Q&A with Eliza Faulk: Meet WK’s new Health Partner

We recently caught up with Eliza Faulk, Partner in Wotton Kearney’s Health practice, to learn more about her story and what drives her work. Eliza recently joined Wotton Kearney’s Sydney office along with her team of six, bringing more than 25 years’ experience in insurance and health law across private practice and senior corporate management roles. […]

Regulatory risk for health practitioners: Tasmania in focus

By: Isaac Buckland and Chris Spain Executive Summary Recent decisions from the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Tribunal) reflect a tightening regulatory position, particularly in relation to professional boundaries, the power imbalance between health practitioners and other individuals, and cumulative governance failures. The Tribunal has shown limited tolerance for boundary drift, treating supervisory, educational and […]

New Zealand Insurance Market Trends Update 2026: A Strategic Outlook on Aotearoa’s Shifting Landscape

In a rapidly changing landscape, staying informed is essential to navigating the complexities of New Zealand’s insurance market. That’s why we’ve released our New Zealand Insurance Market Trends Update 2026 – a comprehensive analysis of the key developments shaping the industry in Aotearoa. Packed with valuable insights, the report delves into emerging legal trends, evolving […]

Leading medical negligence team boost Wotton Kearney’s Health practice

Wotton Kearney has strengthened its national health practice with the appointment of Partner Eliza Faulk and her team of six in Sydney – joining Health Partners Breannon Bailey, Ed Smith, Chris Spain, and Lara Larking. Eliza brings more than 25 years’ experience in insurance and health law, spanning private practice and senior corporate management roles, with a specialisation […]

Navigating the New Aged Care Reforms: What Organisations Need to Know

By: Chris Spain and Ashlee Sherman, along with Angela San Diego and Katya Lando from Aon. Australia’s aged care sector is undergoing a seismic shift. The Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth) is set to commence on 1 November 2025, introducing a rights-based framework that redefines how aged care services are delivered, regulated, and funded. For […]

Court upholds hospital treatment despite alleged surgical delay

By: Trudi-Ann Mercurio Toon v Central Adelaide Local Health Network [2025] SADC 98 At a glance The South Australian District Court dismissed a medical negligence claim for damages against the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) following treatment for compartment syndrome compounded by a closed brachial plexus injury. The Court found no breach of duty […]

New Zealand Insurance Market Trends Update 2025: The key developments shaping the industry in Aotearoa

In a rapidly changing landscape, staying informed is essential to navigating the complexities of New Zealand’s insurance market. That’s why we’ve released our New Zealand Insurance Market Trends Update 2025 – a comprehensive analysis of the key developments shaping the industry in Aotearoa. Packed with valuable insights, the report delves into emerging legal trends, evolving […]

Healthcare and artificial intelligence – a new regulatory landscape

By: Chris Spain and Lily Goldsmith At a glance There must always be human oversight when AI is used in healthcare. Practitioners need to have a sufficient understanding of how an AI tool functions, including its intended use, how it collects and stores information, and its risks and limitations. Practitioners must be transparent with patients […]

Advance Care Directives (Review) Amendment Act 2023

By: Chris Spain and Trudi-Ann Mercurio At a glance The Advance Care Directives (Review) Amendment Act 2023 (SA) came into effect on 1 March 2024. The Act amended the Advance Care Directives Act 2013 (SA), following a review undertaken by Professor Wendy Lacey in 2019. The Act provides health practitioners with clarification as to the […]

Update to AHPRA’s Social Media Guidelines

By: Chris Spain and Catherine O’Keefe At a glance Between October 2023 and February 2024, at least 60 registered health professionals have been the subject of notifications made to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) because of posts on their personal social media accounts about the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. As a direct result of […]