ASIC issues infringement notices to Fertoz Limited for alleged greenwashing

On 25 June 2024, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) confirmed that, on 21 June 2024, Fertoz Limited (Fertoz) had paid $37,560 in compliance with two infringement notices issued by ASIC in relation to alleged false or misleading statements that Fertoz had made in respect of its Reforestation Project in the Philippines. In issuing […]

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Doing business in Australia

The Gadens Doing business in Australia guide provides foreign investors with an overview of the Australian business, economic and regulatory environment, as well as practical advice on how to go about setting up and doing business in Australia. Australia is an ideal investment location for foreign companies looking to grow internationally, benefitting from well-developed infrastructure, […]

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Changes to Victoria’s Farm Debt Mediation Act

On 1 December 2011, the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2011 (Vic) (FDMA) was introduced in Victoria. The purpose of the Act is to provide for the efficient and equitable resolution of farm debt disputes between a creditor and a farmer. The FDMA provides a farmer with an option to mediate before a creditor takes possession […]

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Australian Carbon Credit Units: Financiers tap into carbon farming and development projects

With the emergence of a thriving carbon credit market in Australia, the banking and finance industry has seen a significant increase in funding being utilised towards the establishment of carbon farming and development projects. Much of this has been driven by a material increase in the market value of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) which […]

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The new General Environmental Duty – What does this mean for directors?

Victoria’s approach to environmental protection and human health is changing soon. Coming into effect from 1 July 2021, the General Environmental Duty (GED) will be the cornerstone of the new Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (Vic) (EPA Act). The new GED will require all Victorian businesses and individuals to take proactive steps to prevent and […]

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Timely reminder for companies to lodge their financial reports

Recent prosecutions and convictions obtained by the corporate regulator serve as a timely reminder for companies of the importance of lodging financial reports. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) recently prosecuted and obtained convictions against three companies for failing to lodge annual financial reports with ASIC within the specified period after the end of […]

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A New Year, a new beginning, and a new foreign investment regime

On 5 June 2020, the Treasurer announced major reforms to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) (FATA). The reforms are intended to strengthen the foreign investment framework and ensure that the framework keeps pace with emerging national security risks and global developments. On 18 September 2020, the Federal Government released exposure draft legislation […]

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ACCC seeks ban on unfair trading practices

On 10 December 2020 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (the ACCC) released its Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry Report (the Report). Purpose of the inquiry The ACCC’s inquiry into markets for the supply of perishable agricultural goods was conducted at the direction of the Commonwealth Treasurer, the Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP. The ACCC conducted a […]

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Solar farm prevails over good quality agricultural land

In Mirani Solar Farm Pty Ltd v Mackay Regional Council & Anor [2018] QPEC 38, the Planning and Environment Court was required to determine whether a large scale solar farm development should be approved on land comprising Good Quality Agricultural Land (GQAL). The proposed solar farm was intended to be for a ‘limited’ period of […]

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Farm Debt Mediation Act 2018 (SA)

3 September 2018 marked the commencement of the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2018 (SA) (Act), to be administered by the South Australian Small Business Commissioner (Commissioner). The Act enshrines in law mandatory farm debt mediation, bringing South Australia into line with its eastern state counterparts – New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The object of […]

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Approval of a subdivision of productive agricultural or rural land in Mothar Mountain

The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of Wason v Gympie Regional Council [2017] QPEC 34, which involved an appeal by Lee Wason against the Gympie Regional Council’s decision to refuse a development application for a development permit for reconfiguring a lot (1 into 2) on land located in Mothar Mountain. […]

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What’s the cost of motor cross?

The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of Drywound Pty Ltd v Lockyer Valley Regional Council & Ors [2017] QPEC 4, which involved determining cross-applications made by the parties for costs.   Drywound Pty Ltd v Lockyer Valley Regional Council & Ors [2017] QPEC 4 – What’s the case about? The […]

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