Royalties, Rights and 70-Year-Old Deals: Lessons from the Hope Downs Decision
A recent decision of the Supreme Court of Western Australia in the long running dispute between Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting and Wright Prospecting provides…
Commercial Law Archives
Understanding Your Obligations Under the Australian Privacy Principles — Lessons from Recent Data Breaches
In an era where data is one of a business’s most valuable assets, privacy compliance has become a central legal and commercial concern. For…
Key Legal Considerations for Commercial Property Leases in Western Australia
Entering a commercial property lease in Western Australia requires careful navigation of both general property law and the state’s specific retail leasing regime. While…
Restraint of Trade Clauses – restrictive or protective?
Restraint of trade clauses are a common feature in commercial agreements, particularly in employment contracts and business sale agreements. These clauses are designed to…
Legal Challenges to Western Australia’s New Fishing Bans: What Businesses Need to Know
Western Australia’s recently announced fishing bans and restrictions, particularly those affecting demersal and nearshore fisheries, have generated significant concern across the commercial fishing sector…
Thinking of Merging With or Acquiring Another Business? A Practical Guide for SME Owners
For small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners growth opportunities often come from mergers or acquisitions (M&A). Whether you’re looking to buy a competitor, merge…
Understanding Warranties in Western Australia. Lessons from the Boorloo Bridge Lighting Failure.
What Are Warranties? In the building and construction context in Western Australia (WA), a warranty broadly refers to a builder’s or contractor’s promise, legally…
The Digital ID Act 2024: What It Means for Australian Businesses
Australia has taken a major step toward a secure, nationwide digital identity system with the passing of the Digital ID Act 2024 (Cth). The…
It’s Like Rain on Your Wedding Day: The Irony of AI and Robodebt
When the inquiry into automation relied on automation – and proved why human oversight still matters. Summary: The Robodebt scheme became one of Australia’s…
Don’t Leave Your Super to Chance: What Australians Need to Know About Binding Death Benefit Nominations
As recent media and research alerts have underscored, too many Australians currently lack the legal tools to control who inherits their superannuation when they…
Starting a Business in Australia: Legal Steps and Key Contracts You Need
Starting a business is exciting, but it’s essential to build your foundation on solid legal ground. For entrepreneurs and business owners in Australia, understanding…
Establishing a Family Trust in Australia and the Benefits of Doing So: A Guide for SME Owners
For many small and medium enterprise (SME) owners in Australia, balancing business growth with long-term asset protection and succession planning is critical. One of…