There's a greater awareness that a move into energy-efficient buildings can neatly combine several interests of a business – the financial, the human, and the community. 1 Bligh St: Clayton Utz's new energy-efficient Sydney home There's a greater awareness that a move into energy-efficient buildings can neatly combine several interests of a business – the financial, the human, and the community. As of winter 2011, Clayton Utz will have a new home in Sydney in 1 Bligh St. As it is designe

Retailers and manufacturers should ensure that they meet ACL obligations to explain consumer guarantees and warranties.

Australian Credit licensees must have adequate documentation and systems to show they are complying with their obligations.

A new international compliance standard is currently being developed.

A "derivative" is an arrangement under which a party may be required to provide consideration at a future time.

The Future of Financial Advice legislation commenced on 1 July 2012 and compliance will be mandatory from 1 July 2013.

The article discusses the four key issues facing AFS licence holders in relation to governance risk and FOFA compliance.

This decision clarifies the limitations of set-off in a liquidation scenario and a security interest under the PPSA.

When calculating long service leave entitlements, WA employers must include all continuous service with related bodies.

The legislation to introduce a carbon price for greenhouse emissions is passed but many details are still unfinalised.

There are some increased taxes and duties in Victoria's budget, but also some higher thresholds and extended exemptions.

M&A is coming off the back of a shaky 2013 but the conditions are perfect for a much brighter 2014.

Australia may place too much emphasis on penalising and stigmatising corporate failure and not on celebrating success.

Despite its popularity, it is difficult to establish that a material adverse change (MAC) condition has been triggered.

Much has been written lately concerning the potential form that the proposed Mineral Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) may take, if it is passed. Significant focus has also been given to potential transitional arrangements for introducing the MRRT and how it may affect differing resource companies' financials.

Men At Work and EMI have lost once again in the copyright dispute over "Down under" and "Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree" after the Full Federal Court dismissed their appeal against a finding of copyright infringement (EMI Songs Australia Pty Limited v Larrikin Music Publishing Pty Limited [2011] FCAFC 47 ).

On 14 December, Senator Conroy released draft Terms of Reference for a comprehensive review of Australia's communications and media regulation in light of increasing convergence in media platforms (Convergence Review). The Government's stated intention is to fundamentally review the policy and regulatory frameworks that apply to the media and communications landscape.

On 20 December 2010, the Government released a Statement of Expectations for NBN Co and its final response to the Implementation Study. The Statement covered key areas of network design and coverage, confirmation of funding arrangements and provision of calls to emergency services.

No more applications for developments will be accepted under Part 3A of NSW's Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, and Part 3A will be repealed when Parliament returns, fulfilling an election promise by the incoming Premier Barry O'Farrell.

Governments might want to offer a range of incentives when contracting with private parties, but what are the relevant limitations? Can a Government promise tax relief in a contract – and is such a promise enforceable? The High Court has usefully clarified some of these issues in Port of Portland Pty Ltd v Victoria [2010] HCA 44 (8 December 2010).