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 […]
Toby Patten
With dual qualifications in law and science, Toby specialises in transactional and advisory intellectual property, information technology and healthcare matters. Toby advises companies ranging from medium to large multinationals on IP and IT licensing and commercialisation arrangements, rights enforcement, and the related application of Australian Consumer Law and privacy laws. Notably during COVID-19, Toby led […]
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 […]
Hamilton Locke advised Wes Maas and Cavalo Prestige on the successful acquisition of Derrimut 247 Gyms through a DOCA
Hamilton Locke is pleased to have advised on the successful acquisition of the Derrimut 247 Group of gyms by way of deed of company arrangement (DOCA) backed by Wes Maas and Cavalo Prestige, resulting in the gyms coming out of external administration and remaining operational. After the Derrimut 247 Group of gyms were placed into […]
Hamilton Locke advises Novacyt SA on its acquisition of Southern Cross Diagnostics Pty Ltd
Hamilton Locke advised listed France-based molecular diagnostic group Novacyt, through its wholly owned UK subsidiary Novacyt UK Holdings Limited, on its announced acquisition of Southern Cross Diagnostics Pty Ltd, a leading Sydney-based distributor specialising in diagnostic and life sciences products. Hamilton Locke worked alongside the corporate teams at Addleshaw Goddard LLP and Frieh Brault & […]
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 […]
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 Andromeda Robotics on AU$23 million Series A capital raise
In a milestone for the growing robotics and aged care industries, we are proud to have advised Andromeda Robotics on the Australian aspects of its AU$23 million Series A capital raise, led by Forerunner Ventures. This significant round was led by renowned venture capital firm Forerunner Ventures and positions Andromeda for accelerated global growth. Co-founded by […]
Hamilton Locke advises shareholders of Envirolab on acquisition by Intertek Group
We recently advised the shareholders of Envirolab on its acquisition by Intertek Group plc, a global leader in total quality assurance. This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Envirolab as it embarks on a new growth phase under the guidance of Intertek. Envirolab has built a reputation as Australia’s leading independent environmental contamination and […]
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, […]
Not my monkey, not my circus: PCBU successfully walks away from WHS prosecution
In SafeWork NSW v Tattam Express Pty Ltd [2025] NSWIC 7, the Industrial Court of NSW provides further clarification on the categories of “worker” under WHS laws for when a duty is owed. In doing so, the Court stopped a WHS prosecution in its tracks when it found that the injured person was not a […]
A practical guide to whistleblowing in Australia
When an employee steps forward to ‘blow the whistle,’ it’s crucial to get your response right. Here’s an essential guide for employers.
