Business Law and Corporate Law

Partners Scott Hay-Bartlem and Linda Tapiolas break down the 2026 federal Budget's proposed changes to discretionary trusts, examining new tax rates, beneficiary credits, and exemptions. As legislation continues to evolve, they explore the complexities of restructuring trust and company arrangements and explain why businesses should adopt a cautious approach to these significant reforms.

Senior associate Sophia Ousager and private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem discuss Sophia's career progression at CGW, from law clerk to senior associate, while exploring her personal interests and approach to client problem-solving. The conversation offers insights into life at the firm and the motivations that drive legal professionals in corporate advisory and private client work.

Private client partner Clinton Jackson breaks down the key tax changes announced in the 2026 federal Budget, including proposed reforms to capital gains tax, negative gearing, and discretionary trust taxation. With draft legislation still under review and final rules yet to be determined, Jackson advises clients on what to watch for and when to take action.

Carroll & O'Dea's Business Lawyers Group provides comprehensive legal services for commercial, private and not-for-profit clients across Australia and internationally.

Where objections are lodged against a proposed compulsory acquisition under Chapter 6A of the Corporations Act, the residual holders can prevent the compulsory acquisition proceeding...

If a shareholder commits to accept a takeover bid ‘in the absence of a superior proposal’, does it have to wait before accepting the bid? And, if so, for how long? The Takeovers Panel recently considered the issues.

Trauma insurance claims in Australia face significant hurdles, from navigating complex policy definitions and medical evidence requirements to addressing pre-existing condition...

As the end of financial year approaches, businesses face mounting pressure to clear outstanding debts and strengthen cash flow. This practical guide reveals five essential strategies for maximising debt recovery before 30 June, from establishing clear contractual terms to knowing when professional intervention becomes necessary.

Commercial leases in NSW are typically drafted by landlords' solicitors with terms that heavily favor the property owner. Four key provisions—outgoings escalation, make good obligations, personal guarantees, and rent review mechanics—routinely create six-figure financial exposures that are negotiable before signing but nearly impossible to modify afterward.

Delegating your reporting obligations to a third party does not transfer your regulatory accountability. Across all major regimes, the reporting entity remains ultimately responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of submitted data

Justice Brereton’s recent decision in HMA International Ltd [2026] NSWSC 401 (HMA International) endorses two separate but interconnected schemes of arrangement for holders of the same class of ordinary shares who receive different consideration. The structure provides a practical workaround to the uncertainty of class composition and will interest private equity sponsors and others structuring transactions with rolling shareholders.

The Australian debt capital market has transformed over the past couple of decades, particularly in the last few years. What was once a nascent and then narrow market with a questionable future has evolved into a significant component of our broader financial architecture