Australia: Trials & Appeals & Compensation

Commercial disputes can often be resolved without the need for costly and time-consuming court proceedings. Through strategic negotiation, mediation, and properly structured settlement agreements, businesses can achieve faster, more certain outcomes while maintaining control over the resolution process. Understanding your contractual rights and adopting a well-planned approach to dispute resolution can lead to favourable settlements that avoid the risks and expenses of litigation.

Default judgment offers creditors an efficient path to obtaining judgment when debtors fail to respond to court proceedings, but it is not automatic. Creditors must demonstrate proper service, satisfy procedural requirements under Queensland's Uniform Civil Procedure Rules, and provide sufficient evidence supporting the claimed amount. This examination covers when default judgment is available, the procedural steps required, evidentiary requirements, circumstances for setting aside judgment, and practical e

On 26 June 2026, the Federal Court of Australia delivered judgment in Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited [2026] FCA 832, ordering Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited (MSAL) to pay $10.3 million in penalties and $1.2 million in costs.

The plaintiff, a former resident at Nazareth House, sued the Sisters of Nazareth (the defendant) for damages relating to allegations of historical sexual, physical and psychological abuse said to have occurred during her placement at Nazareth House

The New South Wales Court of Appeal recently examined a medical negligence case involving total hip replacement surgery, where the plaintiff alleged inadequate risk warnings...

When a workers compensation claim for psychiatric injury is declined by an employer citing 'reasonable administrative action,' the decision can be challenged beyond the initial tribunal review.

A NSW appeal court has overturned part of a young man's prison sentence after finding he lost more than three months of credit for time already spent in custody. The ruling highlights the complex and often misunderstood process of calculating pre-sentence custody, particularly when charges are later withdrawn or dismissed.

A protester locks himself onto heavy machinery at a coal terminal, halting operations for hours. A furious ex-partner smashes a television during an argument. A teenager spray-paints graffiti across a train carriage.

The Supreme Court has confirmed that the threshold for establishing nuisance remains high, and that factual causation will be difficult to establish when there are multiple factors contributing to an incident.