N

Our legal experts will keep you up to date on all relevant and current developments.

Retail and Commercial Leases During COVID-19: A History and 2021 Update

Retail and Commercial tenants in NSW are likely familiar with the operation of the provisions of the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct – SME Commercial Leasing Principles and the NSW Government’s regulations that followed to give effect to the Code in response to COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and, for some tenants, the first quarter of 2021.

This piece includes a summary of the Code and the regulations that were made to give legal effect to the Code from April to December 2020 and, to a more limited extent, the first quarter of 2021.


Ransomware Payments Bill 2021 – Will You Need to Report?

On 21 June 2021, Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security, Tim Watts introduced the private members Ransomware Payments Bill 2021 (Cth) into Parliament. The Bill would require the Commonwealth Government and big businesses to report ransomware payments to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

The Bill was introduced in response to the 200% increase in reported ransomware attacks on Australian organisations - including prominent incidents affecting companies such as JBS Foods and Nine Entertainment.


Lucy Rooney Listed in Elite Women in Insurance 2021: Insurance Business Magazine

Holman Webb is pleased to announce that Insurance Partner Lucy Rooney has been listed in Insurance Business Magazine's Elite Women in Insurance 2021!


Lenders and Financiers: The Importance of Meeting Obligations

The 16 July 2021 decision in LNCP002 Pty Limited v Akcin [2021] NSWSC 848 has highlighted the obligations of lenders and financiers to act fairly and in good faith with respect to borrowers in mortgage lending, and to do what they have promised to do.


COVID-19, Vaccinations and the Workplace –  What Employers Need to Know

In light of the recent extended lockdown in Sydney, and the new short lockdown in Melbourne, the question again arises in relation to whether an employer can require its workers to be vaccinated against the COVID‑19 virus.

There are a myriad of discretionary issues for an employer to step through in determining whether it can direct its workers to be vaccinated; as well as what steps an employer can take if the worker refuses to follow such a direction.


The Importance of Staff Training and Cyber Security Vigilance

In a recent article, Holman Webb highlighted the importance of the Essential Eight mitigation strategies recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) which, if implemented, minimises the chance of an organisation falling victim to a cyber-attack.

With this in mind, we thought it timely to remind readers of the importance of staff training and cyber-security vigilance.


The Impact of COVID-19 on Property Contracts: Dyco Hotels Pty Ltd v Laundy Hotels (Quarry) Pty Ltd [2021] NSWSC 504

The recent case of Dyco Hotels Pty Ltd v Laundy Hotels (Quarry) Pty Ltd [2021] NSWSC 504 reminded me of a matter I was involved in last year during the first COVID-19 lockdown.

In that matter, Holman Webb acted for the seller of the freehold and business of a hotel.  Contracts were exchanged when knowledge of COVID-19 was only just starting to spread - although settlement was due after the public health orders had been implemented.

The lockdown caused hardship for many people.  Fortunately, in this particular matter, the parties came to a sensible settlement and the sale was able to proceed.

Contrastingly, in the recent NSW Supreme Court case of Dyco Hotels v Laundy Hotels (Quarry), the parties were unable to settle the dispute – with the seller terminating the Contract and keeping the deposit of $562,500.


Webinar Recording: Apportionment and Contribution in Insurance

Click through to watch Holman Webb's latest insurance webinar: Apportionment and Contribution in Insurance.

Presented by General Insurance Partner Peter Bennett and Associate Linda Huynh on Tuesday 6 July 2021, this webinar examines a range of significant cases relating to apportionment and contribution in insurance.

Discussion topics include:

  • Contributory negligence.
  • Failing to keep a proper lookout.
  • Intoxication.
  • Contributory negligence can defeat a claim by being determined at 100%.
  • Contributory negligence in contract.
  • Joint tortfeasor, where judgment entered for a defendant.
  • Proportionate liability.
  • Where the plaintiff is unable to recover from the concurrent wrongdoer.
  • Liability of an employer for a hire worker.

Cancellation of Paper Certificates of Title: 100% eConveyancing From 11 October 2021

The Registrar General recently made two important announcements relating to certificates of title within New South Wales.

  • On 11 October 2021, all certificates of title ('CTs') will be abolished, known as 'cessation day'; and
  • From 11 October 2021, paper dealings will no longer be accepted for lodgment and only electronic dealings will be accepted.  

This means that from 11 October 2021, New South Wales will have 100% e-conveyancing.


The Modern Slavery Act – Is Your Entity Required to Report on Risk?

On 1 January 2019, the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) commenced, heralding a new statutory modern slavery reporting requirement for larger companies operating in Australia.

The Modern Slavery Act requires entities either based or operating in Australia, which have an annual consolidated revenue of more than $100 million, to report annually on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, as well as actions being taken to address those risks.  

Other entities based, or operating, in Australia may report voluntarily.


Recent Posts






14 15 16 17 18

19

20 21 22 23