No shortcuts to control: The Takeovers Panel slams the door on constitutional drag-alongs
In a landmark decision, the Takeovers Panel has declared for the first time that drag-along and tag-along provisions proposed for insertion into the constitution of an unlisted public company give rise to unacceptable circumstances due to breaches of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The decision sends a clear signal: Chapter 6 cannot be sidestepped through […]
Federal Budget impact on Employee Share Schemes
Background and proposed changes The changes proposed by the Federal Budget will materially alter how employee incentive arrangements are structured in private companies. Under the Budget measures, it is proposed that the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount will be abolished from 1 July 2027 and replaced with cost base indexation. A minimum 30% tax […]
Water Rights in New South Wales: The cost of non-compliance has never been higher
Are you confident your water use is lawful? For many agricultural water users in New South Wales, the answer may be more uncertain than they realise. A regulatory landscape that is rapidly shifting There has been a marked and growing focus on water compliance in New South Wales. On 1 January 2026, significant changes took […]
NSW Parliament passes WHS Digital Work System Duty
Key Takeaways The NSW Parliament has passed the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2026. This is the first time that digital work systems have been directly addressed in Australian WHS Law. The reforms will largely commence on a yet-to-be-announced date or dates, to be appointed by proclamation. Digital work system is […]
Lisa Ward
Lisa Ward is an experienced real estate and agribusiness lawyer with nearly twenty years’ experience in the legal industry, specialising in property law across the agricultural sector. With a proven track record advising on complex, high-value transactions across Australia, Lisa brings a proactive and pragmatic approach to her work. Lisa works as a trusted adviser […]
Hamilton Locke advises Lynch Group on successful $270 million acquisition by TPG Capital Asia through Hasfarm Holdings
Hamilton Locke has advised Lynch Group Holdings Limited (Lynch) (formerly ASX:LGL) on its landmark $270 million all‑cash acquisition by TPG Capital Asia through a special purpose vehicle wholly-owned by its subsidiary, Hasfarm Holdings Limited (Hasfarm), which was implemented by way of a scheme of arrangement on 9 December 2025 (Scheme). Lynch is a major flower […]
Camm Agricultural Group – Growing for tomorrow
Robert Zhou
Robert is a performance-driven lawyer and business executive with more than 15 years’ experience spanning legal practice, strategic business leadership, and cross-border investment across New Zealand, China, and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Robert is recognised for his ability to bridge legal, commercial, and cultural perspectives, and for his trusted […]
Facial recognition technology: Is there a path forward for the Australian retail sector?
The lawful use of facial recognition technology, particularly in a commercial retail setting, is increasingly challenging under Australian privacy law. Even where the primary purpose for deploying the technology is for crime or fraud prevention purposes, consent must be obtained (other than in limited circumstances), from all individuals who facial images are captured and used […]
Hamilton Locke advises Sea Forest Limited (ASX:SEA) on its $20.5 million IPO and ASX listing
Sea Forest was founded in 2019, and has developed its SeaFeedTM product to help both farmers and the environment by improving livestock productivity and at the same time reducing ruminant methane emissions by up to 80%. The $20.5 million IPO funds will allow Sea Forest to expand its manufacturing and distribution facilities in Australia and […]
Hamilton Locke advises Camm Agricultural Group on its acquisition of ‘Myra’ property in Northern Queensland
The Hamilton Locke Agribusiness team is pleased to have advised Camm Agricultural Group on its acquisition of the 14,574-hectare property, ‘Myra’, located near Moranbah in Central Queensland. Through this strategic purchase, valued at over $40 million, Camm Agricultural Group has expanded its presence in Central Queensland’s prime Isaac Region. Hamilton Locke’s team supported Camm Agricultural […]
AI in the Boardroom: balancing innovation and obligation
Used wisely, AI tools can arguably enhance the corporate decision-making process. There are risks, however, in directors overly relying on or blindly trusting in AI output – and they need to be able to justify its use in the context of their legal duties and responsibilities. Need to know: AI use in workplaces is soaring, […]
