Australia: Corporate Governance

Operational readiness is frequently addressed too late in project lifecycles, creating avoidable risks during transition and early operations. By embedding readiness principles early—from strategy through delivery—organisations can reduce project risk, improve outcomes, and influence whole-of-life costs through clear governance, defined accountabilities, and commercial arrangements that support successful transition to sustainable operations.

The Australian Prudential and Regulatory Authority has launched unprecedented civil penalty proceedings against Bendigo and Adelaide Bank following a 2023 cybersecurity breach that exposed critical weaknesses in the bank's risk management systems. This landmark case signals a fundamental shift in regulatory enforcement, extending accountability beyond corporate entities to individual directors and officers who fail to ensure adequate cybersecurity controls are functioning as intended.

In her 2026 Bathurst Lecture at the Supreme Court of NSW, Honey, I Shrunk the Director Pool, Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, Chair and Senior Partner at HSF Kramer, explores a critical question for Australia's public markets...

Joint venture exit risk is no longer determined primarily by formal exit rights, but by whether the underlying confidentiality, information access and governance frameworks can operate effectively in a live sale process. Where they cannot, transaction outcomes – including price, timing and even viability – become materially exposed.

Supply chain due diligence is evolving from a voluntary process into multi‑functional compliance obligations. As overlapping regulatory regimes impose distinct and increasingly prescriptive requirements, organisations must ensure their due diligence frameworks can meet multiple legal obligations simultaneously, without sacrificing effectiveness or creating additional exposure.

South Australia and Victoria are currently grappling with significant Royal Commissions that scrutinise private organisations, industry participants, boards, executives and operational decision-makers. For many organisations and individuals, their first contact with a Royal Commission comes through a notice to produce documents or information or a summons to attend and give evidence.

As the first wave of disclosures has wrapped up, attention has turned to the next climate reporting cycles - particularly for June and September year-end companies. The question now is: what lessons can organisations take forward?

Our monthly ESG bulletin provides a targeted snapshot of key developments we see as reflecting the “must know” trends in the Australian market.

Australia's AML/CTF reforms take effect on 1 July 2026, requiring real estate agents, property developers, accounting firms, law firms and other newly captured entities to demonstrate full compliance. Are you prepared with the necessary risk assessments, documented programs, trained staff, operational systems and AUSTRAC enrolment to meet the critical 29 July 2026 deadline?