This month’s edition of the Corruption and Integrity Update considers new corruption prevention resources released by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC); the CCC’s call for submissions on influencing practices in Queensland; and the CCC’s release of its investigation into allegations of disclosure of confidential information at the Integrity Commissioner. We also dive into the […]
ReadmoreThis month’s edition of the Corruption and Integrity Update considers the recent parliamentary oversight hearings conducted by the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee (Committee) into the Queensland Ombudsman and the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC), as well as setting out a high-level overview of the most recent Corruption Allegations Data Dashboard (CADD) released by […]
ReadmoreOn 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 […]
ReadmoreWith the CCC Commission of Inquiry and the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Office of the Independent Assessor ongoing, there has been a noticeable absence of public releases by the CCC and OIA of late. Notably, however, Professor Peter Coaldrake AO released his Interim Report of the Review of culture and accountability in the Queensland public […]
ReadmoreThe 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 […]
ReadmoreExecutive Summary The recently released Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Act 2021 (Cth) (SOCI Act) has amended the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (Cth) with a view to further managing the complex and evolving national security risks of sabotage, espionage and coercion posed by foreign involvement in Australia’s critical infrastructure. The amended SOCI legislation […]
ReadmoreThe Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has this month updated its Corruption Allegations Data Dashboard (CADD) to reflect referral data received up to the end of the September 2021 quarter. The CADD reveals that allegations received by the CCC trended upwards throughout the course of 2021, with over 6,500 complaints having been received by September […]
ReadmoreThe Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) industry has been making a lot of noise in recent times, attracting the attention of shareholders, regulators and consumer advocates alike. The industry has nevertheless remained largely unregulated to date, due in part to the proactive measures taken by BNPL providers to self-regulate under the Buy Now Pay Later […]
ReadmoreThe NSW Procurement Board recently updated the ICT Purchasing Framework documentation for the procurement of ICT goods and services. Procurement Board Direction PBD-2021-02 (Direction) came into effect on 1 July 2021 and will become mandatory for all NSW Government agencies from 1 September 2021. The Direction requires a NSW Government agency to use the new […]
ReadmoreDCT v Shi [2021] HCA 22 (4 August 2021) http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/HCA//2021/22.html Majority: Kiefel CJ, Gageler, Gordon & Gleeson JJ Minority: Edelman J The High Court has found that the privilege against self-incrimination is thinner than most imagined, ordering disclosure of information claimed to be privileged. A witness can object to giving evidence on the ground […]
ReadmoreIn February 2021, we provided an update on the guidance issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regarding the advertising of COVID-19 vaccines to the Australian public. That update is available here: COVID-19 | TGA issues guidance for advertising of COVID-19 vaccines to Australian public. Under the previous guidance, advertisers were restricted to republishing materials […]
ReadmoreGadens’ view of the Federal Budget 2021/22 The Government’s second pandemic era Budget continues the theme of massive deficits being used in part to accelerate investment in productive assets and fund other targeted relief. Amongst the ‘good’ news however lurk several ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’ measures which will result in varied impacts across our client base. […]
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