COVID-19 | COVIDSafe update: legislation and source code
The Commonwealth Parliament has now passed legislation to regulate the collection and use of COVID app data. In addition, the Commonwealth Digital Transformation Agency has now released the source code for the app, which has allowed independent analysis of how the app operates. This update discusses the legislation and the commentary in relation to the […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Webinar | Stories from the Employer Frontline
Employers are facing significant challenges in managing their workforces through the constantly changing risk, economic and regulatory environment presenting as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this webinar (hosted on Thursday 14 May), our panel discussed in depth the nitty gritty of some complex real life examples playing out for employers and most […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Emergency Measures in Victoria – Electronic execution of deeds and mortgages, and remote witnessing
On 24 April 2020, the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 received Royal Assent. That Act made sweeping changes in various areas, on a temporary basis, to address many practical issues being faced due to the various restrictions in force to seek to minimise the spread of COVID-19. That Act permitted the Governor […]
ReadmoreSale of unsecured debt: New industry guideline
On 1 March 2020, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) introduced a voluntary industry guideline concerning the sale of unsecured debt (the Guideline). The Guideline complements certain provisions of the Banking Code of Practice and it outlines additional safeguards for customers when a bank sells unsecured debt to another party. Click here to download the full […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Hindsight is 20/20: Reviewing telehealth privacy controls post-implementation
In the current COVID-19 pandemic environment, telehealth services have shifted from a ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have’ for health service providers and patients. Within a few weeks, health services have seen the rapid implementation of telehealth platforms, including the move to cloud-based services to facilitate remote working arrangements. Now that these platforms and […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Myths and legends behind COVIDSafe
By now, we are sure you have read countless articles and have heard varying opinions on the Federal Government’s new COVIDSafe app and you may still be struggling to decide whether or not to take the plunge and download it. On Monday, the Federal Government released draft legislation regarding the COVIDSafe app in an attempt […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Electronic signing and virtual meetings: New temporary relief for companies a significant step on a longer journey
In a significant development for companies, the Treasurer has utilised his new power to modify the Corporations Act 2001, the Corporations Regulations 2001, the Insolvency Practice rules, and the Passport Rules so that, for a period of six months effective from 6 May 2020: entities can hold virtual meetings without the need for a physical location; […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | 2020 The Year of COVID, or Year of the Pivot?
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected society and business more than any event in recent history. It has not spared any industry or sector, creating immense opportunity for a lucky few and decimating many others. In response, Gadens have seen businesses pivot, whether by expanding their service offering, changing their method of delivery or reallocating their […]
ReadmoreWould you like a free burrito?
Would you download a fast food store’s mobile app, hand over your personal information, reveal your credit card details, and give access to your location data, simply to receive a free burrito? Me too. But how are we really paying for it? And what happens to all of that data? This article will let you […]
ReadmoreGadens Connect | 2020 Edition Two
Welcome to the second edition of Gadens Connect, and our first quarter update of 2020. This year has seen many challenges for lenders, from bushfires to the more recent COVID-19 pandemic. We know you have been working hard to support thousands of affected customers and we are here to work with you, and support your […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Victorian regulations provide much needed guidance on rent relief obligations for Victorian landlords and tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic
The long awaited COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Commercial Leases and Licences) Regulations 2020 (Regulations) have now been released, giving effect to the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct and some much needed guidance for Victorian landlords and tenants. The Regulations apply to “eligible leases” for the “relevant period”, from 29 March 2020 until 29 September […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | COVIDSafe – An update: what do the experts think?
As expected, the COVIDSafe app has spurred debate, and has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of “data privacy experts” (including politicians) who are willing to publicly express their views! Since our earlier article, there have been a number of developments, including those discussed below. While there are those who have enthusiastically installed the […]
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