Australia legal & regulatory news

Full Federal Court Quashes AGL's $25M Overcharging Penalty

Hewitt Glass: Australian Entertainment Law Firm's Global Expertise

The founders of Hewitt Glass, Rob Glass and Julian Hewitt, have amassed over a decade of experience in entertainment law, with their firm serving clients with Australian connections but also maintaining global relationships. Their work in this field allows them to get creative, problem-solve, and introduce opportunities for their clients, which is what keeps them engaged. As Glass noted, being part of an artist's journey and helping shape their trajectory is a key aspect of their job. They not only negotiate deals but also procure opportunities that can turn into long-standing relationships. The legal significance of this development lies in the unique role entertainment lawyers play in shaping the careers of artists. By occupying a slightly different role, they are given more leeway to be creative and problem-solve, making their work exciting and challenging. This is particularly evident in the way Hewitt Glass collaborates with clients globally, often becoming an integral part of their business operations. The relevant context for this development involves the entertainment law sector, which requires a deep understanding of both the legal framework and the creative industry. The Australian courts have established precedents in areas such as copyright, contract law, and intellectual property, which are crucial for practitioners in this field. Additionally, regulatory bodies like Screen Australia and the Australian Copyright Council play significant roles in shaping the entertainment landscape. The key parties involved include Hewitt Glass, a boutique law firm specializing in entertainment law, and their clients, who range from artists to production companies. The global nature of their work means they interact with various stakeholders, including international lawyers, agents, and industry professionals. Practitioners should take note of the innovative approach taken by Hewitt Glass and consider how they can adapt similar strategies in their own practices.

Walkom Entertainment Lawyers Brisbane: Marcus Walkom Launches Music Law Boutique

Walkom Entertainment Lawyers has been launched by former Media Arts Lawyers partner Marcus Walkom. The firm focuses on core artist representation and rights negotiations, as well as commercial and corporate matters.

Tasmanian Government: Implement Lloyd Babb Report's Court Backlog Review Recommendations

The Tasmanian government has published the final report of a third-party review of backlogs in the state's court system, led by Lloyd Babb. The review aimed to identify contributors to delays and find practical opportunities for timely resolution of criminal matters.

ACT Supreme Court: Lawyers Must Pay Half Ex-Client Costs

The ACT Supreme Court ordered respondent lawyers to pay half of ex-clients' ordinary costs of the appeal and assessment. The ruling highlights the importance of proper cost management and compliance with the Legal Profession Act for lawyers in the Australian Capital Territory.

Victoria Supreme Court Reverses Magistrates' Decision on Drug Court Transfer

The Victoria Supreme Court has quashed a Magistrates' Court decision and referred an accused's application to adjourn proceedings to the Drug Court Division for reconsideration by a different magistrate. In Butkovic v Magistrates' Court of Victoria [2026] VSC 523, the plaintiff faced eight sets of criminal proceedings before the Magistrates' Court of Victoria. He has remained in custody since being remanded on 9 April 2026. Pursuant to s 4B of the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 (Vic), the plaintiff applied to adjourn his matters to the Drug Court, seeking a drug and alcohol treatment order (DATO). On 12 May 2026, the Magistrates' Court refused the adjournment application. The plaintiff then sought a judicial review proceeding, alleging jurisdictional error or an error on the face of the record in the magistrate's decision. The legal significance of this matter lies in its implications for the administration of justice within Victoria's court system. The Supreme Court's ruling highlights the importance of ensuring that magistrates exercise their discretion in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions, particularly when it comes to adjourning proceedings to specialized courts like the Drug Court. This decision may have far-reaching consequences for accused persons seeking DATOs and for the Magistrates' Court's handling of such applications. The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this matter include the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 (Vic) and s 4B, which governs the adjournment of proceedings to the Drug Court. The court hierarchy is also pertinent, as the Supreme Court has intervened to review a decision made by the Magistrates' Court. Key parties involved in this matter include the plaintiff, the Magistrates' Court, and the Victoria Supreme Court. Practitioners should take note that this decision underscores the importance of carefully considering statutory provisions when exercising discretion in court proceedings. Attorneys representing clients seeking DATOs may need to revisit their strategies in light of the Supreme Court's interpretation of s 4B. Businesses and individuals involved in similar cases should also be aware of the potential implications for the administration of justice within Victoria's court system.

Australian Securities and Investments Commission v McPherson's Limited: Continuous Disclosure Breach

The Federal Court found McPherson's Limited breached its continuous disclosure duty by withholding a collapsed China sales forecast during a share raising. The company provided investors with guidance on full-year profit growth of 5 to 10 percent, based on forecast sales of $48 million to its main C

Federal Court: Qantas Workers to Share $35m Penalty by Length of Service

The Federal Court has ordered Qantas to distribute approximately $35 million in penalties to affected workers, with the payout tied to their length of service. The decision follows a long-standing compensation scheme that was stalled due to various issues, including deficiencies in medical reports a

RMIT University Law Dean Diana Bowman on Career

Diana Bowman, the law dean at RMIT University, has taken on a new role in Australia after working internationally in various jurisdictions including Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, South Africa, and North America. The significance of this development lies in Bowman's unique blend of expertise in technology and law, which she attributes to her double major in law and science. As dean, she aims to develop students who are proficient in both legal knowledge and technological skills, making them more employable in the modern job market. This focus on tech-savviness is particularly relevant given the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in shaping the legal profession. The context for this development is the rapidly evolving landscape of legal education, where institutions must adapt to incorporate emerging technologies such as AI. Bowman's experience working in various jurisdictions has likely provided her with a nuanced understanding of the global implications of these changes. Her appointment as dean at RMIT University suggests that she will play a key role in shaping the future of legal education in Australia. As practitioners, it is essential to monitor developments in legal education and the incorporation of technology into law schools. Bowman's emphasis on developing students with both legal knowledge and technological skills highlights the need for attorneys to stay up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies. This may involve exploring opportunities for continuing professional development or seeking out resources that provide guidance on integrating technology into practice.