Special

The Albanese government is planning to spend $3.8 billion more on Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop rapid transit project, one day after it walked away from the completion of the Inland Rail project.

The federal government has scaled back the freight Inland Rail project after a report found the project, which would run Melbourne to Brisbane, would cost $45 billion.

Renewable energy projects are moving away from rigid, long-term tolling agreements towards more flexible financing structures, according to an Ashurst partner, with lenders warming to new mechanisms like virtual tolling agreements. 

Corrs Chambers Westgarth has hired a leading projects partner from Ashurst who has significant experience in advising companies on the energy transition.

The federal government has awarded contracts to 10 new renewable energy projects in Western Australia, which will deliver a combined 1.9 gigawatts of renewable energy and 484 megawatts of battery storage.

Australia has signed a critical minerals agreement with Japan, under which it will invest up to $1.3 billion in critical minerals projects with its Asian ally to help reduce dependence on China.

Piper Alderman has hired a leading real estate partner from Clayton Utz who brings in-demand expertise on renewable energy and large-scale developments to the firm.

As part of their global partnership promotions, Clifford Chance and Kennedys have elevated three Australian lawyers with expertise in real estate, infrastructure, and property insurance.

Competition lawyer Mark Grime has been recruited by Thomson Geer, making the jump from Clifford Chance. 

Gadens has brought on eight new partners, building out its offering for in-demand practices like corporate, financial services and real estate and construction.