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. ...

The ACCC's action against Lime demonstrates that businesses must carefully consider what actions may constitute a 'recall', particularly where electronic products are supplied. It also serves as a reminder that product safety issues can be regarded as a breach of the Australian Consumer Law and can give rise to pecuniary penalties. ...

Employees need to be mindful of increases to minimum rates of pay, as well as the impact of increases to the high income threshold and the maximum super contribution base. ...

The Federal Court has decided to adjudicate a dispute between Qantas and its aircraft engineers about the legality of Qantas' and Jetstar's decision to stand down employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

Following its consultation in June last year, ASIC has now published RG 272, setting out ASIC's approach to using its product intervention powers. In this update, we examine the scope of this power and the accompanying regulatory guidance. ...

As the dust settles on a raft of COVID-19 related disruptions to various proposed legislative and regulatory reforms, the Allens team takes stock of the current regulatory reform proposals in the superannuation, funds and insurance sectors which have been mooted for the tail end of 2020 and early 2021. ...

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 ...