Policy and Regulation

Queensland may remove a ban on property developers making political donations in state elections, with the corruption watchdog warning it could increase risks of corruption in the lead-up to the Brisbane Olympic Games. 

Meta has sharply criticised Australia's social media ban for children after confirming it removed over half a million Facebook, Instagram and Threads accounts in the first month of the ban.

Reforms to Australia's merger review regime kicked in on 1 January, but late-breaking amendments to the new laws mean changes to notification thresholds and further exemptions.

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.