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. ...

In light of the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), many businesses are confronted with questions about the legal and regulatory implications. Here we address the most pressing questions being asked across the business landscape. ...

The dispute between Sachin Tendulkar and Australian bat-maker Spartan Sports over a breach of a sponsorship agreement has ended with Spartan paying a hefty settlement sum, cancelling valuable trade marks and delivering a public apology. This case shows the risks of public disputes with high-profile celebrities. ...

Nucleus – corporate law developments: FIRB introduces temporary streamlined exemption certificates; ASIC issues guidance on product intervention power; ACCC raises concerns about two digital mergers; and other corporate law developments ...

The recent decision of Pilbara Iron Ore Pty Ltd v Ammon will be of interest to anyone who deals with farm-in agreements or other resource sector agreements where one party agrees to commission a 'feasibility study'. ...

ACCC to monitor domestic airlines; Qantas offers refunds for flight cancellations; High Court appeal for Pacific National/Aurizon decision; wine grape contract terms under scrutiny; new research on consumer understanding of electricity offers; and ACCC authorises coal producers to negotiate collectively ...

ACCC seeks clarity on unconscionable conduct; ACCC clears Elanco's acquisition of Bayer's animal health business; ACCC chimes in on transparency in music licensing; Medibank receives $5 million penalty for misrepresentations to members; Kogan misled consumers with EOFY promotion; and continued cooperation in the era of COVID-19 ...

Rapid legal and regulatory responses to COVID-19 continue; ASIC shifts regulatory and enforcement focus; ASX updates temporary COVID-19 class waivers and issues guidance on cancelling dividends; FIRB releases new compliance-related guidance notes; ACCC develops code of conduct for digital platforms and media companies and releases interim Home Loan Pricing Inquiry report; and temporary amendments made to Fair Work Act and modern awards. ...

The Australian Government has commenced consultation on the Consumer Data Right (Energy Sector) Designation 2020, which will apply the CDR to the energy sector. Entities should consider the impact of the CDR on their business, including whether they would like to apply to be an Accredited Data Recipient to obtain access to such energy data. ...

On Sunday, the Australian Government launched its voluntary digital contact tracing app 'COVIDSafe', along with the app's Privacy Policy, an independent Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) and the Department of Health's response to that PIA. The Chief Medical Officer has predicted that the application will have been downloaded more than 2 million times by the end of Monday. ...