ASIC
ASIC seeks $2.4M fines against ex-Star CEO and GC
ASIC is seeking a $1.3 million fine against Star’s former CEO Matthias Bekier and a $1.1 million fine against ex-general counsel Paula Martin for breaching their duties by failing to warn the casino operator's board about money laundering risks.
AI
Lawyers in Victoria who rely on unverified AI may face watchdog’s glare
The Victoria Supreme Court has issued new guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in litigation, warning lawyers they may be referred to the legal watchdog if they rely on unverified AI in court documents.
Class Actions
Icare hit with class action over data breach affecting 200,000 claimants
NSW workers compensation insurer icare has been hit with a class action on behalf of almost 200,000 claimants whose sensitive data was sent to the wrong insurers and brokers.
Intellectual Property
Sneaker brand On Clouds wins appeal in trade mark spat
Popular Swiss sneaker company On Clouds has prevailed in its challenge to a trade mark by sustainable footwear brand Cyclonic.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Sony says competition class action over PlayStation fails to plead a causal link
A class action accusing Sony of breaching competition laws has said proposed changes to the case will focus on excessive charges in the distribution market, but the electronics giant argues the amended case leaves causation "entirely unarticulated".
Employment
Junior doctors lose appeal against NSW Health over temp staff allowance
A union representing medical officers has lost its appeal of a ruling which found that junior doctors at state-run hospitals in NSW are not temporary employees who are entitled to a 10 per cent allowance.
Financial Services
Investment firms cop $100,000 in fines for dodging AUSTRAC infringement notices
Two investment firms have been hit with combined penalties of nearly $100,000 for failing to pay infringement notices issued by the financial crimes regulator.
Business of Law
JWS boosts projects expertise with partner promotions
Johnson Winter Slattery has promoted five lawyers to its partnership, including three with expertise advising on major projects, saying continued strong growth had opened the advancement path.
Financial Services
Westpac hit with $26M penalty for ignoring hardship applications
Westpac has been hit with a $26 million penalty -- just shy of the $30 million sought by ASIC -- for failing to respond to online hardship applications on time on 277 occasions, in conduct described as “grossly negligent”.
Trials
McDonald’s knew workers weren’t taking 10-minute breaks, trial hears
McDonald’s knew that employees across its stores were not being given continuous 10-minute rest breaks and that its time-keeping systems were deficient, a judge heard on the first day of trial in an underpayments class action that could include 370,000 workers.
