In PE Horizons 2021, we predicted the year could be one of, if not the, busiest years ever for dealmakers in Australia. Although our prediction proved to be correct, to the surprise of many, traditional PE investors had a relatively mixed ...

The recently passed Environmental Legislation Amendment Act 2022 (NSW) (the Amendment Act) exposes directors and managers of companies to additional criminal and civil liability for breaches of environmental laws. It is now more important than ever that companies have robust processes in place to ensure they are operating in an environmentally satisfactory manner. It is also critical for directors and managers (and those who advise directors and management) to understand their potential exposure to criminal liability for actions taken (or not taken) by companies. ...

The Federal Government is seeking feedback on a proposed new licensing regime for crypto asset secondary service providers (CASSPrs) and new requirements regulating custody of crypto assets. The new regime would potentially sit alongside the existing AFS licensing regime, with possible overlap and inconsistency in treatment of service providers. The Government is also seeking early views on how crypto assets should be defined and categorised as part of a 'crypto mapping' exercise. The consultation period runs until 27 May 2022. ...

Further to our last update, new .au direct domain names (eg 'allens.au' instead of 'allens.com.au') have officially launched today. Eligible applicants will have a six month window to apply for priority status to register a .au direct domain name that matches their existing .au domain name. ...

Having sound infrastructure is vital to every country's development and its citizens' quality of life. Countries need reliable infrastructure to connect supply chains and efficiently move goods and services across borders. They also need reliable health, education, and connectivity infrastructure to help their people thrive. In this Report, we look at the current status of the infrastructure market, with a focus on particular sectors. We also examine key regulatory and structuring issues affecting project developers and financiers. ...

In this Insight, we examine recent changes to state environmental planning policies (SEPPs), and ask whether they achieve the stated objectives. ...

Class action risk is changing. While filings remain high, consumer claims now dominate and, for the first time in over a decade, the banking sector is not the biggest target.  ...

The Full Court of the Federal Court has allowed an appeal by shareholders in the class action against Worley Limited, finding that the primary judge’s dismissal of the case must be set aside and remitted to a single judge for determination in light of the Full Court's reasons. ...

In our latest update, we examine the progress of new and existing rule change requests to the AEMC across the month of February, as well as take a closer look at AEMO's proposal for enhanced availability information requirements for generators. ...

The recent Victorian case of Hartman1 demonstrates the potential stamp duty dangers of relying on nominee clauses in transactions involving land (or other dutiable property). The VCAT decision highlights the importance of settling, if possible, on the identity of the ultimate transferee prior to execution of a contract and, above all, the need for developers and other purchasers of land to seek advice before relying on a nominee clause or otherwise seeking to transfer title to a third party. ...