Blockchain, not just Bitcoin – legal issues

Blockchain is an ever growing list of transactions that are verified and permanently recorded – here are our top 5 legal issues. Click here for full size image. Authored by: David Smith, Partner, Melbourne Emma Duke, Associate, Melbourne

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Data breaches by aged care providers – complying with the Mandatory Data Breach Scheme

Aged care providers will be subject to the Notifiable Data Breach scheme which requires organisations, including residential and home care providers, to mandatorily report eligible data breaches to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner begins on 22 February 2018. An eligible data breach will occur if: there is unauthorised access to, unauthorised disclosure of, […]

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Refer-a-Friend Promotions

Refer-a-friend promotions are where consumers are encouraged to refer their friends to enter a promotion, or to find out about a promotion. Here is our overview of the specific issues raised in refer-a-friend promotions. Authored by: David Smith, Partner Erica Huntley, Lawyer Allison Rickard, Law Clerk Jessica Bell, Law Clerk

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Franchisors may be able to avoid liability for franchisees’ conduct under the Estate Agents Act

Franchisors’ joint and several liability for the negligence and defalcations of their franchisee estate agents has been cast into doubt by a recent decision of the Supreme Court of Victoria. In Secretary to the Department of Justice & Regulation v Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd [1] , the court narrowly read the definition of “franchising agreement” […]

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Data breaches by schools – complying with the Mandatory Data Breach scheme

The Notifiable Data Breach scheme which requires organisations, including schools, to mandatorily report eligible data breaches to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner begins on 22 February 2018. An eligible data breach will occur if: there is unauthorised access to, unauthorised disclosure of, or loss of, personal information held by the school; and a […]

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Franchisors exposed for franchisee failures with passage of Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act 2017

Further to our update, the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act 2017 (Act) has been passed by the Australian Parliament after modification by the Senate. The Act became law on 15 September 2017. Franchisors will come under the new regime from 27 October 2017. Introduced following revelations of franchisees breaching their obligations as employers, […]

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Likely change to permit requirements in NSW

Following a report released by the NSW Office of Liquor and Gaming, promoters are now one step closer to being able to conduct trade promotions with prize pools under $10k in NSW with NO permit. Below is our overview of the likely changes: Authored by: David Smith, Partner Erica Huntley, Lawyer Allison Rickard, Law Clerk […]

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Court of Appeal clarifies “franchising” under the Estate Agents Act

As anticipated in our previous update, the Supreme Court’s decision in Secretary to the Department of Justice & Regulation v Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd, affecting franchisors’ liability under the Estate Agents Act 1980 (the Act) was appealed by the government. Success in that appeal means the concept of “franchising agreement” for Victorian estate agents […]

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Games of skill – not much to them, right?

Running your comp as a game of skill has many advantages, given that the gaming authorities don’t need to get involved. However, you may be surprised to know that there are a few things to consider (legally speaking) in planning and executing your skill comp successfully. To view full size article, click here.  

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Trade promotions update: when & where is a permit needed + permit fees

Here is an overview of 2017 permit requirements and fees, for chance trade promotions lotteries. For full size image click here.

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Legal considerations when establishing e-commerce services

Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL) consumers have the benefit of certain statutory guarantees, you can’t exclude statutory consumer T&Cs but you can include wording to limit your business’ liability. Click here to view full size images.

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Awarding football tickets

Are you sending any consumers, prize winners, staff or bloggers to football games this year? Read on for helpful reminders to ensure everyone has a ball, at any sporting event! To view full size image, click here.

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