Resources
Legal Resources for Australian Businesses
Practical guides and insights written by our team for directors, founders and business leaders navigating Australian law. Browse by topic below.
Commercial Law
What Is a Lawyer Actually For?
AI, smart contracts and the clock that always wins — understanding the real value a commercial lawyer provides to your business.
Unfair Contract Terms: What Australian Small Businesses Need to Know
The expanded unfair contract terms regime now covers small businesses. Learn what terms are at risk and how to protect your contracts.
Australian Director Duties: The Law, The Cases and The Consequences
A comprehensive guide to the duties directors owe under the Corporations Act, the penalties for breach, and how to manage risk.
Shareholder Agreements in Australia: What Every Private Company Needs
Why a shareholder agreement is essential, what it should cover, and the risks of relying on the Corporations Act alone.
Franchise Agreement Pitfalls: What Australian Franchisees Should Know
Common traps in franchise agreements and how to negotiate better terms under the Franchising Code of Conduct.
Litigation & Disputes
Statutory Demands under the Corporations Act: What You Need to Know
How statutory demands work, the 21-day deadline, and the consequences of failing to respond — including urgent injunctions and applications to set aside.
Shareholder Disputes and Oppression Remedies under the Corporations Act
When shareholders fall out, the Corporations Act provides oppression remedies. This guide explains the legal tests and available relief.
Can Creditors Sue Directors? A Guide to Creditor Rights Against Directors in Australia
Creditors may have direct claims against directors for insolvent trading, misleading conduct and more. This article maps out the available causes of action.
Debt Recovery in Queensland: The Process from Demand to Enforcement
A step-by-step guide to recovering debts in Queensland, from letters of demand through to judgment enforcement.
Civil Penalties under Corporations Act
An overview of the civil penalty provisions in the Corporations Act and how ASIC enforces them against directors and officers.
Employment Law
Fair Work Underpayments and Penalties: What Employers Actually Face
The penalties for underpaying employees have increased dramatically. This guide covers what employers need to know about compliance and enforcement.
Unfair Dismissal in Australia: What the Fair Work Commission Actually Considers
A practical guide to the unfair dismissal process, including the factors the Fair Work Commission weighs and common employer mistakes.
Non-Compete and Restraint of Trade Clauses in Australian Employment
When are restraint clauses enforceable? This article analyses the legal tests courts apply and how to draft restraints that hold up.
Starting & Running a Business
Australian Director Duties: The Law, The Cases and The Consequences
Essential reading for new directors — understand your legal obligations before you take the chair.
Astrons General Counsel — Outsourced General Counsel for Directors
A dedicated general counsel service for directors who need ongoing legal support without the cost of an in-house lawyer.
Shareholder Agreements in Australia: What Every Private Company Needs
Setting up a company with co-founders? A shareholder agreement protects everyone. Here is what it should include.
Disciplinary Investigations & Professional Misconduct
Regulatory & Compliance
AUSTRAC Free Starter Kits: How Did They Rate?
We audited AUSTRAC's free AML/CTF starter kits against the legislation. Here is where they fall short and what you need to add.
Privacy Act Compliance for Australian Businesses: APPs, Data Breaches and Penalties
A practical guide to the Australian Privacy Principles, the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme and the penalties for non-compliance.
Reforms to the ASCR Following AML Tranche 2 Reforms
Our open submission to the Law Council of Australia on proposed reforms to the Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules following AML/CTF Act changes.
Anti Money-Laundering Practice Area
Overview of our AML/CTF compliance services including AUSTRAC registration, program development, enforcement defence and Tranche 2 readiness.
Need advice on a specific issue?
These resources provide general guidance. For advice tailored to your situation, get in touch with our team.
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