HWL Ebsworth Lawyers

The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) introduces significant changes for virtual asset service providers, with most changes taking effect on 31 March 2026. Mizu Ardra, Iain McLaren Chenjie Ma and Jordan Donaldson discuss how these amendments expand the definition of virtual assets, impose new compliance obligations, reporting requirements, and set out steps for entities to prepare for the updated regime. This marks a pivotal shift in Australia's regulatory approach to digital assets. Read the link to read more: https://lnkd.in/gAhqUZAs

In news that is sure to spread Christmas cheer across the country, HWLE's Perth office have held their annual Christmas decoration competition, and the results are spectacular! This year, our staff were encouraged to bring their kids to the office to enjoy a day of festivities and ultimately, make the final call on which team had the best decorations. In the end, it was the Litigation group who took out the award, surprising everyone with an amazing flash mob performance. A huge thanks to the Perth team for bringing the Christmas spirit.

Following the release of the Exposure Draft of a proposed new Franchising Code of Conduct in October 2024, the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes —Franchising) Regulations 2024 (New Code) has now arrived. Allison McLeod & Emily Lucas discuss the key changes made to the Exposure Draft and set out what franchisors need to do to be ready for the New Code, commencing on 1 April 2025. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/gZP6Tuv4

Welcome to the December 2024 edition of the HWL Ebsworth Health Law Bulletin. As part of our focus on the health industry, our bulletin addresses a range of topics designed to provide you with an insight into legal and other developments across the nation. Click the link to read more https://lnkd.in/gtjtMn5U.

We are proud to have supported Cancer Council NSW through our pro bono work for over ten years and look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.

The Australian Human Rights Commission Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023 passed Federal Parliament in September 2024 as a final recommendation of the Respect@Work report. The Bill introduces a costs protection regime whereby claimants are now generally protected from paying a respondent's legal costs if their claims for discrimination and sexual harassment are unsuccessful. Clare Raimondo and Emma Campbell discuss these recent changes and provide practice insights for employers to proactively manage potential claims. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/gYgP3-XE

Last week, our Workplace Relations & Safety Team in Adelaide was pleased to host their annual Christmas event and networking drinks. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our clients and friends of the firm who attended our “Year in Review” presentation. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the key developments, discuss emerging trends, and explore strategies to navigate the evolving workplace landscape.

As the year draws to a close, 2024 stands out as a landmark year for cyber law and regulation in Australia. In our special Twelve Days of Christmas edition of 'Cyber Bytes', Andrew Miers, Zoe Tishler, Matthew Kearins Luke Roper, Jimmy Li and Judith Devaraj in our cyber team summarise twelve key developments from the past year, including legislative reforms, regulatory enforcement, Australia's first cyber sanctions, and other legal developments. In what has been a big year of change in the world of cyber, these are developments that businesses need to stay across when managing this fast moving area of risk. Click the link to read more: https://lnkd.in/g4jFJKUC

The Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2024 has been introduced to Parliament which aims to enhance legal protections for Commonwealth workers by allowing courts to issue workplace protection orders (WPOs) in cases of violence linked to official duties. The Canberra WRS Team, led by Alison Spivey, discusses the Bill and the provisions for WPOs beyond the ACT, ensuring that Commonwealth employees, including those stationed overseas, are safeguarded from aggression, with penalties for non-compliance. Click below to read more: https://lnkd.in/gVtC-2Da

Welcome to the HWL Ebsworth Automotive Group Regulatory Update for December 2024. HWL Ebsworth seeks to keep you updated with the changing automotive industry environment across new legislation, developing policy and pertinent case law developments. This Update provides essential information for those wanting to stay abreast of the challenges and issues facing the automotive industry. Click to read more https://lnkd.in/gDY5gi67