for employers and the expanded protections for whistleblowers, under Australia’s revised corporate whistleblowing regime. That regime commenced operation on 1 July 2019 and creates a significant compliance burden for all companies, including the requirement for some companies to have a whistleblower policy. Who must […]
ReadmoreNo injunction to enforce legal professional privilege – High Court’s decision in Glencore highlights the extreme risks of data breach
The High Court has in Glencore v Commissioner of Taxation[1] determined unanimously that legal professional privilege is not a legal right that is enforceable by way of an injunction when confidential documents enter the public domain, even as a result of theft. Privilege remains a fundamental right but it is only an immunity from complying […]
ReadmoreClass Action against Local Government
In a class action proceeding against a local government for a claim in debt, the plaintiff made an application to strike out parts of the local government’s defence and counter claim that sought to rely on the principles of ‘change of position’, a defence associated with restitution. The application by the plaintiff was dismissed and […]
ReadmoreCultural Heritage – obligations on Qld entities
Images of the world famous Notre Dame cathedral on fire clearly raised many emotional responses for Australians. The images no doubt causing many to lament so much history and culture being destroyed in an instant. Yet few appreciate the parallels between a tragedy in a European cathedral and the regular destruction of indigenous cultural heritage […]
ReadmoreModern Slavery Act
The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (‘Act’) commenced on 1 January 2019 and requires organisations with an annual consolidated revenue of more than $100 million to report annually on the risks of modern slavery within their supply chain. The Act is similar to the UK legislation. Organisations will be required to submit their first report after the […]
ReadmoreCall for comment on proposed new standards for apartment exteriors
The Victorian government is proposing further changes to the requirements for apartment developments, with the release of the Better Apartments in Neighbourhoods – Discussion Paper 2019 (the BANs Discussion Paper) which proposes changes to the planning controls that regulate apartment developments in Victoria. Following on from the Better Apartment Design Standards (BADS) which were introduced […]
ReadmorePublic servants can be liable for social media posts
In the landmark case of Comcare v Michaela Banerji[1] handed down on Wednesday, the High Court unanimously overturned a ruling that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship imposed an unjustified burden on the implied freedom of political communication when dismissing Banerji because of her contentious political tweets. Background While employed at the Department of […]
ReadmoreSecurity of Payment Amendment Act set to commence
The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Amendment Act 2018 (Amendment Act), which was passed by the NSW Parliament in November last year, will commence on 21 October 2019. The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Amendment Regulation 2019 (Amendment Regulation) will also commence on this date. The changes made by the Amendment […]
ReadmoreConsumer Data Right back on track
On 1 August 2019, the Senate passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Consumer Data Right) Bill 2019 to introduce amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, the Privacy Act 1988, and the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010 to form the framework for the Consumer Data Right (CDR). The bill followed a relatively quick turnover after […]
ReadmoreNew penalties for avoiding employee entitlements
The Commonwealth Government has introduced legislation targeting the misuse of the taxpayer-funded Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) scheme by directors, officers and related entities of insolvent companies. Click here to view the full size PDF.
ReadmoreWhen things go wrong for banking customers – the new Banking Code will help with deceased estates
The new Banking Code, which commenced on 1 July 2019, contains a new section under Part 9, Chapter 45 on helping with deceased estates. Click here to view the full size PDF. Legal Insight | Life cycle of litigation beyond life: deceased estates
ReadmoreSuccessful compliance and enforcement actions
Compliance and enforcement is a cornerstone of the implementation of the laws and policies administered by government departments and authorities. Effective compliance and enforcement is important to promote voluntary compliance and deter and penalise non-compliance. Compliance and enforcement activities are particularly important where non-compliance can have serious impacts on third parties and the public interest, […]
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