The new Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth): What do “responsible persons” and their insurers need to know?

By: Yen Seah and Samantha Younane At a glance The Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth) comes into effect on 1 July 2025. The Act imposes a new statutory duty on directors and other persons responsible for the executive decisions of aged care providers. This includes those who have authority or responsibility for (or significant influence […]

Court of Appeal gives Victoria the “green light” for subrogated cladding recovery actions

By: Sarah Metcalfe State of Victoria (Department of Transport and Planning) v L.U. Simon Builders Pty Ltd & Ors At a glance In the subrogated recovery action brought by the State of Victoria against LU Simon and its directors in the County Court of Victoria (CI-23-03724) LU Simon argued that the State could not be […]

Proposed ban on non-compete clauses: What employers and insurers need to know

By: Sian Gilbert and Charli Kearney At a glance The Albanese Government plans to ban non-compete clauses for employees earning under $175,000, with changes expected to take effect in 2027. Businesses will need to consider stronger confidentiality and non-solicitation clauses, and tailor restraints for senior or high-risk roles. The change may reduce some litigation but […]

Decommissioning offshore installations in Australia: Legal and contractual issues

By: Naraya Lamart and Ollie van der Zee At a glance Decommissioning is a necessary and planned stage in the life of every offshore petroleum project, requiring consideration from the outset and ongoing development throughout the project’s life. Over the next 50 years, Australia is expected to see USD40.5 billion in offshore decommissioning activity, primarily […]

Whodunnit: Labour hire and vicarious liability

By: Angela Winkler and Chad Farah De Martin & Gasparini Pty Ltd v Bartlett [2025] NSWCA 56 At a glance The Court of Appeal upheld that DMG was vicariously liable for the unidentified worker’s negligence, based on circumstantial evidence showing the worker was likely DMG’s direct employee. The Court overturned the trial judge’s finding and […]

GCOs, CFOs and soft class closure: The High Court weighing in on key class action issues

By: Amanda Beattie, Jonathon Ferraro and Madeleine Wright At a glance High Court Decision on GCOs: The High Court ruled that Group Costs Orders (GCOs) issued by the Supreme Court of Victoria (VSC) are not enforceable in other courts, influencing jurisdictional decisions in class actions. BlueSky Class Action Challenge: The Court is reviewing whether solicitors […]

PFAS litigation: A deep dive into the rise of consumer-led claims and its implications

By: Amanda Beattie, Zoe Jones and Nick Salagaras At a glance In December 2024, a consumer-led PFAS class action was filed against 3M Australia Pty Ltd in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Despite significant US litigation, this marks the first class action against 3M in Australia related to PFAS contamination and the first consumer-led PFAS […]

Is your MSA fit for purpose? Key legal issues for MSPs

By: Nick Martin At a glance As a provider of technology services and solutions, how well do you understand the legal issues and risks that your Master Services Agreement, or other standard form contract document (MSA) should cover and protect you against? When was your MSA last updated? How often do you have to change […]

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 […]