Discrimination
High Court to hear Pauline Hanson’s appeal over ‘back to Pakistan’ tweet
The High Court has taken up Pauline Hanson's constitutional challenge to Australia's racial vilification law, in a long-running dispute with Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi over a tweet by the One Nation leader.
Business of Law
Barrister fined $25,000 after ‘mealy-mouthed’ apology for contempt
A Sydney barrister found guilty of contempt in a fight with his chambers over $112,000 in floor fees has been fined $25,000, with a judge calling his apologies “mealy-mouthed” and “late in the day”.
Appeals
End of road for Clive Palmer’s court campaign against ASIC’s ex-chair
The High Court has dismissed billionaire Clive Palmer's bid to revive his misconduct claims against former ASIC chair James Shipton, which an appeals court rejected as "little more than a house of cards".
Restructuring & Insolvency
David Jones enters administration after talks with landlord break down
Rising costs and evolving shopping trends have forced 188-year-old department store David Jones into voluntary administration, a day after its landlord revealed the retailer had not paid rent since September.
Corporate
Bolton loses bid for High Court hearing in Keybridge indemnity case
Pointing to the "litigious history" of the case, the High Court has refused leave to former Keybridge Capital director Nick Bolton to appeal a decision that found the company wasn't on the hook for covering his legal bill in a case over alleged duty breaches.
Employment
Solicitor was employee of firm, despite contractor agreement: FWC
The Fair Work Commission has found that a solicitor who entered into a contract akin to an independent contractor agreement with Linkpoint Lawyers was an employee of the firm.
Employment
FWC finds dismissal of CBA home loan exec was ‘sound’
The FWC has found that Commonwealth Bank’s dismissal of a home loan executive was justified, after an investigation revealed WeChat communications with a third party who was receiving payments from CBA customers.
Employment
Italian chef can’t bring case over refusal to serve pineapple pizza
An Italian chef who was fired from a Brisbane restaurant after refusing to serve pineapple pizza, calling the request an "insult to his culture", has lost a bid to bring an unfair dismissal case.
Business of Law
Thomsons hires Norton Rose Fulbright lawyer for finance team
Thomsons has strengthened its banking and finance team with the appointment of a lawyer from Norton Rose Fulbright.
Tax
High Court rejects Uber’s appeal of $81M payroll tax ruling
Uber must pay at least $81 million in payroll tax after the High Court shot down its challenge to a finding that its drivers received wages, in a decision the rideshare giant says sets an "alarming precedent".
