ArticleInnovation: the next frontier for law firmsThe article considers innovation, what it is, why it is important and why lawyers have generally been poor innovators.AustraliaStrategySparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleConsumer laws do apply to state authorities: Is the Crown in business?This decision provides guidance as to when governments and their agencies could be said to be carrying on a business.AustraliaConsumer ProtectionSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleManaged investment schemes: regulatory changes and case law affecting scheme constitutionsThere are now new ASIC content requirements and new case law regulating managed investment scheme constitutions.AustraliaFinance and BankingSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleDo we have an agreement? When having the will is not enoughThe case highlights uncertainty that can be created if negotiations are not formally recorded in an executed agreement.AustraliaCorporate/Commercial LawSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleRestraint of Trade Update: Is your business information confidential?This article discusses the confidential information of a business — what it is and when and how you can protect it.AustraliaEmployment and HRSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleGovernment opens the door for workers compensation self-insurers in QueenslandQueensland has introduced legislation to amend provisions of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.AustraliaEmployment and HRSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleWhat the Andrews decision means for your agency's agreementsGreater care will now have to be taken with the nature of payments to ensure that they are not classified as penalties.AustraliaGovernment, Public SectorSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleConstruction interface risks — what you need to knowManaging interface risks requires careful planning and creativity, important to ensure project success and profitability.AustraliaReal Estate and ConstructionSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleGet to know the security of payment model for your construction projectUniversities undertaking construction projects need to be aware of security of payment laws in their state or territory.AustraliaReal Estate and ConstructionSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleYou can't bind me: When do negotiations result in a binding contract?This case highlights some legal risks associated with a contractor commencing work before agreeing on a final contract.AustraliaCorporate/Commercial LawSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleAn age old conundrum for workers compensation - injury or disease?The recent Freeman decision has provided further guidance on assessing an employee's condition as a disease or injury.AustraliaEmployment and HRSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleANAO review of limited tender processesThe ANAO has recently conducted an audit on limited tender processes undertaken by Commonwealth Government entities.AustraliaGovernment, Public SectorSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleFederal Government annouces new round of cuts to regulationThe Federal Government recently announced that it has saved the Australian taxpayers $2.3 billion in compliance costs.AustraliaGovernment, Public SectorSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleUS Court of Appeals departs from Warsaw Convention precedent for mental injury damagesAustralian courts may give consideration to the decision, but an international treaty does not automatically have force.AustraliaTransportSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleContract construction - Uncertainty remainsUntil the High Court decides the matter, courts should approach the question by applying Codelfa, which remains binding.AustraliaCorporate/Commercial LawSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleRethinking mental illness exclusions in the context of the Ingram decisionInsurers may unlawfully discriminate unless they rely on actuarial and statistical data with mental illness exclusions.AustraliaInsuranceSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleAre liquidated damages penalties in the post-Andrews world?The Grocon v Juniper case has provided some useful guidance on the application of Andrews to liquidated damages regimes.AustraliaCorporate/Commercial LawSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleHow to draft a liquidated damages regime that will survive a challengeThere are some common challenges to a liquidated damages regime and steps to take to ensure your regime is enforceable.AustraliaCorporate/Commercial LawSparke Helmore Lawyers
ArticleBlurring the lines: social media and the implications for employeesAustralia has some of the highest per capita use of social media in the world.AustraliaEmployment and HRSparke Helmore Lawyers