Queensland Audit Office report into appointments to government boards released
On 19 May 2022, the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) tabled its insights report into appointing and renewing government boards in Queensland (Report 17: 2021-22). The report makes recommendations regarding board appointment processes, evaluation of board performance, and greater diversity of appointees to board. The report also highlights gaps in skillsets and training provided to government […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – OIA functions and CCC powers subject to scrutiny
The past month has seen the spotlight turned on both the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA), by way of Parliamentary Inquiry, and the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), by way of a Supreme Court challenge to its coercive powers. Inquiry into the functions of the Independent Assessor and the performance of those functions On […]
ReadmoreFMCG Express | March 2022 Edition
Welcome to the fifth edition of FMCG Express. Overseen by our new Editor, Partner Breanna Davies, Gadens’ team of contributors provide a snapshot of what’s in store for 2022. We are catching up on issues facing our clients and review potential legal developments in the FMCG space: from analysis of proposed changes to the unfair […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – the CCC under the spotlight
There has been a significant focus by the media on Queensland public sector integrity issues over the past month. Most notably, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced both a Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland’s anti-corruption body, the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), as well as a review into culture and accountability in the public sector. […]
ReadmoreElectronic execution and modernised meetings under the Corporations Act – here to stay (finally)
With little fanfare, the highly anticipated Corporations Amendment (Meetings and Documents) Bill 2021 (Bill) was passed by both Houses of Parliament in the final sessions of Parliament before the coming Federal Election. The Bill amends the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) and establishes a permanent mechanism to allow companies and registered schemes to hold hybrid (in person […]
ReadmoreThe Director Identification Number (DIN) regime is here – Implications for directors
The Commonwealth Government has introduced the Director Identification Number (DIN) regime through reforms to Part 9.1A of the Corporations Act. From 1 November 2021, DINs became mandatory for all company directors. DINs are expected to assist regulators with their regulatory functions, such as combatting illegal phoenixing activities. DINs of course mean more admin for company […]
ReadmoreHow to infringe the Privacy rights of millions of Australians with a few clicks… a cautionary tale by Big Brother and his friends
On 14 October 2021, the Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner determined that by using its facial recognition platform to crawl the web to scrape biometric information from various sources on the internet and disclose it through its software, Clearview AI, had breached the privacy rights of millions of Australians.[1] Clearview AI has been described […]
ReadmoreWorkplace Investigations – Is your house in order?
Workplaces have changed considerably over recent years. Compliance is increasingly complex, there are multiple avenues for complaints and the costs involved continue to rise. As a consequence, it is inevitable that complaints will be raised in the workplace, irrespective of the number of employees or the industry. Complaints regarding bullying, discrimination, harassment, unprofessional or unethical […]
ReadmoreASIC calls on companies to review and renew their whistleblower policy
After having first introduced a corporate whistleblowing regime in 2004 and subsequently expanding that regime in a piecemeal way, the Federal government introduced new whistleblowing laws with effect from 1 July 2019. In simple terms, under those laws an eligible whistleblower (which includes a current or former officer, employee or contractor, or their relative, dependant […]
ReadmoreFMCG Express | September 2021 Edition
The first half of the year brought signs that the business malaise post-COVID-19 was beginning to lift, however, we are seeing ongoing disruption facing the FMCG sector. We are finally seeing some green shoots with the end of lockdown on the horizon. In this edition, the team explores the evolution of the digital consumer experience; […]
ReadmoreFair Work Commission gains powers to stop sexual harassment in the workplace
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has been given power to make stop orders in relation to sexual harassment in the workplace in line with recommendations from the Respect@Work Report (for a summary of those recommendations, see here). The new powers apply in relation to applications made after 10 November 2021, after a request from the […]
ReadmoreElectronic signatures are back for the time being
The Federal Government has now passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Act 2021 (Amending Act) which amends the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) to allow for technologically-assisted meetings and the long-awaited electronic execution of company documents. These changes became effective on 14 August 2021. As noted in our previous article, the […]
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