The UNCTAD Survey 2009-2011 ranks Australia in the top 10 of the most attractive countries in which to invest. Whilst domestic growth eased in 2009, it is picking up and the general consensus to date is that most of the problems directly related with the GFC did not significantly affect Australian financial institutions.

A discussion of Violet Home Loans Pty Ltd v Schmidt & Anor [2013] VSCA 56.

Over the summer the Court of Appeal released decisions addressing the extent of provincial superior courts' jurisdiction over matters involving the federal Crown, a rare instance in which a proprietary remedy for unjust enrichment was upheld, clarification of the role of experts in relation to credibility, a "carriage dispute" over the right to represent class members in a securities class action, and the appropriateness of a class action for negligent misrepresentation.

On 21 December 2009, the Hon Chris Bowen MP released, for public comment, draft Corporations Amendment Regulations 2009 (draft Regulations) and an example PDS for superannuation funds and managed investment schemes. The draft Regulations and example PDS were the products of a Financial Services Working Group charged with examining, among other things, financial services disclosure.

In Larsson v WealthSure Pty Ltd [2013] FCA 926, a class action had been commenced against WealthSure Pty Ltd in relation to financial services provided by an authorized representative of WealthSure, Mr Oberg.

A pioneering group of Australian firms have taken the bold step of revealing their carbon footprints as the legal industry moves towards becoming eco-friendly.

The introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) in July 2010 will fundamentally alter the regulatory environment within which entities that are liable under the scheme will operate.

Until recently, Commonwealth, State and Territory governments have separately implemented or committed to a range of energy efficiency policy measures.

The proposed CPRS establishes a ‘cap and trade’ scheme. This scheme involves the imposition of a cap on Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. The cap is established through the issuance of a set number of Australian Emission Units (AEU s). Under the scheme, significant emitters of greenhouse gases must acquire and surrender an AEU permit for every tonne of gas emitted in a particular year.

A number of Canadian charities have recently come under scrutiny by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regarding their charitable status.

The Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2007 (Bill) was introduced and had its first Reading Speech on 20 November 2007. FOI officers will need to be aware of the changes proposed by the Bill, and monitor its progress through Parliament.

In anticipation of the introduction into Parliament of a new Bill and associated Regulations to amend the Migration Act 1958, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans, is currently undertaking a wide ranging consultative process with regard to broad reforms of the 457 visa program.

The Tribunal was satisfied that the holistic approach adopted by Dr Syme was focused on supporting the patient in life.

The Minimum Salary Level (MSL) which must be paid by sponsors to employees holding 457 visas was increased on 1 August 2008.

The number of care homes businesses going bust has increased from 35 in 2010 to 67 in 2012, according to accountancy firm, Wilkins Kennedy.

Court Of Appeal Summaries (July 18-July 22).

This e-alert provides an update on the latest issues of interest to IP&T professionals both in Australia and Internationally. We hope that you will find this information useful.

This e-alert provides an update on the latest issues of interest to IP&T professionals both in Australia and Internationally. We hope that you will find this information useful.

The introduction of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) in Australia is now imminent. A Green Paper, which is a detailed policy position paper regarding the design and implementation of the CPRS, was issued by the Australian Government in July 2008 (Green Paper).

Update on legislative developments affecting the property and planning industries.