The Victorian government has taken the first steps in one of its toughest 2050 net zero emissions challenges; how to decarbonise the Victorian natural gas supply industry, while maintaining a vital and affordable energy source. ...

With governments laying out record spending on infrastructure as a source of stimulus, we are at a critical moment. Understanding how investors’ priorities have shifted and addressing barriers to investment is crucial to leveraging private capital through Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. ...

Following the release of the National Hydrogen Strategy in 2019, Australia is seeing exciting developments in government funding, new project announcements and private sector interest in a hydrogen industry. Federal and state governments are partnering with the private sector to support hydrogen technologies, in the race to become a premier exporter of clean hydrogen to the decarbonised global economy. This Insight explores the opportunities for Australia to establish a leading hydrogen industry, including recent policy developments, the latest funding announcements and key legal issues to be aware of. ...

With strategic bidders and foreign government acquirers on the side lines, 2021 may be the busiest ever for PE dealmakers ...

The decision in Thaler v Commissioner of Patents [2021] FCA 879 is the first judicial determination in the world in favour of AI systems being named as inventors of a patent. The availability of patent protection for AI-generated inventions is a vexed and controversial issue. ...

The mandatory comprehensive credit reporting scheme is finally in operation. We explain what's changed, who it affects, and the key considerations, risks and obligations — including steps you need to take soon. ...

ACCC vs SmileDirectClub for false and misleading statements; Australian Vending Buying Association allowed to collectively negotiate with goods suppliers; Epic Games proceedings against Apple to be heard in Australia; Lorna Jane ordered to pay $5 million in penalties; ACCC to examine online marketplaces; NZCC institutes cartel proceedings against consumer loan provider Moola. ...

The Energy Security Board's (ESB) Post 2025 Market Design Options Paper provides a glimpse into upcoming reforms that aim to release the potential of distributed energy resources to meet current challenges with falling minimum demand and to leverage demand side participation. ...

ESG-related interests of stakeholders are impacting the governance arrangements of large listed companies. We look at why this is important for boards, and what steps they can take to mitigate becoming the target of this type of activist campaign. ...

The landscape for wholesale investment funds in the UK has shifted in the wake of Brexit. We give a round-up of the latest developments, and explain what Australian fund managers who are marketing their products to EU or UK investors need to know. ...