The Queensland Commission of Inquiry into alleged misconduct by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) begins today, with observers intrigued at how far its reach will extend. The Inquiry will investigate the CFMEU’s dealings across major infrastructure projects, its financial practices, labour arrangements, and relationships with related parties. With the power to compel […]
Bracing for Impact Read More »
This alert was written by Partner, Fiona Sears, Partner Justin McInally, and Senior Associate, Isaac Day. On 16 September 2025, the Queensland Parliament introduced the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Dismantling Illegal Trade) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (Bill). The Bill brings in a raft of reforms to the existing tobacco laws in Queensland
In a significant ruling for class action practice in Australia, the High Court has unanimously held that the Federal Court cannot approve Solicitors’ Common Fund Orders (Solicitors’ CFOs) at the time of settlement or judgment where doing so would breach State laws prohibiting contingency fees. This overturns the Full Federal Court’s earlier decision, which had
High Court Rules on Solicitors’ Common Fund Orders Read More »
On 1 July 2025, a number of important changes impacting the employment law landscape came into effect. Bronte Jackson, Associate and Ariane Hogno, Graduate set out some of the key changes below. National Minimum Wage On and from 1 July 2025, the National Minimum Wage and the national minimum award wages will be increased by
Employment law changes from 1 July 2025 Read More »
From 1 July 2025, the skilled visa income thresholds will increase by 4.6% to align with the changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings. The indexation changes will apply to the following applications: The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) This will increase from $73,150 to $76,515. The CSIT impacts nomination applications in the
Annual Indexation of the Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Effective From 1 July 2025 Read More »
This article was written by Managing Partner, Sam McIvor, and Associate, Bronte Jackson In a landmark decision, the High Court of Australia confirmed psychiatric injuries can lead to damages for employees in cases of breach of contract, overturning the previous position that such injuries were not compensable. Case background The case involved a former employee
Yesterday’s Federal Election Budget announced, among other things, a ban on foreign persons buying established dwellings effective for two years from 1 April 2025 . This means that lenders should immediately assess the level of due diligence undertaken when making a loan and identify instances where it will be illegal for the Borrower to use
Budget Implications for Lenders – Foreign buyers Read More »
The new Skills in Demand Visa (SID Visa) will replace the TSS Visa from 7 December 2024, creating clearer pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers. With tailored pathways for highly skilled professionals, core skills occupations, and essential roles, these reforms are designed to address workforce shortages and improve mobility for visa holders.
Australia’s Skills Shortage Solution: Understanding the New SID Visa Pathways Read More »
On 3 June 2024, the Fair Work Commission announced a 3.75% increase to the minimum award wages and the National Minimum Wage. Accordingly, on and from 1 July 2024: the minimum wages in modern awards will be increased by 3.75%; and the National Minimum Wage will be increased from $23.23 per hour (or $882.80 per
Minimum Wage to Increase from 1 July 2024 Read More »
