The White Paper provides significantly more flexibility in relation to the allocation of acquittal liability within corporate groups, partnerships and joint ventures than was originally provided under the Green Paper.

>In and around the 1960s, numerous special Agreement Acts were passed by the government of the day to give greater certainty to mining companies who were making significant capital investments

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.

A new report suggests several changes to Western Australia's Environmental Impact Assessment Process, as Brad Wylynko and Monty Neate explain.

On 8 April 2009 the Queensland Government announced a moratorium on the clearing of one million hectares of regrowth vegetation in the State.

On 1 September 2010 the High Court handed down its much anticipated decision in the appeal from Re Octaviar Ltd (No 7) [2009] QCA 282. The High Court, consisting of Chief Justice French, and Justices Gummow, Hayne, Kiefel and Bell, unanimously dismissed the appeal in Public Trustee of Queensland v Fortress Credit Corporation (Aus) 11 Pty Ltd [2010] HCA 29.

It is expected that by April 2006, following passage of the Therapeutic Goods Amendment Bill (No.2), most complementary medicine listing applications will no longer need to include a patent certification.

A recent decision sheds some light on how long an insurer has to make its decision on whether a policy responds without being liable to pay interest (McConnell Dowell Middle East LLC v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc (No 2) [2009] VSC 49).

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 ).

Domestic law's limitations in dealing with Internet scams are well-known. When scams involve the use of domain names similar to registered trade marks, the mark's owner may have recourse through ICANN, but in the meantime consumers could still be deceived and harm done to the mark's reputation.

An inherently dangerous product and a safe system of work were considered by the court.

Criminal conduct of a third party constitutes a “novus actus interveniens”.

It is unusual for proceedings to be brought for contempt whether civil, which is punishable by fines, or criminal, which is punishable by imprisonment.

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).

Doug Jones, the head of Clayton Utz's International Arbitration group, and Sally Harpole from Sally Harpole & Co discuss the trends affecting the growth of international arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region.

All bills, including proposed amendments to the Electricity Act have lapsed until after the Queensland State Election.

2018 has kicked off with agreement on the CPTPP, which will enhance trade among countries in the Asia-Pacific region.