Guidance from Australian Sanctions Office signals more enforcement post-ABC v QAL

New developments from the Full Federal Court, Australian Sanctions Office and parliamentary inquiries around how Australian sanctions laws apply have heightened the demands on Australian businesses to ensure sanctions compliance.

Powering through Australia’s uncertain energy future

While the election result will shine some light on the government’s priorities, the make-up of Australia's energy supply is likely to continue to evolve for some time, due to the many complex factors and tensions at play.

Federal Budget 2025: Re-announcements, deferrals and ATO funding

The federal government’s 2025-26 Budget focused on discretionary expenditure, as opposed to substantial corporate tax reform.

The new ACCC merger regime: a round-up of recent announcements

Recent days have seen a series of announcements by the ACCC and Treasury about the implementation of Australia’s new mandatory and suspensory merger control regime, which commences on a voluntary basis from 1 July 2025 and comes into force on 1 January 2026.

Extending an unfair trading practices prohibition to commercial arrangements with small businesses: a potential chilling effect

The Commonwealth Government has announced that it will seek to extend a proposed unfair trading practices prohibition to business-to-business dealings involving small businesses.

Sustainable development: Australia’s outlook in 2025

Australian businesses are facing complex, interconnected challenges in undertaking development projects. Key focus areas shaping the policy landscape will be around housing affordability, climate change and environmental conservation.

Government to enhance telco consumer protection with strengthened ACMA enforcement powers

The Australian government has announced plans to introduce a range of reforms aimed at bolstering protections for telecommunications consumers.

The new Scams Prevention Framework: key considerations for regulated entities

A detailed examination of the new Scams Prevention Framework and what it will mean for regulated entities.

Navigating the AML/CTF reforms: Extending the regime to Tranche 2 entities

Parliament has just passed the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 which modernises the AML/CTF regime and expands it to real estate professionals and developers, professional services providers and dealers in precious metals and stones.

Australia introduces Comprehensive Cyber Security Legislation

The Australian Government passed a series of cyber security legislative reforms on 25 November 2024. These laws include mandatory ransom payment reporting and a voluntary information sharing regime, aiming to enhance national cyber security standards.