Victoria Sentencing Advisory Council recommends a 400% increase in maximum penalties for breaching health and safety duties

By: Chris Spain, Laura Gavan and Petra Kolovos At a glance The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Victoria) (OH&S Act) is the primary workplace health and safety law governing Victorian workplaces. Importantly, it sets out the health and safety duties that employers owe to their employees, contractors, visitors and the public at large. On […]

Are prior circumstances a thing of the past?

By: Thomas Cavanagh and Gina Groskops Allianz Australia Insurance Limited v Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW) [2025] FCAFC 8 At a glance The Full Federal Court has overturned the decision of Justice Lee1 and confirmed that Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Allianz) was entitled to decline indemnity to Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW) (UCPT) for […]

Davis v Wilson: The bar for successful shareholder class actions gets higher and higher

By: Amanda Beattie and Zoe Jones At a glance Following its decisions in other shareholder class actions late 2023 and 2024, the Federal Court has handed down yet another unfavourable decision for shareholders (Davis v Wilson [2025] FCA 108). The claim alleged that Quintis’ CEO, Frank Wilson, and its auditor, Ernst & Young, engaged in […]

Successful ‘declassing’ application in Waller Legal class action: Implications for institutional defendants?

By: Amanda Beattie, Zoe Jones and Nick Salagaras At a glance The Supreme Court of Victoria has granted an application made by a defendant (Waller Legal) for a claim to no longer proceed as a group proceeding. The claim made by the lead plaintiff, Jane Jones (a pseudonym) alleged that Waller Legal breached its duty […]

Full Federal Court backs privilege protections in voluntary disclosures to ASIC

By: Amanda Beattie and Gavin Davies. At a glance The Full Federal Court has determined that disclosure of a privileged expert report to ASIC in accordance with a voluntary disclosure agreement (VDA) did not amount to a waiver of privilege. This decision restores confidence in VDAs as a valuable tool for companies cooperating with ASIC […]

2025 Workplace & Safety Guide: Navigating employment, industrial relations, and safety law

With evolving legislation and shifting workplace norms, keeping up with employer obligations and employee rights has never been more important. That’s why we’ve released our 2025 Workplace & Safety Guide — a comprehensive resource designed to help businesses and HR professionals navigate the complexities of employment, industrial relations, and safety law. Packed with practical strategies […]

ASIC v Union Standard International Group Pty Ltd – the extra-territorial reach of an Australian Financial Service Licensee’s obligation to act efficiently, honestly and fairly

By: Cain Jackson and Samantha Younane ASIC v Union Standard International Group Pty Ltd (No 4) [2024] FCA 1481 At a glance The Federal Court has determined that the obligation to act efficiently, honestly and fairly extends to services provided to clients outside Australia. The decision highlights risks for AFSLs providing products like CFDs to […]

Navigating legal issues in contracting for AI solutions

By: Nick Martin At a glance AI solutions differ significantly from traditional technology products, requiring businesses to take a different approach in addressing the usual issues in technology contracts, such as data security,  IP ownership,  liability and service levels. Conducting thorough due diligence and implementing robust testing or trial periods are crucial for customers to […]

Federal Court judge finds John Pesutto defamed Moira Deeming

By: Georgie Austin and Deniz Coskundag Deeming v Pesutto (No 3) [2024] FCA 1430 At a glance Parliamentary Member Ms Moira Deeming was awarded $300,000 in damages after the Federal Court ruled that she was defamed by a series of statements and media interviews made by Victorian Opposition Leader Mr John Pesutto, following a rally […]

Victorian Court of Appeal allows Western Bulldogs’ appeal against damages award

By: Richard Leder, Blake Pappas and Deniz Coskundag Footscray Football Club Ltd v Adam Kneale [2024] VSCA 314 At a glance The Victorian Court of Appeal has allowed the Club’s appeal against the quantum of Mr Kneale’s general damages and economic loss claim, significantly reducing the jury’s $5.9 million award of damages to $2.6 million. The […]