The Australian Law Reform Commission released for consultation today a set of proposals aimed at overhauling the federal corporate criminal responsibility regime. This comes in the wake of criticisms that the current system is ineffective in preventing, deterring and prosecuting serious corporate crime. Whilst the reforms offer a clearer, consistent and more rational framework for addressing corporate misconduct in Australia, some elements (such as the adoption of a general 'associate' model for criminal attribution) will no doubt raise concern given their capacity to significantly extend corporate liability. We examine some of the key proposals and their likely impact. Partner Christopher Kerrigan and Senior Overseas Practitioner Cindy McNair report. ...

The Equator Principles Association unveiled the finalised fourth version of the Equator Principles (EP4) on 18 November 2019. Set for an effective date of 1 July 2020, EP4 heightens requirements for designated OECD countries and tightens due diligence assessments with a greater focus on human rights, climate change and biodiversity. While there are many improvements and refinements from the draft we reviewed in June, the only potentially material change is a compromise on the 'free prior and informed consent' requirement for affected Indigenous communities. ...

The proposed draft of the Financial Sector Legislation Amendment (Crisis Resolution Powers and Other Measures) Bill 2017, will be giving new powers to the APRA in relation to the authorised non-operating holding company and other related bodies corporate of APRA-regulated entities ...

In late August 2017 the US Food and Drug Administration recalled 465000 Abbott Laboratories pacemakers due to cyber security vulnerabilities Although this was the first time that the FDA had recalled a medical device because of cyber concerns they have been alive to the significant risk that a cyber ...

A court has enforced a four-year restraint of trade clause in a business sale contract, preventing a part-time employee from taking up employment with a competitor after selling his stake in the business. ...

After a year-long inquiry a parliamentary committee has recommended that Australia establish a Modern Slavery Act including mandatory reporting for large businesses on modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains The introduction of a Modern Slavery Act is set to be a game-changer with ...

Understanding the global reach of anti-bribery and corruption regulation as well as the application of it within a specific jurisdiction is key to managing risk for international businesses Our global alliance partner with input from Allens examines 24 jurisdictions across the Asia-Pacific Europe ...

Fund financing activities in Australia remained strong in 2017 with particular focus on infrastructure private equity funds and private debt funds which have taken advantage of the additional liquidity and funding flexibility in this market Allens Partner Tom Highnam Managing Associate Rita Pang and ...

In a rare appellate court decision dealing with anti-dumping law, the FFCA has clarified that the Anti-Dumping Commission's ability to calculate hypothetical amounts for the purposes of determining normal value is not at large, and must conform strictly with anti-dumping legislation ...

The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking Superannuation and Financial Services Industry is well underway with its first round of public hearings wrapping up less than a month ago By reference to a number of case studies the first round of hearings focused on consumer lending practices In ...