Restructuring & Insolvency
David Jones enters administration after talks with landlord break down
Rising costs and evolving shopping trends have forced 188-year-old department store David Jones into voluntary administration, a day after its landlord revealed the retailer had not paid rent since September.
Article
High Court won’t hear appeal over ‘draconian’ SOPA regime
The High Court has declined to take up an appeal by the developer behind the rebranding of the Seasons of Perth hotel, which asked the court to weigh in on "draconian" security of payment laws.
Discrimination
High Court to hear Pauline Hanson’s appeal over ‘back to Pakistan’ tweet
The High Court has taken up Pauline Hanson's constitutional challenge to Australia's racial vilification law, in a long-running dispute with Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi over a tweet by the One Nation leader.
Business of Law
Barrister fined $25,000 after ‘mealy-mouthed’ apology for contempt
A Sydney barrister found guilty of contempt in a fight with his chambers over $112,000 in floor fees has been fined $25,000, with a judge calling his apologies “mealy-mouthed” and “late in the day”.
Employment
FWC finds dismissal of CBA home loan exec was ‘sound’
The FWC has found that Commonwealth Bank’s dismissal of a home loan executive was justified, after an investigation revealed WeChat communications with a third party who was receiving payments from CBA customers.
Employment
Solicitor was employee of firm, despite contractor agreement: FWC
The Fair Work Commission has found that a solicitor who entered into a contract akin to an independent contractor agreement with Linkpoint Lawyers was an employee of the firm.
Tax
High Court rejects Uber’s appeal of $81M payroll tax ruling
Uber must pay at least $81 million in payroll tax after the High Court shot down its challenge to a finding that its drivers received wages, in a decision the rideshare giant says sets an "alarming precedent".
Class Actions
Trading platform eToro hit with class action over CFDs
Online investment platform eToro Australia faces a class action on behalf of investors who lost money trading in high risk contracts for difference.
Financial Services
Keystone’s Paul Chiodo faces grilling in court over $1B collapse of funds
The property developer linked to collapsed investment funds Shield and First Guardian took the stand in court on Wednesday to face a grilling by liquidators, as investigators try to claw back the $1 billion in missing investor funds.
Financial Services
Keybridge directors breached duties over $4.75M bonus, Lake Como loan: court
Three Keybridge directors breached their duties when they approved a $4.75 million bonus for CEO Nicholas Bolton and arranged for the financially distressed company to advance Bolton a loan to acquire a $20 million property in Lake Como, a judge has found.
