Real Estate Round Up December 2025
Welcome to the final edition of the Real Estate Round-Up for 2025. As the year comes to a close, a clear pattern is emerging across Australia’s real estate sector: rapid technological change and shifting regulatory expectations are exposing structural, safety and compliance pressures that cut across the entire property lifecycle. Recent critical incidents involving uncontrolled […]
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 […]
EPBC Act Reforms: What you need to know
On 28 November 2025, the Australian Parliament passed long-awaited changes to the Environment and Biodiversity Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) have now been introduced, marking the biggest update to Australia’s environmental laws in decades. While the amendments are quite detailed, they are intended to make approvals more efficient, decisions more transparent […]
Relying on your own breach to terminate – lessons from Alamdo Holdings Pty Ltd v Reece Australia Pty Ltd
The Supreme Court of New South Wales has recently handed down its decision in the case of Alamdo Holdings Pty Ltd v Reece Australia Pty Ltd [2025] NSWSC 946, confirming the position that a party cannot rely on its own breach to terminate a lease. Importantly, the position adopted by the Court will apply to […]
Raeesa Lambat
Raeesa is an experienced lawyer in the New Energy team with a background in commercial real estate gained across three top tier Australian law firms. Alongside her established property practice, she is expanding into projects matters and developing her capability in projects law, with a view to becoming both a property and a projects lawyer. […]
ASIC sharpens its focus on private credit real estate funds: an update for licensees
Private credit loans to real estate – including development and infrastructure – are estimated to be the largest sector of Australia’s private credit market. In its Report 814: Private Credit in Australia (REP 814), released in September 2025, ASIC identified both strengths and shortcomings in private credit, signalling an opportunity for the industry to raise […]
Federal court allows late opt-out in cladding class action
In a significant decision for parties involved in representative proceedings, the Federal Court has allowed a developer to opt out of a class action four years after the formal deadline had passed. The case reinforces the Court’s discretionary powers and highlights the importance of procedural flexibility in complex commercial litigation. The Owners – Strata Plan […]
Sarah Roettgers and Marni Riley recognised in Australasian Lawyer’s Elite Women 2025
Hamilton Locke Partner Sarah Roettgers and Special Counsel Marni Riley have been included in Australasian Lawyer’s Elite Women 2025 list. This annual list highlights women who demonstrate excellence not only in their legal expertise but also in their influence, mentorship, and commitment to shaping a more inclusive and equitable legal industry. Sarah and Marni’s recognition […]
Jake Talbot
Jake specialises in all forms of property matters, including residential and commercial property, construction contracts, and development work. He has worked closely with clients across all stages of property transactions and developments, from due diligence and contract negotiation through to completion and post-settlement matters. Jake enjoys the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the property and construction […]
Hamilton Locke advises JY Group on its ~$318 million acquisition of a 50% stake in Bankstown Central Shopping Centre
We are pleased to have advised JY Group in relation to its ~$318M acquisition of a 50% stake in Bankstown Central Shopping Centre. Bankstown Central, a strong performing Vicinity managed retail shopping centre located within the heart of the Bankstown precinct, is comprised of approximately 250 tenancies (including anchor tenants Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Myer and […]
Curtailment – new energy’s silent crisis: what happens when the grid says ‘no’
Australia’s electricity sector is facing a growing risk of renewable energy curtailment. What can be done to keep the energy transition on track? The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has warned that, by 2027, major solar farms in southeast Australia may be forced to curtail more than one third of their power generation due […]
