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Legal Intelligence · Australia

Australia legal & regulatory news

Briefly tracks court rulings, legislation, gazette notices, and regulatory developments across Australia — curated daily from Australia's courts, regulators, and leading legal publications. 75 updates tracked in the past 30 days, last updated 9 Sept.

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Regulatory News
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Australian Energy Market Commission Proposes Rule Change for Fast-Track Request in Australia

Australian Energy Market Commission · 20 Aug

press_release

AEMC Submission Guidelines: Late Entries Not Guaranteed Equal Consideration AU

Australian Energy Market Commission · 20 Aug

Legal News
Australia
Legal News

RMIT Law Dean Diana Bowman Vision: Empowering Leadership & Growth

Diana Bowman, RMIT's first law dean, advocates for an empowering leadership style, rejecting micromanagement and emphasizing leading by example through classroom presence and publishing. Her vision for RMIT Law includes enhancing the university's reputation, attracting top talent, and fostering stro

9 Sept
Australia
Legal News

FWC: Shortened Settlement Conferences One Hour, Citing Caseload

The Fair Work Commission has shortened settlement conferences to one hour, down from over two hours, due to heavy caseloads and limited funding. FWC President Adam Hatcher stated these conferences are for identifying settlement outcomes, not debating case merits.

9 Sept
Australia
Legal News

Australian Government: Patrizia Mercuri FCFCOA Division 1 Appointment Confirmed

Patrizia Mercuri has been appointed as a justice to Division 1 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. She will begin sitting in the Parramatta registry on 7 October 2026, transitioning from her role as inaugural deputy chief judge of FCFCOA Division 2.

9 Sept
Australia
Case Law

Full Federal Court: Clarifies Remittal Costs Variation Power

The Full Federal Court amended its prior orders in `Thurston v Fox Sports Australia (No 2)` to clarify a primary judge's power regarding costs on remittal. The case involved defamation claims against Channel 9 and Fox Sports Australia, stemming from a 2020 rugby match broadcast.

9 Sept
Australia
Legal News

Australasian Lawyer 5-Star Employers 2026: 32 Firms Recognized

Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer recognized 32 firms as 5-Star Employers of Choice for 2026. Winning firms offer excellent remuneration, clear career paths, and health and wellbeing support.

8 Sept
Australia
Courtroom Update

Eileen Hoggett: KPMG Entitlements Lawsuit Hits NSW Supreme Court

Former KPMG COO Eileen Hoggett has filed a preliminary discovery application in the NSW Supreme Court following her expulsion from the firm. KPMG expelled Hoggett over allegations she kept and shared confidential audit bid documents, which she denies recalling.

7 Sept
Australia
Legislation

NSW Workplace Protection Orders: New Law Protects Retail Workers

New South Wales will introduce Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) to safeguard retail workers from abuse and violence. Courts can issue WPOs with conditions like banning offenders from premises or prohibiting contact with staff, targeting individuals aged 14 and older who stalk or intimidate.

7 Sept
Australia
Case Law

Federal Court: Unsuccessful Recusal Bid Costs Applicant Under Fair Work Act s. 570

The Federal Court ordered an applicant to pay two respondents' costs after an unsuccessful judicial recusal application. The court found the recusal bid was an "unreasonable act" that caused the respondents to incur legal expenses.

7 Sept
Australia
Case Law

Federal Court: S. 105(1A) Patent Amendment Costs Get 'Watered-Down' Indulgence

The Federal Court clarified cost awards for patent application amendments under section 105(1A) of the Patents Act 1990 (Cth). A 'watered-down' version of the indulgence principle applies to unsuccessful oppositions against s. 105(1A) applications, differing from amendments to granted patents.

7 Sept

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