Perspectives on law, business and regulation.

Workplace & Employment Litigation,Employment Contracts, Policies & Procedures, and Award Interpretations,Employment Disputes
29 May 2026
As we approach mid-year, many Australian subsidiaries of multinational corporations and foreign entities registered in Australia should be preparing their modern slavery statements. This article examines the reporting obligations under Australian laws, including the critical issue of revenue consolidation that often catches foreign-owned entities by surprise. The Reporting Obligation Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (the “Act”) requires entities to submit annual modern slavery statements if they meet the revenue threshold.

Corporate and Commercial Disputes,Corporate & M&A,Corporate Governance
27 February 2026
1. Overview of the Reforms Significant changes to Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regime are taking effect under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (the Amendment Act) and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Rules 2025 (the Rules). These reforms represent a fundamental shift toward an outcomes-based, risk-oriented framework, aligned with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force.

Director's Responsibilities,Director's Duties Disputes
03 October 2025
Australia is often viewed as one of the most heavily regulated jurisdictions in the area of corporate governance. On the one hand, it reflects a strong commitment to transparency, accountability and the protection of stakeholders’ interest, but on the other hand it poses a challenge for those looking to navigate the corporate regulatory landscape – all the more so for those not familiar with the Australian framework. When an offshore investor sets up shop in Australia or acquires a local company, often the first step taken is the appointment of a new director. Their role is not merely symbolic or perfunctory – the law imposes extensive duties on company directors, many of which are codified in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act). Directors owe a fiduciary duty to their company, meaning that they are required to act in good faith in the best interests of the company, exercise due care and diligence, and not misuse their position or information obtained by reason of their position. Recent judicial decisions, such as the New South Wales Court of Appeal’s ruling in Sunnya Pty Ltd v He [2025] NSWCA 79 (Sunnya decision), have further cemented the expansiveness of the scope of these obligations.