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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Hamilton Locke highlighted in 2025 Doyle’s Guide
Hamilton Locke has once again been recognised in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide. Doyle’s Guide is an independent publication well regarded for its peer-reviewed approach to identifying leading law firms and practitioners across Australia. This year, we are proud to be acknowledged in the following categories: Leading Agribusiness Law Firms – Queensland, 2025 We were recognised […]
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.
Hamilton Locke wins Law Firm of the Year at the 2025 Australian Law Awards
Hamilton Locke has been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards! The Australian Law Awards, now in its 25th year, celebrate outstanding legal professionals and firms across the country. This recognition is a testament to the culture we’ve built together, a culture defined by high performance, agility, and leadership. […]
Hamilton Locke named “fastest-growing partnership” in the Australian Financial Review
Hamilton Locke has been named the “fastest-growing partnership” in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Law Partnership Survey. The AFR conducts a bi-annual review of the legal sector and features top firms in its Law Partnership Survey. Full coverage from the AFR Law Partnership Survey: Revealed: The law firms that have grown (and shrunk) the most […]
Completion accounts in M&A transactions – how to create certainty in uncertain times
The Snapshot Since the end of the COVID-19 era of cheap money and lofty valuations, the Australian private M&A market has been a buyer’s market. This has caused a relative increase in the use of completion accounts and specifically, debt-free/cash-free and target working capital purchase price adjustments, in transaction documentation compared with locked box or […]
Hillcrest tragedy: jumping castle operator acquitted by Tasmanian Magistrates Court
Magistrate Webster of the Magistrates Court of Tasmania has acquitted a sole trader charged under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas) (the WHS Act) following the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School tragedy in which six children died and others were seriously injured while using a jumping castle during a school event. The inflatable was […]
Your guide to material adverse change clauses amidst current economic headwinds
The Snapshot The previous six months have been marked by significant economic instability. For an example, in April 2025, the Trump Administration introduced a 10% baseline tariff on most goods and services imported from Australia to the United States, as well as various other reciprocal tariffs. Current market uncertainty presents new challenges for domestic and […]
