The new right to work protections mean that ACT legislatures, government agencies and the Legislative Assembly will need to consider these additional HRA rights when developing and implementing legislation and policy. ...

Recent amendments to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) significantly increase the range of conduct that could constitute a Category 1 offence. Companies should ensure their systems and processes are suitably reviewed in light of these amendments. ...

There is no simple fix where an employer submits, and the FWC approves, the wrong version of an enterprise agreement. The employer will need to appeal the decision approving the enterprise agreement, submit the agreement to another vote and apply again to have the agreement approved. ...

As we move towards a carbon constrained future and electricity prices rise, companies are increasingly looking for ways to deliver on their carbon reduction commitments, including by purchasing electricity from renewable sources, managing their exposure to changing electricity prices and supporting ...

In our latest update, we examine the progress of new and existing rule change requests to the AEMC across the month of June, as well as take a closer look at AEMO's high-level design for the wholesale demand response mechanism. ...

Amidst increased scrutiny by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the ACCC, Australian businesses which manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE), detergents and hand sanitiser must remain on top of changes to product laws in the healthcare space in order to avoid potential liability. ...

Allens has advocated for reform to the class action regime for many years, including by way of submissions to inquiries conducted by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Victorian Law Reform Commission. We have made a detailed submission to the current inquiry in which we outline our concerns regarding the increasingly entrepreneurial direction of Australia's class action landscape and advocate for (and against) various reforms. ...

In COVID-19 news, the authorisation permitting insurers to coordinate on temporary relief measures is being proposed to be extended; and the ACCC has imposed further conditions on coordination between health insurers. Elsewhere, the ACCC has rejected a proposal to set minimum advertised prices for Dewalt power tools, declaring any public benefit was outweighed by the potential consumer detriments. The Federal Court has declined to make declaration that Quantum Housing engaged in unconscionable conduct; and also found in favour of Kimberly-Clark Australia by dismissing the ACCC's appeal regarding Kleenex flushable wipes. Finally, the ACCC has raised concerns with Google's proposed acquisition of Fitbit; and also stated that Caravanning Queensland's proposed 'loyalty program' may raise competition concerns. ...

No COVID-19 related trade marks have yet been registered in Australia; however, several applications are pending, and at least one mark containing the word COVID has been accepted for registration. ...

WIPO PROOF - WIPO's new service can be used to prove the existence and contents of a digital file at a given time. ...