Government Regulation and Public Sector Law

New South Wales has passed comprehensive building legislation that consolidates existing approval and practitioner frameworks while introducing groundbreaking provisions for prefabricated and modular construction. The Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026 awaits Governor assent, with its practical implications dependent on forthcoming regulations that will determine operational details and affected parties.

A Bill before the Queensland Parliament signals a major shift aimed at expanding the circumstances in which Queensland institutions may be held vicariously liable for child abuse perpetrated by individuals in relationships ‘akin to employment’.

In recent amendments to the National Health Act 1953 (Cth) (‘the Act’), the Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care (‘the Secretary’) now has a wider scope of power to cancel the approval of approved pharmacists.

AUSTRAC has released updated guidance for reporting entities regarding suspicious matter reports (SMRs), identifying areas where submissions could be improved to ensure high-quality...

Professional service providers preparing for the AML/CTF Tranche 2 regime face uncertainty about which services qualify as "designated services" under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act.

Employee Entitlement Scheme operators face a critical deadline of 1 September 2026 to obtain an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) to continue operations. Understanding the application requirements and compliance obligations is essential for businesses managing employee contribution schemes. Sophie Grace provides comprehensive support for AFSL applications, AUSTRAC registration, and tailored AML/CTF compliance programs.

The second phase of New South Wales' most expansive overhaul of firearms regulation recently took place, marking the biggest leap in firearms and gun licence laws since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The reforms are enshrined in the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NSW), and were passed in an emergency sitting just days after the Bondi Beach terror attack in December 2025.

The Australian Government's 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy outlines a comprehensive action plan to strengthen the nation's sovereign defence industrial base through procurement reform, industrial growth initiatives, and enhanced export capabilities. How will the establishment of the Defence Industry Hub, Industrial Development Agreements, and the new Defence Delivery Agency reshape Australia's defence sector and accelerate capability delivery?

The Australian Government has identified Western Australia as the location of Henderson Defence Precinct and the operational hub for AUKUS.

South Australia has announced a Royal Commission into Artificial Intelligence, set to commence in October 2026 and deliver findings by July 2027. The inquiry will examine AI's economic and social impacts across policy, education, public services, workforce transformation, and infrastructure. Businesses using or developing AI should prepare for potential regulatory reforms and consider engaging with the inquiry process.

Space-related assets are becoming investable for infrastructure investors, with opportunities in ground stations, mission control assets, data-processing facilities and dual-use platforms. However, investors must carefully evaluate technology refresh risks, regulatory complexities including spectrum and orbital rights, and revenue bankability through counterparty quality rather than relying solely on sector growth projections.

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has introduced Ministerial Direction 119, fundamentally reshaping how skilled visa applications are prioritised based on occupation type and applicant location. For the first time, the Skills in Demand visa falls under priority processing rules, while regional location and accredited sponsor status no longer carry the weight they once did under the previous framework.