The Defence Trade Controls Bill 2011 (Cth), which will enact legislation necessary to implement the Australia-United States Defence Trade Co-operation Treaty, was introduced into the Commonwealth House of Representatives on 2 November 2011. An exposure draft of Regulations under the Bill is due for release before the end of the year. As with the Bill, industry will have an opportunity to comment on the Regulations. The Maddocks Defence team would be happy to assist any clients wishing to participate in this process.
From 1 January 2011, suppliers of consumer goods and related services will be required to make a report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) if they become aware a consumer product they supplied or serviced has caused, or may have caused, serious injury, illness or death. Mandatory safety reporting was introduced via the Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Act (No 2) 2010 (Act) in an attempt to identify significant consumer product hazards in a timely fashion.
The Federal Government, by Trade Practices (Industry Codes - Franchising) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No.1) (Cth) (2010 Amendments), has made a number of changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct (Code). These amendments apply to disclosure documents issued and franchise agreements entered into on or after 1 July 2010.
In this Commercial Update we look at Stage 1 of the national consumer protection law reforms which include the introduction of a national unfair terms regime for consumer contracts, additional enforcement remedies and how businesses can prepare themselves for the changes.
Are you interested in buying a business in Australia and are looking for guidance as to what to do next? If so, this guide is intended to provide you with some practical information and tips to help put you on the right path.
Following delivery of the Automotive Review led by the Hon Steve Bracks, former Premier of Victoria, the Victorian State Government and the Commonwealth Government have moved to promote R&D and manufacturing activities in Australia relating to 'green car' innovation.
At the State level, during December 2009 and January 2010, Invest Victoria will be conducting an Electric …
Economic recovery drives amendments to Australia's Foreign Investment Policy
The foreign investment screening framework has recently been reformed to help boost Australia's growth as the global economy recovers.
The changes allow private foreign investment in Australian businesses below $219 million to now proceed without the need for review by the Foreign Investment …
Issues to consider when fundraising for the Victorian bushfire victims
We have received a number of queries in the last few days from clients seeking to establish appeals for the victims of the Victorian bushfires. If you are planning fundraising appeals for the Victorian bushfire victims, it is important to consider the impacts of each of the following before proceeding:
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