On 14 February 2008, the Australian Government released an exposure draft of the proposed National Employment Standards.

A well-drafted escrow agreement can form an important component of the risk mitigation strategies used in information technology contracts.

Intellectual Property News

On 8 April 2008, APRA and ASIC jointly reminded direct offshore foreign insurers (DOFIs) and local insurance brokers about the new authorisation requirements for foreign insurers that come into effect on 1 July 2008

Yesterday morning, shortly after the apology given by Prime Minister Rudd, the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, introduced the Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill 2008.

The Federal Court has dismissed three actions brought by two parties regarding the trade mark INNER HEALTH PLUS registered by Health World Limited ('Health World') and the trade mark HealthPlus registered by Shin-Shun Australia ('Shin-Shun').

unconscionable conduct Trade Practices Act

The ASX has submitted a response to ASIC's Consultation Paper 95 Competition for market services - response to CP 86 and further consultation.

The Australian parliament has announced its intention to make amendments to the Patents Act to ensure that researchers and businesses can accelerate the pace of innovation.

ASIC has released a Consultation Paper proposing to facilitate disclosure of financial services information via email and the internet.

The increasing pressure on fund managers to perform, along with the ability of performance fees to align the interests of investors and fund managers, has lead to an increase in the use of performance fees across a wide variety of managed funds.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) released a Response Paper on Prudential Supervision of General Insurance Groups on 4 October 2006, which refines the original proposals on the draft prudential framework for corporate groups involving authorised general insurers.

Entities often come together to create and enhance technology, including in the IT, biotech and energy sectors.

managed investment scheme

The Retirement Villages Amendment Bill 2008 (NSW) (the Bill) was given its second reading in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly on 26 June 2008.

The Energy Reform Implementation Group (ERIG), established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), released discussion papers that foreshadow substantial changes to the National Energy Market.

The Full Federal Court has dismissed an appeal by Metricon Homes Pty Ltd against a first instance finding that Metricon had infringed the copyright of Barrett Property Group Pty Ltd by reproducing a substantial part of Barrett's 'Seattle' plan without license or authorisation.

The essence of the prevention principle is that the promisee cannot insist upon the performance of an obligation which he has prevented the promisor from performing.

Industrial relations policy has been a key point of difference between the Coalition and ALP in the lead up to the 24 November election.