This week the Planning Minister Richard Wynne introduced a Bill to amend the Victorian planning legislation to make the number of objections a planning application receives a relevant factor when considering whether a proposed use or development may have a significant social effect Will this improve ...

A public inquiry into the Victorian Environment Protection Authority EPA has been announced and will commence on 1 June 2015, covering a variety of issues in relation to the EPA's role in public health and environmental protection ...

A recent advisory opinion from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal outlines certain limits on the maintenance repair and compliance costs that a landlord can recover from tenants under Victorian leases particularly retail premises leases Partner John Beckinsale Special Counsel Christine ...

The Queensland Parliament has passed legislation introducing a stamp duty concession for transfers of interests in exploration authorities under eligible farm-in agreements ...

This week the Victorian Planning Minister kickstarted a review into the Heritage Act 1995 Vic by launching a discussion paper outlining Heritage Victorias suggestions for reform Developers and heritage-listed property owners should consider the proposed changes to prepare for a public consultation ...

Ecstasy cocaine and industrial action at a construction site are unlikely subjects for an article on financial services regulation They are however the things that have led to what could be a significant change to the way in which financial services regulators like ASIC and APRA can resolve civil ...

In October 2014 ASIC released its report into retail life insurance advice practices The findings were pretty grim - with poor advice being more common than good or even adequate advice ASIC said that advisers were motivated by the promise of commissions not the interests of their clients Following ...

In response to its concerns about the potential risks associated with shared computing services including cloud computing APRA has issued an information paper that sets out prudential considerations and key principles for APRA-regulated entities using such services Partner Michael Morris Senior ...

This week ASIC flagged a change in its approach to the exercise of its power to make orders to recover expenses and costs associated with investigations Information Sheet 204 indicates that ASIC will be making greater use of this power to seek recovery of its costs from individuals and companies ...

The Palaszczuk Governments first state Budget has announced a suite of new initiatives to attract new startups and support existing enterprises The Government has declared it wants Queensland to become a global innovation hub and a smarter state by supporting emerging talent and nurturing innovative ...