Policy and Regulation

A recent High Court decision which found the federal government must compensate Indigenous people in the Northern Territory over past mining operations has significant implications for the government’s liability to pay up for historical acts affecting native title, but experts say the decision is unlikely to unleash a torrent of similar claims.

The Australian Information Commissioner has found 16 government agencies have approved the use of messaging apps like Signal, Telegram and WhatsApp for government business. 

The NSW government has introduced legislation to crack down on 'claim farming' for personal injury claims and international torts, despite concerns from the Law Society and the Bar the bill may prevent lawful referral practices.

New reports of criminal activity and violence have rocked the CFMEU, with calls from building groups for a "clean up", and a Coalition vow to deregister the embattled construction union and revive the industry watchdog.

The Albanese government has pledged to extend unfair trading practice protections under the Australian Consumer Law to small businesses.

The Albanese government's response to a review of security of payment laws was a positive first step, building and construction industry groups said on Friday.

A judge has referred a solicitor to the legal watchdog after he ceased to act without giving the required notice to his client, saying he appeared to have been “dumped” on the eve of a directions hearing.

The ACCC has issued guidance on the transition to its new mandatory merger control regime, warning businesses to make requests for informal reviews under the old regime soon or risk running out of time.

Victoria will create a new building watchdog with “tough new enforcement powers to fix dodgy work”, including taking disciplinary action against builders and ordering that defects be rectified.

A top environmental lawyer has joined Jones Day as a partner in the firm's government regulation practice.