Recent High Court decisions have reshaped institutional liability for historical child sexual abuse. In AA v The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle [2026] HCA 2, the Court significantly expanded the circumstances in which institutions may be held directly liable for abuse.
In the recent case of O'Driscoll v Encore Aviation Pty Ltd [2025] NSWSC 1536 the defendant helicopter maintenance company was found liable to compensate an injured pilot and the owner of the helicopter.
The Victorian Court of Appeal has upheld a significant damages award for a trainee pilot, reinforcing the scrutiny applied to flight‑training handover procedures and the deference given to trial judges on factual findings. This decision carries important implications for aviation operators, instructors and insurers.
Colin Biggers & Paisley’s Doyle’s Guide Australia, 2026 rankings reflect the practice's depth of expertise across key industries and practice areas nationwide, including its recognised strength in admiralty, shipping, maritime, aviation and transport law.
The Full Federal Court held that franchisors can be liable for underpayments and other workplace breaches by franchisees unless they overcome a reverse burden of proof, particularly where they had knowledge. This increases accessorial liability risks for franchisors, especially when franchisees face financial distress or insolvency.
Superannuation does not automatically form part of your estate plan and without a valid death benefit nomination, it may not be distributed according to your wishes. This article explains how superannuation is treated on death and why making the correct death benefit nomination is essential to protect your beneficiaries.
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