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 – Coaldrake interim report in the Queensland public sector released
With 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 […]
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 […]
ReadmoreSecurity Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Act 2021
Executive 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 […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – What the Corruption Allegations Data Dashboard reveals
The 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 […]
ReadmoreBuy Now Pay Later – A changing regulatory landscape
The 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 […]
ReadmoreNew ICT Purchasing Framework for NSW Government agencies
The 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 […]
ReadmoreThe High Court finds privilege against self-incrimination is thinner than most imagined – DCT v Shi [2021] HCA 22 (4 August 2021)
DCT 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 […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | TGA updates guidance for advertising of COVID-19 vaccines to Australian public
In 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 […]
ReadmoreThe good, the bad and the ugly of pandemic budgeting
Gadens’ 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. […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Medicines dispensing emergency measures extended
At the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government introduced a range of measures to take the pressure off Australia’s health care system, such as the introduction of TeleHealth and E-Prescribing. Another measure was to extend the Continued Dispensing rules to enable pharmacists to supply medicines without prescription to certain patients. These emergency measures […]
ReadmoreASIC’s new approach to regulatory investigations: the challenges and opportunities presented by Express Investigations
Under the banner of ‘when pilots become enduring practice’, ASIC Deputy Chair Karen Chester has announced that ASIC will supplement its traditional investigations processes with ‘Express Investigations’ (EI), ASIC’s new and preferred approach to enforcement. Corporate regulatory investigations are often legally and factually complex, high-stakes and process-heavy. Mountains of documents and witness evidence are commonplace. […]
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