The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP yesterday outlined details of the key elements of the Government's workplace relations reforms.

The Australian Government has announced a new infrastructure tax incentive as part of the 2011/12 Federal Budget to address some of the tax difficulties faced by private sector infrastructure projects.

In our edition of 22 October 2009, we reported on the decision of Justice Finkelstein in the Federal Court of Australia dealing with certain issues under the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976. These arose from the damage caused in December 2008 in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, when the container ship 'APL Sydney' dragged an anchor during heavy weather and damaged a submarine pipeline carrying gas from one side of Port Phillip Bay to the other. In our note, we mentione

Challenges in protecting confidential information include technology, social media and the globalisation of business.

The EPA and DSE released a discussion paper in June 2011.

A recent case highlights the need to ensure that trainees are provided with adequate training in occupational health and safety issues.

When parties are negotiating the settlement of dispute, they will often do so on a ‘without prejudice’ basis. This allows the parties to make statements or offers in the course of negotiations on the basis that they will not be used in court as admissions of liability.

The High Court found that Internet Service Provider iiNet did not authorise its customers to infringe copyright.

Some contracting parties will now try to avoid arbitration to protect rights under the proportionate liability regimes.

The Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 (Cth) came into effect on 1 January 2011, meaning that an employee parent may now apply for up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave (PPL) at the minimum wage.

2014 promises a number of reforms in Australia, including a "root and branch" review of the competition law framework.

This case considered the intersection of Australian law and an international convention.

This update covers the release of exposure draft legislation in respect of the Investment Manager Regime and Fin 48 issue.

There has been great debate about whether Australia should align with other countries which currently have a Bill of Rights. However, this Canadian case shows how a Bill of Rights may impact on other legislation.

New Zealand landlords are now, in many circumstances, prevented from forcing tenants to make good the damage to premises where the damage arises from particular risks.

Minister of Commerce Simon Power has recently announced proposed changes to the Companies Act 1993 that will require all New Zealand incorporated companies to have either a New Zealand resident director or a local agent. At present, although all New Zealand companies are required to have a New Zealand registered office and address for service, there is no requirement that any of the directors be resident in New Zealand.

Whether a start–up or a listed ASX company, your business opportunities are increasingly on–line and/or overseas.

In the case, Piper v ANZ National Bank Limited [2008] NZHC 872, it was alleged that the Bank was liable for the costs to complete the unfinished development and the costs to repair defects in the construction work. Lenders may breathe a sigh of relief at the decision of Justice Winkelmann that the claim against the Bank could not succeed.

Insureds should characterise the facts giving rise to the relevant 'act' or 'omission' when seeking relief via s 54.

The Saudi Ministry of Labour has issued two ministerial Decisions requiring certain retail businesses to employ females.