Policy and Regulation

A world-first law banning kids under 16 from accessing social media platforms has gone into force, with the eSafety commissioner vowing to publish a report card on compliance by the end of the year.

Landmark federal environmental law reforms that will up penalties for environmental breaches and fast-track approvals for renewable energy projects are set to pass the Senate.

Crypto platforms will be required to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence under new legislation introduced by the Albanese government.

The use of generative AI in litigation is on the rise in Australia, according to a new report, and one expert says he hopes that increasing awareness of the risks of using generative AI means lawyers will be smart about its use in the future. 

John Holland and the CFMEU have voluntarily nixed agreements requiring the construction company to use certain labour hire businesses on two major projects in NSW, after the ACCC raised competition concerns. 

The world-first ban on kids accessing social media will extend to online discussion platform Reddit and live-streaming service Kick, and more platforms could be added to the "dynamic" list, which is subject to review by the eSafety commissioner.

The government has tabled a suite of changes to the EPBC Act, including the introduction of a national environment protection agency with the power to make ‘stop work’ orders.

In response to a High Court ruling giving the Catholic Church an out for the actions of its priests, Victoria has vowed to introduce legislation to extend the vicarious liability of institutions, a move welcomed by plaintiff law firms.

The Business Council of Australia has released a report calling for policy reforms to facilitate private sector infrastructure development, including changes to the EPBC Act.

Environment minister Murray Watt has resisted calls to split proposed legislation that would overhaul the country's environment laws to allow business-friendly parts of the law to move forward first.