Financial Services Update

13 July 2010

This edition of Financial Services Update focusses on the new Australian short position reporting requirements that came into effect from 1 June 2010. The reporting requirements apply to both Australian and overseas fund managers.

Alert - Commercial Arbitration Bill (NSW) enacted

08 July 2010

The Commercial Arbitration Bill 2010 (NSW) (Act) was passed by parliament on 22 June and assented to on 28 June. The Act is the first piece of legislation enacted as part of an overhaul of Australia's domestic arbitration regime, with the adoption of new uniform national laws as announced by the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General on May 7 this year.

Australian Tax Brief

06 July 2010

The Australian Government has announced improved resource tax arrangements to replace the previously announced Resource Super Profits Tax, effective from 1 July 2012.

HR and IR Update

01 July 2010

A landmark High Court decision handed down yesterday will have a significant impact on how regulators approach prosecutions of employers for breaches of occupational health and safety laws across Australia.

Minter Ellison Legal Group adds 11 new partners

01 July 2010

The Minter Ellison Legal Group today welcomes 11 new partners. The firm also announced 17 new special counsel, 46 senior associates and 1 senior consultant.

Alert - New Australian Foreign Investment Policy clarifies position with direct investment by foreign governments

01 July 2010

The Australian Treasurer, Wayne Swan, has released the long awaited updating of Australia's Foreign Investment Policy (click here to view policy page on the FIRB website).

Competition and Regulation

29 June 2010

Our Competition & Regulation newsletter provides commentary on Australian competition (anti-trust) and regulatory law.

Alert - Second tranche of consumer law reforms passed

29 June 2010

The second tranche of the Australian Consumer Law reforms has now been passed by Parliament in an effort to harmonise and streamline consumer laws in Australia.

Alert - Trade Practices Amendment (Infrastructure Access) Act 2010

28 June 2010

Amendments to the national access regime in Part IIIA of the Trade Practices Act 1974 were passed on 24 June. The amendments aim to enhance regulatory certainty for potential investors in major infrastructure facilities, with a view to encouraging infrastructure investment.

On Site

24 June 2010

Welcome to the June issue of On Site. In this issue, we focus on some key issues relevant to the resolution of construction disputes.