Following the High Court’s decision in Bird v DP, Australian jurisdictions including Queensland, the ACT and Victoria have moved to expand vicarious liability for child abuse to relationships akin to employment, with implications for institutional liability for abuse by non‑employees.
The FWC has issued the first ever Road Transport Contractual Chain Order to allow parties in the road transport industry to pass on the increased cost of fuel despite existing contracts not including any such provision.
The Brambles decision is the first shareholder class action to succeed at trial on liability and loss, but its significance remains subject to appeal and imminent guidance from the High Court and Full Federal Court.
The NSW Court of Appeal’s decision in Davey v Want clarifies that a plaintiff may be honest yet still fail to meet the civil standard of proof, particularly in historic abuse claims where reliability of memory is central. The case highlights the enduring evidentiary and forensic challenges created by delay in civil litigation.
The 2026 Iran war demonstrates how cyber warfare now operates as a core feature of modern conflict, with spillover effects on civilian and commercial systems worldwide. For Australian organisations, it reinforces the need for strong cyber governance, regulatory compliance and heightened risk management during periods of geopolitical instability.
The Australian Government has proposed reforms to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act to expand ministerial direction powers and strengthen risk management obligations for High Risk Assets. The changes point to heightened regulatory oversight, tougher penalties and increased cybersecurity, governance and supply chain requirements.
