Introducing the Environmental Enforcement Order: a new compliance tool
As part of our series on the recent changes introduced by the Environmental Protection (Power and Penalties) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Powers and Penalties Act), we highlight the addition of a new ‘enforcement tool’: an Environmental Enforcement Order. Environmental Enforcement Order An Environmental Enforcement Order (EEO) is a new compliance tool which aims […]
McCullough Robertson promotes four to partnership, continuing to grow towards its centenary in 2026
Leading independent law firm McCullough Robertson has announced the appointment of four new partners effective 1 July 2024: Ms Mezinec specialises in environmental, planning, local government and property law. She has over 13 years experience appearing as advocate across various jurisdictions in the Supreme Court and Land and Environment Court. Kara advises various state government […]
Changes to the forced EA amendment process
As outlined in our recent article ‘Environmental protections strengthened with new Powers and Penalties Bill‘, the Environmental Protection (Powers and Penalties) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Powers and Penalties Act) introduces significant changes to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) (EP Act). Notice of proposed amendments (NOPA) process The Powers and Penalties Act amends […]
Reforms to Australia’s foreign investment framework – a positive change or more of the same?
The Australian Federal Treasurer has announced policy reforms to Australia’s foreign investment framework intended to strengthen, streamline, and increase transparency to the regime through an updated Foreign Investment Policy document. The announcement came ahead of the 2024-2025 Federal Budget which provides additional funding, amongst other things, to increase the Foreign Investment Review Board’s (FIRB) monitoring […]
Fundamentals: Private Equity in Australia (Part II)
When establishing a new private equity fund, investors and fund managers require a robust understanding of the governing legal and regulatory framework. This can be challenging given the complexity of legal, regulatory and compliance requirements. Throughout this two-part series, we cover the fundamentals of private equity fund formation in Australia. This is the second of […]
Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) – changes to seller disclosure obligations
Just shy of its Golden Jubilee, the Property Law Act 1974 (Qld) will soon be abdicating its powers to the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) (Act). As we await the commencement date of its substantive provisions, we continue our investigation into its noteworthy changes. One of the significant upcoming changes is the introduction of a […]
McCullough Robertson adds further depth to its Sydney offering with key lateral Construction partner and team hire
Leading independent Australian law firm McCullough Robertson Lawyers has announced the appointment of Mark Riddington as a partner in the Construction and Infrastructure team based in Sydney. Mark joins McCullough Robertson from HWL Ebsworth where he spent seven years as a partner, and brings a team of three lawyers including Senior Associate Julia Lane. Mark’s […]
Further changes to residential tenancies in Queensland – what you need to know
On 6 June 2024, the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Qld) (Amending Act) received assent and became law. The Amending Act amends the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) (RTRA Act), and introduced a number of significant changes, including to the annual rent increase frequency limit, rent […]
Environmental protections strengthened with new Powers and Penalties Bill
On 11 June 2024, the Environmental Protection (Powers and Penalties) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 was passed (Powers and Penalties Bill). The changes in the Powers and Penalties Bill arise from the recommendations of the Jones Review published in 2022. As the name suggests, the amendments seek to change the powers and penalties provisions […]
FIRB Alert: Exercise of divestment powers
As discussed in our recent Emerging Issues Publication, the Federal Government’s drive to develop Australia’s critical minerals sector continues to see an increase in regulatory scrutiny, particularly Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) compliance. This has been demonstrated most recently following the Treasurer’s decision to order the divestment of Yuxiao Fund’s (and its associates) shareholding in […]
Queensland Budget revenue measures: changes to foreign surcharge rates, payroll tax and first home buyer duty concessions
On 11 June 2024, the Queensland Treasurer delivered the 2024-2025 Queensland Budget (the Budget), and introduced the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (QLD) (the Bill) to the Queensland Legislative Assembly. The Bill will effect a number of revenue measures announced in the Budget, which we have summarised in this alert.
Fundamentals: Private Equity in Australia (Part I)
Overview of fund structures When establishing a new private equity fund, investors and fund managers require the right investment strategy and a robust understanding of the governing legal and regulatory framework. This can be challenging given the complexity of legal, regulatory and compliance requirements. Throughout this article and the next, we cover the fundamentals of […]
Fox v Infosys: How an employee was able to ‘double dip’ his long service leave entitlements in India and Queensland
Last month, the Full Bench of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission handed down its judgment in Fox v Infosys Technologies Ltd [2024] QIRC 109 (Fox). What transpires is an interesting outcome relating to the interpretation of ‘continuous service’ for the purpose of eligibility for long service leave under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld) (IR Act). […]
Luxury Law Guide Australia 2024: Part 2
Partner, Belinda Breakspear and Senior Associate, Harriet Young, have authored the Australian chapter of The Global Legal Post Luxury Law Guide 2024. The second instalment of our two-part series addresses privacy and endorsement, product placement regulation, and corporate image protection trends for luxury brands in Australia. Download the full chapter here or read below. 4. […]
Luxury Law Guide Australia 2024: Part 1
Partner, Belinda Breakspear has authored the Australian chapter of The Global Legal Post Luxury Law Guide 2024. The first instalment of our two-part series highlights the key considerations involved in trade mark ownership, protection, copyright law, and design law for luxury brands in Australia. Download the full chapter here or read below. 1. Trade Mark […]