Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 04 APRIL 2024

Councils and criminal reporting - Recent law changes make it important to know your rights and obligations

Bartier Perry Solicitors
Explore more from Bartier Perry Solicitors

Whistleblower and defamation law changes offer greater protections to those reporting crimes in the public sector.

AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Adam Cutri
Adam Cutri
David De Mestre
David De Mestre
Isabelle Stillman
Isabelle Stillman
Author LinkedIn connections

Councils and criminal reporting – recent law changes make it important to know your rights and obligations

Australia's whistleblower and defamation laws are changing to offer greater protections to those reporting crimes, and to whistleblowers in the public sector. Councils must be aware of their obligations and ensure their policies and procedures are updated accordingly.

In this article, we outline:

  • recent developments in the law concerning the regulation of corruption and public interest disclosures
  • proposed reforms to defamation legislation that extend the "absolute privilege" defence.

We also consider how such changes may impact local councils.

Anti-corruption legislation

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

See more popular content from

Article

Automated Decision-Making: New OAIC Guidance Highlights Expectations For Government Agencies

Australian government agencies face a December 2026 deadline to update their privacy policies with detailed explanations of automated decision-making systems. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's new guidance clarifies when computer-assisted decisions trigger disclosure obligations, how human oversight affects those requirements, and what specific information agencies must reveal about the personal data and decision types involved in their automated processes.
AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Podcast

Modern Slavery In Transition: A Podcast Series With Mallesons

Modern slavery frameworks are undergoing rapid transformation globally, with organisations facing mounting pressure to demonstrate meaningful action beyond mere reporting. This three-part podcast series examines the legal, regulatory and practical developments reshaping modern slavery compliance across Australia, the UK and beyond, from enforcement reforms and mandatory due diligence to trade restrictions and emerging litigation risks.
AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May
Article

Yindjibarndi And WA Government To Appeal $150 Million Federal Court Native Title Compensation Decision

The State of Western Australia and the Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation have both filed appeals against a landmark Federal Court decision awarding $150 million in compensation for cultural loss caused by mining operations in the Pilbara region. This unprecedented case marks the first judicial determination of native title compensation for future acts and the largest cultural loss award in Australian history, establishing critical precedents for how compensation is assessed when native title rights
AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Article

Who Signs The Termination Letter Matters – The Importance Of The Decision-maker

The Full Federal Court's decision in Totino v Metro Trains Melbourne clarifies how employers can successfully defend general protections claims when dismissing employees who have made workplace complaints or workers compensation claims. The case establishes critical principles about who must give evidence, the distinction between advisers and decision-makers, and why proper documentation of the decision-making process is essential for employers facing the reverse burden of proof.
AustraliaEmployment and HR
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

Dividend Payments - Key Issues For Australian Company Directors

Dividends are a common way for companies to distribute value to shareholders, but whether to declare or pay a dividend is not simply a commercial decision. Directors must ensure that any dividend complies with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act), the company’s constitution and relevant governance requirements, while considering their duties to the company and its creditors.
AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

When “Down Down” Wasn’t Really Down - Federal Court Rules Against Coles

In its judgement delivered on 14 May 2026, the Federal Court has found that Coles engaged in misleading conduct in relation to its long-running “Down Down” promotion, accepting the ACCC’s case that many advertised discounts were not genuine. The Court held that 13 of the 14 sample “Down Down” tickets examined in the hearing conveyed false or misleading price discount representations because the stated “was” price had not applied for a reasonable period before the promotion.
AustraliaConsumer Protection
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

Federal Budget 2026–27: Key Tax Changes And What Clients Need To Know

On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, the Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, handed down the 2026–27 Federal Budget. The Federal Budget introduces the most significant tax reforms aimed at reshaping how income and wealth are taxed in Australia. The Government is seeking to rebalance the system by reducing tax on income from work and increasing tax on income from assets, and then using that difference to fund personal tax relief and influence housing behaviour.
AustraliaTax
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

Suspicious Minds: What You Need To Know About AML/CTF Suspicious Matters Reports

Reporting entities under Australia's AML/CTF Act face strict obligations when suspicious matters arise, with tight deadlines of just 24 hours for terrorism financing and 3 business days for other suspicions. Understanding what constitutes 'reasonable grounds' for suspicion, recognizing red flags, and avoiding tipping off offences are critical compliance requirements that demand robust internal processes and staff training.
AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

Shareholder Oppression - Protecting Your Rights As A Shareholder

When you invest your time, money and energy into a company, you expect to be treated fairly and to have your rights as a shareholder respected. But what happens when those rights are ignored, or worse, actively undermined? Shareholder oppression is a serious issue that can have significant financial implications. If you suspect that your rights are being compromised, it’s important to act promptly to protect your interests.
AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Article

The Fair Work Act Goes Global - When Overseas Employees Fall Under The Act

Australian courts are increasingly examining whether the Fair Work Act applies to employees working entirely overseas. A recent Fair Work Commission decision reveals that jurisdiction may hinge not on where an employee performs their duties, but on the technical question of where the employment contract was legally formed—with significant implications for employers managing remote and offshore workforces.
AustraliaEmployment and HR
Bartier Perry Solicitors
Bartier Perry Solicitors