After insisting that employees remain working in the office despite tough government restrictions to combat the spread of the new coronavirus, HWL Ebsworth has changed its tune, saying any lawyer wishing to work remotely could now do so, and would be paid as usual.
The CFMEU said Thursday that a Melbourne construction worker had tested positive for coronavirus, but maintained its position that construction sites should be deemed an ‘essential service’ and be allowed to remain open during the pandemic.
The judge overseeing the $212.5 million settlement in three toxic foam class actions against the Commonwealth of Australia has been told of at least one objection to the deal and has flagged difficulties taking submissions from opposing group members at an upcoming approval hearing.
Princess Cruises and the Federal Government could face negligence claims — and a possible class action — by passengers of the Ruby Princess cruise ship, which docked in Sydney last Thursday and allowed dozens of people infected with COVID-19 to disembark.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has taken swift action to allow medical technology companies to coordinate on supplying ventilators, protective gear and other equipment in high demand due to the coronavirus.
Group members in two settled class actions against clothing retailer Surfstitch have been told the settlement amount available to them has plummeted amid a “very difficult retail environment”.
The judge overseeing the trial in a trade secrets case brought by Australian auto electronics developer Directed Electronics OE against its rivals is considering how the cross-examination of witnesses will proceed given current restrictions imposed on gatherings due to the coronavirus, including in the event of a possible lockdown.
A hearing has been vacated in ACCC proceedings brought against Sony alleging it misled gamers who purchased faulty PlayStation games, with any penalty the entertainment company should face to be decided by the court on written submissions alone as it seeks to avoid in-person hearings.
As states across Australia shut down non-essential services and close borders in the battle to control the spread of the coronavirus, companies are turning to their lawyers for guidance on everything from contracts to disclosure obligations, staff reductions to workplace health and safety issues. Lawyerly talked to practitioners to find out what was on the minds of their corporate clients.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has given the go-ahead for supermarkets to work together immediately to ensure consumers have access to fresh food and groceries, after a wave of panic buying lead to product shortages and delivery disruptions across the country.