The property sector will be particularly affected by the flow-on effects of the carbon price.

It will now be easier to do minor developments, of no significance to a heritage property's existing heritage values.

The WA Government says the reforms could considerably speed up development approvals and streamline the planning system.

This plan details why Australia must improve its level of innovation and makes actionable recommendations to Government.

Significant changes to the taxation of managed investment trusts will be in place by 1 July 2011, which should lead to greater certainty, reduced compliance costs, and (in some cases) less tax payable. The Assistant Treasurer Senator Nick Sherry announced the changes today at an IFSA event held at Clayton Utz' Sydney office.

The government proposes to develop a Digital Economy Strategy to help drive competition, innovation and productivity.

You can generate substantial profits in Australia by having just a "digital presence", without being exposed to taxes.

From 2013, eligible Tier 2 instruments issued by ADIs will not be precluded from being treated as debt for tax purposes.

Chinese investors prefer a passive minority interest at the corporate level to an assets stake or a controlling stake.

The NT government will engage with the community and industry on the proposed reforms in the Hawke II Review Report.

Interview about the latest reforms to Australia's arbitration laws

The ACCC has recently allowed a merger between two close competitors on the basis that it was satisfied that the target manufacturer would otherwise be shut down immediately if the merger did not take place.

The NSW Parliament passed the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Part 3A Repeal) Act 2011 on 22 June.

In a move to be applauded by the arbitration community, the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) on Friday agreed to the content of a new Commercial Arbitration Bill that will completely overhaul the existing Uniform Commercial Arbitration Acts (UCAAs) that are in place around Australia.

Doug Jones and Essam Al Tamimi discuss the role of Sharia law in international arbitration of commercial disputes.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission's guide to the unfair contract terms law, which explains the new unfair contracts terms in the Australian Consumer Law, has now been released.

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.

The proposed reform of the existing planning regime aims to change the culture and approach to environmental assessment.

This decision will give guidance, particularly to foreign brand owners seeking to protect their rights in Australia.