The Australian Government has flagged that Australia's baseline 'social distancing' restrictions may be eased more quickly if, among other things, at least 40% of Australians download and use a new voluntary digital contact tracing app, 'COVID Trace'. The announcement has sparked significant debate ...

In response to Royal Commission recommendations, amendments to remove exceptions to the existing hawking prohibition have been released for consultation. We analyse the changes, their effects and challenges. ...

All signs point to the final tranche of the Hayne Royal Commission exposure draft Bills being introduced before the end of the year, and their focuses will include something that is a favourite topic here at Unravelled, and is of considerable interest to our clients – breach reporting. We explain the new regime's timing and effects. ...

The fund financing market in Australia continued to be buoyant in 2019. Private equity, infrastructure and real estate funds remain the main drivers of volume, with an increasing number of newly raised as well as existing private debt funds also capitalising on the market's additional liquidity and ...

The real estate industry continues to evolve in a technology focused world, unlocking new REITs (real estate investment trusts) and investment opportunities. Against a backdrop of low bond yields, easing monetary policy and global volatility, our real estate sector M&A experts share insights and consider what opportunities lay ahead for the real estate Mergers and Acquisitions sector. ...

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has unveiled the much-anticipated new regulatory framework for foreign financial services providers that supply financial services to wholesale clients in Australia. foreign financial services providers ...

The newly introduced superannuation guarantee (SG) amnesty scheme provides a one-off amnesty to encourage employers to self-correct historical SG non-compliance. This is done by allowing employers to claim tax deductions for contributions made during the amnesty period, as well as waiving certain penalties and fees that may otherwise apply in relation to historical SG non-compliance. ...

As the COVID-19 pandemic creates turbulence in global financial markets and propels investors into a race for liquidity, we are beginning to see investment funds grappling with some of the issues they had confronted in 2007–2009 during the global financial crisis (the GFC). ...

Like all industries, the superannuation industry is facing some immense challenges in light of the rapidly developing COVID-19 pandemic. This Insight considers some of the more topical issues the industry is facing ...

The COVID Safe Harbour will provide useful immediate relief for companies and their directors, particularly those who need time to assess the company's position before developing a turnaround plan or pursuing an insolvency administration if that becomes necessary. ...