361-370 of 1062 results
The new test for dishonesty – criminalising conduct that falls short of 'community expectations'?
The recent amendment to the test for dishonesty in the Corporations Act 2001, which lowers the burden on the prosecution will have implications for the concept of 'community expectations' into the criminal law. ...
ALRC's Discussion Paper released: a clearer, consistent and more rational framework for addressing corporate misconduct in Australia
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. ...
First shareholder class action judgment
The Federal Court has handed down the first judgment in a shareholder class action. There is plenty in the decision for board members and senior executives to consider in the application of the continuous disclosure laws. ...
Queensland Supreme Court refuses to order disclosure of class action defendant's insurance policy, providing further guidance on the making of such orders
The Queensland Supreme Court has refused an application by a class action plaintiff seeking to compel the defendant to disclose its insurance policy and documents relating to its insurance position. In doing so, the court commented on the recent Federal Court decision in the Radio Rentals class action but came to a different result on the facts. This decision shows that when determining whether or not to make an order for disclosure, the court is likely to take into account the defendant's financial capacity, and may be less likely to make such an order where the defendant's solvency is not a concern. ...
If in doubt, get the whitewash out
The High Court's first decision on the financial assistance prohibition in section 260A of the Corporations Act supports a conservative approach to the prohibition, and in particular highlights the danger of 'taking a view' on the no material prejudice exception. ...
ASIC Corporate Governance Taskforce Report
ASIC has released its first report focusing on director and officer oversight of non-financial risk in seven large financial services companies (the First Report). While the report focuses on financial services companies, ASIC points out expressly that all companies, regardless of sector, should read and engage with the findings of this report. ...
All that glistens isn't Goldsky – key learnings from the ASIC v Goldsky decision
The recent case of ASIC v Goldsky Global Access Fund raises a number of compelling questions (some of which we explore below), and fund managers would do well not to place too much stock in the judgment in support of arguments that a trustee of a wholesale fund may act as trustee with the benefit of ...
Inducements in the corporate superannuation sector – guidance misses the mark
There are considerable problems with some guidance that was published a few months ago on section 68A ('no treating of employers') of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993. Michael Mathieson and Ally Crowther report. ...
Product safety snapshots – year in review
The last 18 months were a busy time for product safety. Consumers found redress via the courts (in the form of class actions) and the regulator (in the form of product recalls). ...
No safe harbours for mortgage brokers in latest reforms
Hot on the heels of its Implementation Roadmap, the Federal Government has released draft legislation introducing a best interests duty and banning conflicted remuneration for mortgage brokers. ...