The deadline to update the Franchise Disclosure Register is 14 November 2023
Following the amendments to the Franchising Code of Conduct in 2021, the Franchise Disclosure Register (FDR) was established in November 2022. The FDR is administered by the Department of the Treasury and is accessible to the public, allowing prospective franchisees to access information about franchise opportunities. Purpose of the FDR The FDR aims to provide […]
ReadmoreDefamation – what is required to establish ‘serious harm’?
The Federal Court of Australia recently handed down a decision in Selkirk v Hocking (No 2)[1] shedding light on the serious harm element of the cause of action for defamation. Background In November 2019, Ms Selkirk was convicted of multiple counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception by using falsified receipts to return goods […]
ReadmoreUnmasking errors – the TGA’s post-market face mask review
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently had to make amends after releasing information about surgical face masks sponsored by M House Pty Ltd (M House) without authority under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth) (Act). The Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) saw a rapid rise of medical device inclusions in the wake of […]
ReadmoreASIC commences proceedings against Vanguard Investments
Further to our series of articles on ESG, on 24 July 2023 ASIC commenced proceedings seeking declarations, pecuniary penalties and adverse publicity orders against Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (Vanguard) alleging misleading conduct in relation to claims about the applicability of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria applied to investments in an investment fund offered by […]
ReadmoreMislead or misread? How a simple miscalculation resulted in the setting aside of an otherwise valid Bankruptcy Notice
The Federal Court of Australia recently considered whether a Bankruptcy Notice with an arithmetical error in relation to the exchange rate and currency conversion contained a formal defect or irregularity that could be cured by section 306 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) (Act). Background This case concerns a judgment awarded by the High Court […]
ReadmoreASX Wolf in sheep’s clothing: Federal Court grants injunctive relief for ASIC over unlicensed financial advice
In late 2022, ASIC filed an application with the Federal Court, claiming that the Defendant, Mr Scholz, was conducting a financial services business by offering direct and indirect tips regarding the purchasing of shares in particular companies through Instagram stories, online seminars and Discord channels. The court decided that this activity constituted financial product advice, […]
ReadmoreSet off vs unfair preference claims – uncertainty resolved
By an Amended Special Case, Derrington J reserved for consideration by the Full Court of the Federal Court the following question: “Is statutory set-off, under s 553C(1) of the Act, available to the [appellant] in this proceeding against the [first respondent’s] claim as liquidator for the recovery of an unfair preference under s 588FA of […]
ReadmoreGadens assists ASIC to secure findings of contravention in failed managed investment scheme
Introduction In ASIC v Daly (Liability Hearing),[1] the fallout from the failure of Linchpin Capital Group Ltd (Linchpin) continued on 3 April 2023, when Justice Cheeseman in the Federal Court made findings of contravention of section 601FD of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act) sought by ASIC against four officers of Endeavour Securities (Australia) […]
ReadmoreFutureproofing Australia’s Payment System: Unveiling the Government’s Strategic Plan
The Australian Government has released its Strategic Plan for Australia’s Payments System (Strategic Plan). The Strategic Plan follows on from the Treasury’s Consultation Paper released in December 2022 and outlines a raft of proposed legislative and policy changes to the current payments system regulatory framework. The foreshadowed changes are significant and far-reaching and are aimed […]
ReadmoreMore work to do – Inquiry into Banks dealing with deceased estates
On 9 June 2023, the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) handed down its report on the management of deceased estates under the Banking Code of Practice (BCOP) by the banks. The BCCC’s report is aimed at helping banks to improve their practices and pursue better compliance with BCOP obligations. In turn, it is hoped that […]
ReadmoreBuy Now Pay Later: ‘Walks like a duck’ regulation announced
On 22 May 2023, the Treasury announced that the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) industry will be regulated under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Credit Act). The move was announced by the financial services minister and assistant treasurer, Stephen Jones MP, at the Responsible Lending & Borrowing Summit. The announcement confirms that the […]
ReadmoreSenate to shine spotlight on concerning greenwashing behaviour
On 29 March 2023, the Senate announced a landmark inquiry into the practice of greenwashing in Australia, with its final report due for publication by 5 December 2023. This development echoes growing concerns both in Australia and globally regarding greenwashing by businesses across a range of sectors, including the making of vague, false or misleading […]
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