Behind the Wheel, Beyond the Corporate Veil” – poor processes result in director and company liability after fatal bus crash
R v Linq Buslines Pty Ltd & Ors – Gosford Local Court, NSW 26 August 2026
Land and Environment Court changes course on building height
The Land and Environment Court has handed down a decision that will change the way many people have been calculating building height under local environmental plans.
New statewide public exhibition requirements for development applications
Case Notes and Guidance on Governance Issues for Schools
Welcome to Mills Oakley’s key case notes and guidance on specific governance matters, including Section 83C of the Education Act, providing practical insights and real-world examples.
When Benchmarking Falls Short: Lessons from Aldi’s Baby Food Packaging Appeal
The Full Court’s decision in Aldi v Hampden offers important guidance on copyright infringement in packaging design, reinforcing that copyright protects original artistic expression, not a product’s general “look and feel”.
Third Dimension Issue 33 Winter Edition 2026
Welcome to Mills Oakley’s 33rd Issue of Third Dimension, our free legal newsletter for charities, not-for-profits, and community groups.
Tips and Guidelines on Giving Evidence in Civil Proceedings
Giving evidence can significantly influence the outcome of a case, and understanding the process is key to presenting clear, credible and effective evidence.
Safeguards: a measured response to modern trade wars
In response to unprecedented the turbulence in the international trading system, Australia is sharpening its available tools to protect local industry from being overwhelmed by import competition.
The Customs Amendment (Safeguard Inquiries) Bill 2026 (Safeguards Bill) represents an evolution not just of Australia’s approach to safeguards measures, but to trade remedies as a whole. Paradoxically, it does so by harkening back to mechanisms that originated in the 1940s.
Sydney Family Law Newsletter – August 2026
Below we provide you with the latest updates on our team, recent developments in family law and links to interesting articles and case law in the family law arena.
Update: What comes next in the Big Build Royal Commission
On 20 August 2026, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll announced the Royal Commissioner for the Big Build investigation and released the Letters Patent, which outline the investigation’s purpose. These documents establish the Government’s expectations and provide the framework for the Big Build Royal Commission.
The Tort of Privacy – A First in Australia
On 10 June 2025, the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) introduced a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy into Schedule 2 of the Privacy Act 1988.
The Christian Brothers: A Canary in the Coal Mine for Australia’s Purpose-Driven Institutions?
Recent developments concerning the Trustees of the Christian Brothers (the Christian Brothers) have brought into sharp focus an issue that has been building for many years: the expanding scope of institutional liability for historical child abuse claims, and the increasing financial pressure this places on charities, religious organisations and other purpose-driven institutions.
Critical considerations from Albaf v NSW Education Standards Authority [2026] NSWSC 880: Practical tips to maintain procedural fairness in education decisions
Maintaining procedural fairness in administrative decision making can be challenging, particularly where decisions often adversely affect an individual’s rights, interests or professional standing. The recent decision of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in Albaf v NSW Education Standards Authority sheds light on the obligations of institutions to exercise any decision-making power in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness.
Ancillary Fund Reform: Proposed Changes (Still) on the Horizon
Ancillary funds, unique giving structures originating under the Howard Government, serve a critical role in Australia’s philanthropic ecosystem.
AI is a Board Issue
AI is a governance issue for the entire organisation, not just the IT department.
Case note: Lamont v The Royal Women’s Hospital (No 3) [2026] VSC 490
The Victorian Supreme Court has recently handed down a significant decision which examines the application of modern negligence law and institutional liability in a claim of alleged historical ‘forced adoption’. This decision is expected to have a major impact on the trajectory of Australian civil law in relation to historical claims arising from any form of institutional care.
ASIC’s Enforcement of Internal Dispute Resolution Standards: What ASIC v Telstra Super Means for Financial Services Licensees
A landmark Federal Court decision clarifies ASIC’s power to require financial services licensees to maintain robust complaint handling processes, timely IDR responses and compliant delay notifications.
Successor in Title Liability under Section 16(5) of the Water Act 1989 (Vic): The Role of Financial Circumstances in Casdaus Pty Ltd v Nichols [2026] VCAT 483
Casdaus Pty Ltd v Nichols [2026] VCAT 483 confirms that under section 16(5) of the Water Act 1989 (Vic), current property owners can be liable for unreasonable water flows originating on their land, even if caused by a predecessor, with financial hardship providing a defence only in rare cases of extreme disadvantage.
Insurance in MOtion July 2026
Welcome to Insurance in MOtion! We’re excited to share the latest insights and updates with you.
Which Retention Applies When There Is More Than One Related Claim?
Nuix Limited v Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company [2026] FCAFC 87
WorkSafe Victoria Accepts Enforceable Undertaking After Truck Driver Struck by Forklift
WorkSafe Victoria investigation concerning Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd
Why It Is Difficult to Appeal a Jury Verdict
Healey v Nestlé Australia Ltd [2026] VSCA 171
Police Not Negligent at an Invasion Day Protest: High Court Holds that Police Owe a Duty of Care to Bystanders, but Did Not Breach It
Cullen v New South Wales [2026] HCA 19
Pollution Liability Cover
Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Limited v Liberty Mutual Insurance Company t/as Liberty Specialty Markets [2026] NSWCA 154
Former Land and Environment Court Commissioner Danielle Dickson joins the Mills Oakley (Sydney) Planning and Environment Law team!
Mills Oakley is proud to welcome former Land and Environment Court Commissioner Danielle Dickson to the firm, further strengthening our expertise in planning, environment and regulatory matters.