The Act also introduces requirements for telecommunications carriers and providers to preserve stored communications.

Failure to comply with non-essential terms of a contract may now allow the innocent party to terminate a contract.

By 1 July 2009, the Federal Industrial Relations System will be operated and overseen by one body known as "Fair Work Australia" (FWA).

Corporate owners of commercial office buildings with a Net Lettable Area over 2000m2 will be required to disclose the energy efficiency of those buildings when they are sold or leased under proposed new Commonwealth legislation anticipated to take effect from mid 2010.

On 2 March 2011, after a consultation period which ended in late January, the final Terms of Reference for the Convergence Review ("Convergence Review") were announced by Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

Proposed legislation requiring the disclosure of carriers' commercially sensitive information brings the National Broadband Network one step closer.

Changes to the Copyright Act must ensure there is an incentive to create and disseminate original copyright material.

The code pointed squarely at concerns regarding potential misleading claims by PV retailers.

There have been no cases of judicial interaction via social media in Australia but it is an issue that needs addressing.

On 1 March 2011 the two National Broadband Network ("NBN") bills that establish the regulatory framework of the NBN were given the green light by the House of Representatives and will now be examined by the Senate Environment and Communications Committee.

From 2016, the new Standard 1.3.7 will drastically change the current food labelling and advertising regulatory system.

Online retailers should remember online retailing does not create an exemption from the application of competition laws.

In a recent decision of Fair Work Australia, a long serving employee has been awarded $25,000 in compensation for his unfair dismissal from dealership giant A P Eagers.

Review of regulations continues the ACMA focus on consumer protection issues in the telecommunications sector.

On 7 April 2009 the Government announced plans to build a fibre to the home broadband network which would operate as an open access network, offering download speeds of up to 100 Megabits per second to 90% of Australian homes and businesses (where the remaining 10% would be serviced by wireless and satellite technology with a minimum speed of 12 Megabits per second).

The Senate Standing Committee on Economics has recommended that the Senate pass the Trade Practices Amendment (Cartel Conduct and Other Measures) Bill 2008.

Federal Court dismisses claim of misleading and deceptive conduct against Google.

A recent decision of the Full Court of the Australian Federal Court, Singapore Airlines Ltd v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission [2009] FCAFC 136, is likely to have ramifications for overseas entities conducting business in global markets which include Australia.

If a bill recently introduced into federal parliament becomes law, any party wishing to pursue litigation in the federal civil justice system in Australia will need to file a statement with the court which sets out the 'genuine steps' that have been taken in an attempt to resolve the dispute prior to commencement of proceedings.

Following months of consultation and review of over 700 submissions from the public and industry, the Panel conducting the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy, released its final report, Labelling Logic earlier this year. The report includes 61 recommendations to improve food labelling law and policy in Australia and New Zealand.