Welcome to this edition of the HWL Ebsworth Queensland Government newsletter. This occasional newsletter brings together a series of articles of interest to Queensland Government. This month we focus on recent legal developments in Litigation, Competition, Insolvency and Construction. The aim of this newsletter is to provide Queensland Government stakeholders with information on recent reforms and the outcome of recent cases and legislative changes.

Welcome to Anthony Haly

We are very pleased to announce that Anthony Haly has joined HWL Ebsworth as a partner within the Litigation and Government teams in Brisbane.

Anthony is a senior commercial litigator with extensive experience resolving corporate, contractual, and regulatory disputes, including through alternative dispute resolution procedures. Anthony has acted for a range of Queensland Government departments and private companies, including DNRM and DEHP. He joins HWL Ebsworth after several years working at Herbert Smith Freehills and King & Wood Mallesons.

Anthony’s addition complements the firm’s highly experienced Litigation, Regulatory and Government teams. To read more about Anthony’s experience, please click here.

Litigation and dispute resolution: the importance of well-drafted arbitration clauses

The use of arbitration as part of a comprehensive dispute resolution strategy is increasing, given the advantages of arbitration in terms of confidentiality, flexibility and international enforcement of arbitral decisions. Two recent Federal Court decisions provide examples of the importance of well-drafted arbitration clauses.

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Competition and communications: ACCC releases draft communications sector market study report

The ACCC has released its draft communications sector market study report, and is currently seeking submissions. There are several key findings from the study.

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Insolvency & Restructuring Law Reform: “Safe Harbour” commences, and impact on contractual Termination Clauses

Insolvency law and practice is undergoing significant reform. This reflects the Government’s Innovation and Science Agenda, namely the approach to business restructure, with an increasing emphasis on turnaround and early intervention. There are two statutory reforms, passed in September 2017 (both by way of amendment to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)), of particular significance, and which have broad application.

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Wide Ranging Reforms to Queensland’s Building and Construction Industry

Recent legislation has triggered wide-ranging reforms for Queensland’s building and construction industry. The reforms cover Non-Conforming Building Products, the use of Project Bank Accounts and amendments to the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act.

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