Sophia Christou
State land tax anomaly scaring away farm investment
Queensland’s agricultural sector is missing out on crucial capital investment that could enhance productivity and efficiency due to a land tax system that is deterring potential investors.
Commonwealth Government
Delivering expert legal support for Government clients across Australia With a deep understanding of the Australian public sector, our government team is dedicated to delivering tailored, client-centric solutions across all jurisdictions. We support all levels of government, providing hands-on legal expertise and building trusted partnerships within departments and agencies. From navigating complex legislative frameworks to […]
State Government QLD
Queensland Government’s trusted legal advisers with local expertise At McCullough Robertson, we bring the intimate service delivery of a trusted local adviser with the resources and strength of one of Australia’s largest independent law firms. With decades of hands-on experience and strong relationships across all levels of government, we understand how to navigate the complex […]
Ali Redfern
Local Government
Trusted lawyers to local governments in a rapidly evolving landscape At McCullough Robertson, we have a legacy of supporting local governments that dates back to our beginnings in regional Queensland in 1926. With a deep connection to regional and metropolitan communities, we are proud to have been a trusted partner to local governments across Queensland […]
ACCC enforcement priorities for 2025-26
This week, the Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Gina Cass-Gottlieb, outlined the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2025–26 at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia. Overview For 2025–26, the ACCC will address ongoing consumer and competition concerns amidst rising cost-of-living pressures, with increased scrutiny on the supermarket and retail sectors. […]
Caitlin Steuart
Annual indexation of monetary thresholds for foreign investments
New thresholds could mean some foreign investors will require Foreign Investment Review Board approval – find out where your investments sit.
Courts introduce Practice Notes on AI use in proceedings
The Supreme Court and Land and Environment Court have issued new near-identical Practice Notes to address the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in documents prepared or created for the purpose of proceedings. Copies of the new practice notes (Practice Notes) can be found here and here, and will commence on 3 February […]
State Government NSW
A proven partner for New South Wales Government With genuine understanding of, and experience in, navigating the complexities of State Government operations, McCullough Robertson has built lasting relationships as trusted legal advisers to the NSW Government. Appointed to the NSW Government Legal Services Panel, we offer a dedicated full-service specialist government practice in all areas […]
New deals, new rules: what you need to know about mandatory merger notifications
This Q&A gives an overview of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Act 2024 (Cth) (Merger Act) that will overhaul the existing Australian merger control regime from 1 January 2026. Voluntary notification under the new regime will be available from 1 July 2025. What is happening? Australia is introducing mandatory merger notifications for […]
Passing of Federal build-to-rent tax concessions
Late last month, the Federal Government passed legislation introducing tax concessions aimed at incentivising investment in new build-to-rent (BTR) developments, with a view to increasing housing supply. The new measures (implemented under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Build to Rent) Act 2024 and the Capital Works (Build to Rent Misuse Tax) Act 2024) will commence on […]
Challenging elections can be a challenging affair
In Queensland, an election can only be disputed by a candidate at the election for the electoral district concerned, an elector for the electoral district concerned (i.e. a voter)…
Erin Felthouse
Release of NSW Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy
The NSW Government is streamlining critical minerals project approvals through the Rapid Assessment Framework, making it easier for investors and developers to navigate the system.
ACCC takes on Coles and Woolworths for misleading and deceptive price advertisements
The supermarket retailers allegedly increased the price of products for a very short time frame before setting a new price for each product that was higher than the original price. Here’s how large the breach is…
Procedural fairness in enforcement matters: Defendant’s understanding
Language differences, an absence of legal advice or intellectual impairment can create barriers in Defendant’s legal proceedings. Here’s how to achieve procedural fairness for all.
Stanmore Resources Limited
ASIC updates its guidance on regulated emissions units (RG 236)
The updates aim to address changes the carbon market industry has seen since 2015 and include additional financial products and guidance on financial services regulatory implications.
Opening the door to the property market – how families are helping their children to become property owners
Australia is gripped in a well-publicised housing crisis. Families are increasingly exploring options to support their children to enter the property market – there are several strategies to achieve this.
Key takeaways on public land safety for Councils: What you need to know
Councils need to increasingly be aware of the duty of care owed to the public in managing and maintaining public space, particularly with the placement of warning signs. Here’s what to be aware of.
New Hope Group
Fuel Security and Minimum Stockholding Obligations: What it means for you and your business
In 2021, the Australian Government introduced the Fuel Security Act 2021 (Cth) (the Act) to establish a national fuel reserve, aiming to minimise the impact of supply disruptions on fuel users and industries, including in the construction, transport and resources sectors. The Act and the Fuel Security (Minimum Stockholding Obligation) Rules 2022 (Cth) require persons […]
Establishment of the Minerals Security Partnership Finance Network
Good news for Australia’s critical minerals industry as Australia partners with other nations to establish Minerals Security Partnership Finance Network This week, Australia, the United States, Japan, Canada and 11 other nations announced the establishment of the Minerals Security Partnership Finance Network (Network),a joint financing body designed to fund critical minerals projects across the globe. […]
Securing lawful uses: navigating existing use rights in changing planning schemes
When planning schemes are amended or a new scheme is introduced, ‘existing use rights’ protect the existing lawful use of premises from the regulatory impacts of such changes. This article provides a refresher on existing lawful use rights and discusses the recent Planning and Environment Court decision in Jephcott v Noosa Shire Council.[1] A Lawful, […]
Diatreme Resources Limited
Caretaker countdown: Navigating the ‘caretaker period’
Given the forthcoming Queensland state general election, it is important, not only for individuals within government, but also for businesses and stakeholders working with government or in government sectors, to understand the implications of the caretaker period. The caretaker period takes effect come election time to ensure the neutrality of public institutions and the smooth […]
Trunk vs Non-Trunk: Guidance from the Court on infrastructure conditions
The Planning and Environment Court recently decided the case of Homeland Property Developments Pty Ltd v Whitsunday Regional Council [2024] QPEC 30 (Homeland). The judgment represents the latest instalment in a body of caselaw unpacking the infrastructure provisions of Planning Act 2016 (Qld) (Planning Act). This judgment of his Honour Judge Williamson KC provides some […]
The Aged Care Bill 2024 – navigating Australia’s proposed aged care reforms
Australia’s aged care sector has been the focus of reform for over a decade, spurred by increased scrutiny and the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The need for change has been driven by the sector’s operational challenges and the identified systemic reform required to improve service quality and long-term […]