251-260 of 323 results
Summary dismissal for theft found to be unfair
A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission has highlighted the importance of ensuring that the decision to summarily terminate an employee's employment is proportionate to their misconduct. ...
First civil penalty order for breach of FOFA duties
The Federal Court recently imposed a 1 million civil penalty on a licensee for breaches by its representatives of the best interests and appropriate advice duties The penalties were the same amount that was agreed between ASIC and the licensee The decision is a reminder to financial services ...
Public authorities - reduced protection against negligence
In coming to a recent decision the Queensland Supreme Court has taken a narrow view of a section of that states civil liability legislation that was designed to limit the liability of public authorities in Queensland Partner Nicholas Ng and Senior Associate Goran Gelic report on this decision and ...
High Court rules mining leases and native title can co-exist
The High Court ruled that certain mining leases in WA did not extinguish all native title rights, but rather the two rights co-exist. In doing so, the High Court took the opportunity to clarify the test for determining when native title rights will be extinguished by statutory grants at common law. ...
High Court examines powers of responsible entities
The High Court has reaffirmed the powers of a responsible entity are ultimately derived from the scheme's constitution, but the exercise of those powers is constrained by the statutory and fiduciary duties imposed on the responsible entity. ...
The Federal Court on information to third parties, legal professional privilege and waiver
A recent Federal Court decision highlights the importance of managing the provision of information and documentation to third parties with caution in order to preserve legal professional privilege Partner Richard Harris and Senior Associate Elnaz Nikibin report on the case ...
Civil penalties: are negotiated outcomes still negotiable?
A recent decision of the High Court could intensify uncertainty about the legitimacy of resolving civil penalty proceedings by the regulator and the defendant approaching the court with an agreed penalty supported by an agreed statement of facts Partner Matthew McLennan and Lawyer Megan Sandler ...
Isolated genetic material confirmed as patentable
In a unanimous decision the Full Federal Court has confirmed that genetic materials in their isolated form remain patentable in Australia The decision related to an appeal from an earlier Federal Court decision in which it was found isolated nucleic acids to be a manner of manufacture as required by ...
Distressed debt M&A - share transfers without a scheme
The Supreme Court of New South Wales has given further guidance on the scope of its power to grant leave to a deed administrator to compulsorily transfer the shares of a company The decision in the matter of Nexus Energy Ltd subject to deed of company arrangement 2014 NSWSC 1910 confirms that this ...
A safe harbour for now - product liability risk exposure stemming from human rights abuses in supply chains
Globalisation has created significant benefits for consumers by making products cheaper to purchase It has allowed consumers to access food that is out of season from halfway across the globe or regularly update the model of their phone However the long and complex supply chains that facilitate ...