On 21 March 2021, the various measures introduced by the Federal Government permitting virtual company meetings and electronic signatures on company documents expired. The Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Bill 2021 (the ‘Bill’) will extend the interim measures relating to virtual company meetings and the execution of documents, but it has not yet passed the Senate. This means in the meantime, the rules revert to their pre-COVID-19 state. The current status of the legislation is outlined below.

2021 begins with a new focus for the Australian foreign investment regime. The difficulties with cross border M&A in 2020 were made all the more difficult in Australia with the removal of all monetary thresholds limiting review under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeover Act 1975, and extension of the period for statutory review from 1 month to 6, adding cost, complexity and uncertainty.

Temporary arrangements put in place for seafarers onboard vessels in response to COVID-19 will expire on 28 February, hopefully bringing relief to many of those stranded at sea. By Alexis Cahalan, featured in the DCN

Adam Martin explores the risks of cyberattack to businesses in the maritime sphere.

Two Australians lost in the Gulf Livestock 1 tragedy were playing important animal welfare roles, writes Alexis Cahalan…

Alexis Cahalan provides an insight as to how previous cases may give guide to how the Ruby Princess class action is likely to progress….

The New South Wales Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by a passenger who was injured when an overhead compartment landed on her thumb during a flight from Dubai to Sydney.

According to Safe Work Australia, as at 2 July 2020, of the 91 Australians killed at work so far this year, 28 died in transport, postal and warehousing workplaces. There were 35 such deaths in 2019. No other industry, not even mining or construction, had as many fatalities as the transport, postal and warehousing industry. Whilst that is reflective of the heavy machinery and goods carried, it is a record of concern.

On 13 August 2020, the Full Federal Court of Australia handed down a decision which addressed the conflict between the terms of a voyage policy and the insertion of a date for commencement in the placement slip. The decision was that of Swashplate Pty Ltd v Liberty Mutual Insurance Company t/as Liberty International Underwriters which was on appeal from the decision of the Chief Justice of the Federal Court. The appeal was heard by Besanko, McKerracher and Colvin JJ….

A CLASS action was recently commenced in the Federal Court of Australia on 23 July 2020 against Carnival Plc and Princess Cruise Lines Ltd, arising out of the outbreak of coronavirus on board the Ruby Princess.

Updates on the developments affecting the logistics industry in Australia - 14 July 2020

THE LIVE ANIMAL EXPORT MARKET is a significant contributor to Australia’s export economy. It also has been the subject of controversy because of the treatment of animals. In 2011, its ongoing viability was called into question as the result of an ABC Four Corners expose of the mistreatment of live cattle exported to Indonesia. At the time, Indonesia was Australia’s largest market for cattle exports, comprising about 80% of the market, translating to around $1bn annually and supporting around 10,000 jobs. …

We are pleased to provide you with our update on developments affecting the shipping and transport industries in Australia.

Mining, Agriculture and Construction Equipment Protocol: More Movable Assets Falling Within the Cape Town Regime

Norton White further expands its Transport Law expertise - New Partner Appointments

SYDNEY: Leading transport law firm Norton White has announced the expansion of the firm with the appointment of Alexis Cahalan and Danella Wilmshurst as Partners and Janine Liang as a Senior Associate.