Policy and Regulation

The Albanese government has vowed to ban price-gouging by supermarkets if reelected, despite the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's supermarkets inquiry finding no evidence of excessive pricing.

The workplace regulator should start a national probe into sexual harassment and the treatment of young workers in the construction industry, according to a forum convened by the employment minister.

The Albanese government will ban non-compete clauses in employment contracts for workers earning salaries under the high-income threshold, saying the clauses were dragging down wages.

A recent High Court decision which found the federal government must compensate Indigenous people in the Northern Territory over past mining operations has significant implications for the government’s liability to pay up for historical acts affecting native title, but experts say the decision is unlikely to unleash a torrent of similar claims.

The Australian Information Commissioner has found 16 government agencies have approved the use of messaging apps like Signal, Telegram and WhatsApp for government business. 

The NSW government has introduced legislation to crack down on 'claim farming' for personal injury claims and international torts, despite concerns from the Law Society and the Bar the bill may prevent lawful referral practices.

New reports of criminal activity and violence have rocked the CFMEU, with calls from building groups for a "clean up", and a Coalition vow to deregister the embattled construction union and revive the industry watchdog.

The Albanese government has pledged to extend unfair trading practice protections under the Australian Consumer Law to small businesses.

The Albanese government's response to a review of security of payment laws was a positive first step, building and construction industry groups said on Friday.

A judge has referred a solicitor to the legal watchdog after he ceased to act without giving the required notice to his client, saying he appeared to have been “dumped” on the eve of a directions hearing.