Our experienced legal team regularly publishes updates on a wide range of topics - you can find all our recent news articles below.
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When a company enters voluntary administration after a winding up application has already been filed, many assume creditors will decide the company's future at the second creditors' meeting.
A recent Federal Court decision shows that is not always the case.
Read MoreRecent changes to the New South Wales Enduring Guardianship framework could have significant implications for clients with older estate planning documents. From 1 September 2026, the prescribed Enduring Guardianship form was updated to expressly allow an enduring guardian to consent to, or withhold consent to, the use of restrictive practices. Many existing documents signed using earlier forms may not contain equivalent authority.
Read MoreCould a transaction be subject to duty twice?
A recent NSW decision shows how landholder duty can arise in addition to duty already paid on the acquisition of land, simply because of how and when transaction steps occur.
The case highlights the importance of carefully reviewing transaction structures, timing and historical dealings before proceeding with a transaction or seeking a ruling from Revenue NSW.
Read the full article to understand the key lessons from Ivo Holdings and how they may affect future transactions.
Read MoreAustralia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms commenced on 1 July 2026 and have significantly expanded the range of businesses regulated by AUSTRAC. Many businesses providing legal, accounting, real estate, conveyancing, trust and company services are now required to comply with the AML/CTF regime. Businesses that provide designated services captured by the reforms must enrol with AUSTRAC by 29 July 2026.
Read MoreThe Australian Government has announced reforms aimed at increasing philanthropic funding to charities. The changes focus on Giving Funds (currently referred to in the tax law as ancillary funds) and form part of the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission’s Future Foundations for Giving report and the Not‑for‑profit Sector Development Blueprint.
Read MoreOn 18 December 2025, the Government released significant amendments to the new merger control regime through the Competition and Consumer (Notification of Acquisitions) Amendment (20205 Measures No.1) Determination 2025 (Determination). These changes affect when businesses must notify the ACCC of acquisitions and introduce a range of new exemptions and updated thresholds under the new merger control regime which came into force on 1 January 2026, with some changes commencing on 1 April 2026.
Read MoreASIC has stopped displaying directors’ residential addresses in public company extracts. A positive step for privacy, but an easy one to misinterpret.
Directors still need to keep their address details accurate with ASIC. If the address is wrong, the risk of missing critical correspondence remains unchanged.
A small regulatory tweak, but one with practical flow‑on effects for compliance and contracting processes.
Read MoreOn 15 October 2025, the Federal Government announced proposed changes to the new mandatory Merger Control Regime commencing on 1 January 2026.
Under the current framework, failure to properly comply with the new mandatory Merger Control Regime will automatically void a transaction. The Government has indicated that it plans to amend these automatic voiding provisions while still maintaining incentives for compliance with the mandatory notification requirements.
Read MoreAustralia’s new mandatory merger control regime is on the horizon. From 1 January 2026, certain transactions must be notified to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and cleared before completion.
A voluntary opt-in period is now open and runs until 31 December 2025. This is a critical window to plan ahead.
These changes represent the most significant shift in Australian merger control in decades. Proactive planning will be critical to avoid costly delays and surprises.
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