Proposed amendments to the Betting and Racing Regulation and the definition of an inducement

The Betting and Racing Regulation 2012 (NSW) (Betting and Racing Regulation) and Totalizator Regulation 2012 (NSW) will be repealed on 1 September 2022. In anticipation of the expiration of these regulations, Liquor and Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) have released the following draft regulations for consideration and feedback: Draft Betting and Racing Regulation 2022; and Draft Totalizator […]

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Considering Conflicts: Queensland Supreme Court rejects application to restrain liquidators’ choice of representation

This matter involved the former director and former accountant of CGS Constructions (QLD) Pty Ltd filing proceedings seeking an injunction to restrain the Liquidators from engaging Cornwalls Lawyers to act on the basis that: Cornwalls also acted for a substantial creditor, Union Share Pty Ltd; and the Liquidators, by engaging Cornwalls, had manifested a tendency […]

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A cold winter for the A Team – Court freezes funds and assets

Between 31 May 2022 and 7 June 2022, ASIC obtained three freezing orders against the Mr Hopkins and his companies. In doing so, the Federal Court of Australia ordered: 1) the Defendants’ assets be frozen; 2) the disclosure of existing assets to the Court; 3) the appointment of a receiver over digital assets; and 4) […]

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Anti-phoenixing laws demystified: The Victorian Supreme Court considers the creditor-defeating disposition regime

In Re Intellicomms Pty Ltd (in liq) [2022] VSC 228, it was determined that a sale agreement was a creditor-defeating disposition within the meaning of section 588FDB of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Act) and voidable pursuant to section 588FE(6B) of the Act. The Court held that, the consideration payable by the transaction was less […]

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An easy win? Obtaining summary judgment in the absence of the Defendant

In the matter of Squirrel Limited (In Liquidation), the Court considered an application for summary judgement against a director for insolvent trading. In doing so, the Court considered the principles underpinning a director’s duty to prevent insolvent trading and the compensation payable as a result. Background The first plaintiffs, Mr Brent Kijurina and Mr Richard […]

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Pushing ‘START’ on button battery safety standards – Combating a danger lurking in the household

The new button/coin battery safety standards become mandatory on 22 June 2022. So as a manufacturer, importer, wholesaler or retailer of products that contain button batteries, what do you need to know? Purpose Button batteries are used in a broad range of products around our homes. These include watches, handheld computers and remote controls, key […]

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Failure to launch: Liquidators fail to establish abuse of process in public examination summonses

Public examination can be a useful tool for parties in a liquidation to obtain information about matters relating to a company’s affairs. In the matter of Jewel of India Holdings Pty Ltd ACN 141 963 813 (in liquidation) [2022] NSWSC 356, the Court considered whether summonses for public examination, that were issued by the former […]

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Optimising voluntary administration: In the matter of Merchant Overseas Logistics Pty Ltd [2022] VSC 154 opens the door for expediated creditor returns through secondary voluntary administration.

The Supreme Court of Victoria has considered the viability of allowing a company to enter a second voluntary administration after going into liquidation following a failed DOCA. The Court considered that rather than maintain a state of liquidation, the secondary voluntary administration process would better serve the best interests of creditors and optimise the efficiency […]

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Trying to pull a fast one: An attempt to use family law orders to defeat creditors

Family law processes cannot be used to defraud creditors. In Re ZH International Pty Ltd (in liq),[1] the Supreme Court of New South Wales held that transfers of property from a company to the directors and shareholders of that company as part of family law proceedings were voidable transactions under section 588FF of the Corporations […]

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Expansive Examination – High Court significantly expands public examination rights

In Walton & Anor v ACN 004 410 833 Limited (formerly Arrium Limited) (in liquidation),[1] the High Court considered whether a summons issued to examine a former director of Arrium Limited (Arrium) was an abuse of process in respect of section 596A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Act). In doing so, it recharted a […]

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Keeping your skeletons buried – maintaining legal professional privilege in the investigation process

In the investigation process, questions regarding legal professional privilege often arise, especially as it relates to reports forming part of any investigations. Recently, Gadens examined the way in which legal professional privilege can pose operational hazards for multi-disciplinary firms. This article considers legal professional privilege generally, and how it may apply in the context of […]

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Service by crypto – a new use case for NFTs!

In Australia, service of legal documents needs to be effected through the Courts’ relevant civil procedure rules. Often this is personally (in the case of individuals) or at a company’s registered office (under 109X of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)). By order of the Court, however, service can be effected by other means – for […]

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