The Human Rights Act
The Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) (HRA) came into full effect in January 2020, aiming to protect 23 human rights and ensure public entities act accordingly. It requires human rights considerations in decision-making and legislation. An independent review, due in 2024 and now tabled as of February 2025, assesses its impact compared to Victoria and the ACT. Preliminary findings from the Queensland Human Rights Commission show progress in integrating human rights into policies and staff training. However, challenges remain, especially in fostering a broader human rights culture, with limited resourcing cited as a major constraint on deeper implementation.
Unlocking the value of coal seam gas for coal mine owners – risks and opportunities to commercialise
The Australian Federal Government’s release of its ‘Future Gas Strategy’ in May 2024 solidified the role that gas will play in the transition to net zero by 2050. At the same time, coal mine owners are looking for additional decarbonisation strategies to further reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This has made coal seam gas (CSG) […]
Market update: renewable energy
Australia’s renewable energy landscape continues to progress, driven by significant government investment and new policy initiatives. In December 2024, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy announced 19 new renewable energy projects, adding 6.4 gigawatts (GW) to the National Electricity Market (NEM) — enough to power three million homes. This announcement aligns with the Federal […]
Market update: critical minerals
Investment in low emission technology and supply chain security is seeing optimism across Australia’s critical minerals industry
Market update: resources
It was a dynamic year for the resources industry in 2024, characterised by fluctuating prices and changing demand for exports. While the industry benefitted from high export volumes and strong investment in key commodities such as iron ore, Australia’s resource and energy export earnings eased. Export earnings for 2025 are expected to further fall by approximately […]
Anthony Rotili
Hayley Mitchell
Taking the temperature of Commonwealth integrity initiatives – Reflections on the NACC in action
After years of public debate on the case for a Federal anti-corruption regulator, the National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) commenced operation on 1 July 2023. At the time of writing, the NACC is 20 months young [1] and has come through the unanticipated turbulence of an inquiry by its Inspector into its own decision not […]
Federal Budget 2025-26
Although few tax related measures were expected, the 2025/26 Federal Budget (and last of the current parliament) does contain one or two surprises. The headline tax measure is a reduction in the rate of the first taxation bracket above the tax-free threshold from the current rate of 16% to 15% in 2025/26 and 14% in 2026/27.
Jane Davies
Sophia Christou
State land tax anomaly scaring away farm investment
Queensland’s agricultural sector is missing out on crucial capital investment that could enhance productivity and efficiency due to a land tax system that is deterring potential investors.
Commonwealth Government
Delivering expert legal support for Government clients across Australia With a deep understanding of the Australian public sector, our government team is dedicated to delivering tailored, client-centric solutions across all jurisdictions. We support all levels of government, providing hands-on legal expertise and building trusted partnerships within departments and agencies. From navigating complex legislative frameworks to […]
State Government QLD
Queensland Government’s trusted legal advisers with local expertise At McCullough Robertson, we bring the intimate service delivery of a trusted local adviser with the resources and strength of one of Australia’s largest independent law firms. With decades of hands-on experience and strong relationships across all levels of government, we understand how to navigate the complex […]
Ali Redfern
Local Government
Trusted lawyers to local governments in a rapidly evolving landscape At McCullough Robertson, we have a legacy of supporting local governments that dates back to our beginnings in regional Queensland in 1926. With a deep connection to regional and metropolitan communities, we are proud to have been a trusted partner to local governments across Queensland […]
ACCC enforcement priorities for 2025-26
This week, the Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Gina Cass-Gottlieb, outlined the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2025–26 at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia. Overview For 2025–26, the ACCC will address ongoing consumer and competition concerns amidst rising cost-of-living pressures, with increased scrutiny on the supermarket and retail sectors. […]
Caitlin Steuart
Annual indexation of monetary thresholds for foreign investments
New thresholds could mean some foreign investors will require Foreign Investment Review Board approval – find out where your investments sit.
Courts introduce Practice Notes on AI use in proceedings
The Supreme Court and Land and Environment Court have issued new near-identical Practice Notes to address the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in documents prepared or created for the purpose of proceedings. Copies of the new practice notes (Practice Notes) can be found here and here, and will commence on 3 February […]
State Government NSW
A proven partner for New South Wales Government With genuine understanding of, and experience in, navigating the complexities of State Government operations, McCullough Robertson has built lasting relationships as trusted legal advisers to the NSW Government. Appointed to the NSW Government Legal Services Panel, we offer a dedicated full-service specialist government practice in all areas […]
New deals, new rules: what you need to know about mandatory merger notifications
This Q&A gives an overview of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Act 2024 (Cth) (Merger Act) that will overhaul the existing Australian merger control regime from 1 January 2026. Voluntary notification under the new regime will be available from 1 July 2025. What is happening? Australia is introducing mandatory merger notifications for […]
Passing of Federal build-to-rent tax concessions
Late last month, the Federal Government passed legislation introducing tax concessions aimed at incentivising investment in new build-to-rent (BTR) developments, with a view to increasing housing supply. The new measures (implemented under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Build to Rent) Act 2024 and the Capital Works (Build to Rent Misuse Tax) Act 2024) will commence on […]
Challenging elections can be a challenging affair
In Queensland, an election can only be disputed by a candidate at the election for the electoral district concerned, an elector for the electoral district concerned (i.e. a voter)…
Erin Felthouse
Release of NSW Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy
The NSW Government is streamlining critical minerals project approvals through the Rapid Assessment Framework, making it easier for investors and developers to navigate the system.
ACCC takes on Coles and Woolworths for misleading and deceptive price advertisements
The supermarket retailers allegedly increased the price of products for a very short time frame before setting a new price for each product that was higher than the original price. Here’s how large the breach is…
Procedural fairness in enforcement matters: Defendant’s understanding
Language differences, an absence of legal advice or intellectual impairment can create barriers in Defendant’s legal proceedings. Here’s how to achieve procedural fairness for all.
Stanmore Resources Limited
ASIC updates its guidance on regulated emissions units (RG 236)
The updates aim to address changes the carbon market industry has seen since 2015 and include additional financial products and guidance on financial services regulatory implications.