The biggest court stoushes set to dominate legal circles
Some of Australia’s top lawyers and highest profile identities are due to face off in court cases set to shape the legal landscape in the year ahead.
Legal Affairs
Hacks and data leaks to prompt increase in lawsuits
Privacy consulting in Australia is booming, driven by extra data protection regulations and consumers who expect more, says privacy commissioner turned consultant Anna Johnston.
Over 65s worst hit as AFP investigates 100 scam operations
Australian Federal Police estimates it prevented about $83m being lost to scammers, with at least 100 live cybercrime investigations continuing.
PwC tax scandal shows ‘threat to democracy’
Labor senator Deborah O’Neill says the scandal surrounding consulting giant PwC Australia reveals ‘spiderweb-like global networks’ working to defeat good governance.
Scandals, takeovers, Swiftenomics: 2024 was a year to remember
The good, the bad and the ugly – 2024 was an eventful year for investors. We look back on the stories which made headlines and broke hearts.
Court cases spiral as more Aussies default on car loans
Consumer law cases brought before the courts have rocketed in the past year thanks to an increase in the small claims cap and car loan defaults are a significant cause.
Opinions differ on freedom of speech
Donald Trump and Michelle Rowland both claim to be committed to freedom of communication, but they have very different ideas about balancing that with the goal of protecting the community from ‘harmful’ information.
Perth accountant faces insider trading charges
An accountant has appeared before the Perth Magistrates court on charges relating to insider trading of shares in mid-tier miner Genesis Minerals.
Codral, Sudafed ineffective, class action against Johnson & Johnson claims
A lawsuit alleges Johnson & Johnson put ‘profit before people’ by marketing cold and flu tablets containing a drug that is allegedly ineffective at relieving congestion when taken orally.
Bondi Ponzi scheme promoter avoids jail time
David Sipina, who promoted the fraudulent Courtenay House Ponzi scheme which left creditors owed more than $50m, has avoided jail time after pleading guilty.
Judge pans lawyer’s ‘stain’ on profession
A family lawyer who repeatedly forged her clients’ signatures, lied to one of them when claiming their child had been kidnapped, and misused trust funds has been struck off.
‘Biased juries must be set right on rape’
Juries in rape trials can carry false assumptions about sexual consent, a new handbook for judges, police and lawyers says.
Forex trader’s conduct unconscionable, court finds
Customers who claimed they were pressured into punting on risky trading products have been vindicated after ASIC won a mammoth case against an Australian foreign exchange trader.
What do Sue Chrysanthou and Tom Cruise have in common?
The top nine moments from the 2024 legal year; a new banking partner appointed at Bakers; and the niche Christmas tradition conducted by both Sue Chrysanthou and Tom Cruise | Read Ipso Facto.
Rule of law under threat
The latest survey by the World Justice Project shows that rule of law principles are in trouble – globally and within Australia.
Transurban slugged over ‘unjust fees’
The country’s biggest toll road operator will be forced to stump up millions of dollars after it ‘unjustly’ skimmed extra fees off ConnectEast.
It’s unfathomable ANZ didn’t halt charging fees to dead customers
The royal commission’s findings should have served as a wakeup call but in reality, at ANZ while the bank’s top brass said all the right things, they didn’t adequately heed the warning.
BHP driver ‘stressed and sleeping with lights on’ when train crashed
Two white-tailed spider bites and sleeping with the lights switched on have been blamed for a train crash which sparked a major safety overhaul by BHP.
Legal action considered over SkyCity’s money laundering
A litigation funder is considering bringing a legal action against former SkyCity directors and executives over breaches of money laundering laws at the Adelaide Casino.
Respected Alice Springs elder ‘beat his partner with an Aboriginal tool’
Benedict Stevens, who beat his long-term partner in an alcohol-fuelled assault earlier this year, met the NT Chief Minister last week and performed a Welcome to Country at an AFL game in the week prior to pleading guilty.
Austrac hits Ladbrokes parent over money laundering breach claims
Financial crimes regulator Austrac is taking Federal Court action against Entain Group for alleged breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
VC fund’s unfair dismissal setback
Victoria’s $2bn venture capital fund has failed to get a legal claim against it thrown out of court, but a scientist will have to update his claims against it.
Judge v DPP: rape trial ignited judicial turf war
Judge Geoff Chettle’s condemnation of DPP Kerri Judd revealed as Victorian Court of Appeal ‘vindicates’ him in shocking rape case.
Lucy Liu and the ex-Vocus chair cleared of insider trading
How did one of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants find itself at the centre of an insider trading criminal trial?
Billionaires ask for early hearing in court fight
A court case between billionaires Alex Waislitz and Heloise Pratt could come to a speedy end, with their lawyers telling a court they planned to ask for an early final hearing date.
Court to consider verdict in Super Retail whistleblower case
The Super Retail court case has ended on a day in which senior counsel for the whistleblowers sensationally stepped down in the morning and lawyers argued over whether a deal was struck.
Paula Hitchcock moves to ‘impound’ Pratt siblings’ income
Richard Pratt’s daughter Paula Hitchcock wants to ‘impound’ the income of one of her billionaire half-siblings as security, as their family feud continues in court.
‘Political sport’ can end with MPs held to account
Premier Chris Minns has just been handed a valuable lesson about the true impact on NSW of its Independent Commission Against Corruption.
US crypto giant hit with $8m fine after ASIC case
A US crypto giant has called for clearer rules after being slugged by an Australian court with an $8m fine.
Execs named as ACCC goes after Downer and Ventia for price fixing
Four senior executives at Downer and Ventia have been named in legal action for allegedly colluding on defence contracts worth nearly $10bn during the pandemic.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/legal-affairs/page/8