Law Quarter

26/01/2026

Back before NSW Parliament on 2 February 2026, the Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment (Councillor Conduct) Bill 2025, introduced on 14 October 2025, represents the most significant reform to councillor discipline in NSW local government history.

The Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment (Councillor Conduct) Bill 2025, introduced on 14 October 2025, represents the most significant reform to councillor discipline in NSW local government history. The Bill transfers the supervision of councillor conduct from the NSW Civil and Adminis...

26/01/2026

We’ve just released our Data Centres Legal Update for January 2026.

This publication outlines key legal and regulatory developments affecting data centre operators in Australia, including:

➡️SOCI Act amendments and CIRMP obligations
➡️Mandatory cyber incident and ransomware reporting
➡️NABERS 5-star requirements for government workloads
➡️Emerging data sovereignty and localisation expectations

It’s intended as a practical briefing for operators, boards and advisers navigating an increasingly regulated environment.
📄 Link below.

If you’d like to discuss how any of these changes apply to your operations, feel free to reach out.

Covers critical legal and regulatory developments affecting data centre operators in Australia, including SOCI Act amendments, cyber incident reporting obligati

24/01/2026

The Energy Legislation Amendment Act 2025 received assent on 26 November 2025, and from 1 July 2026, IPART will have the power to set maximum prices for electricity, gas, hot water and air conditioning in embedded networks across NSW.

For embedded network operators, the clock is now ticking. Key compliance obligations include:

→ Mandatory membership of an approved energy ombudsman scheme
→ Maximum pricing aligned to the median of lowest market offers
→ Significant penalties for non-compliance (up to 2,000 penalty units for corporations)

Our latest article breaks down what the Act means for operators, the new enforcement powers granted to IPART, and how to prepare before the 1 July 2026 commencement date.

The NSW Parliament has passed comprehensive reforms to embedded network regulation, with the Energy Legislation Amendment Act 2025 receiving assent on 26 November 2025. The Act establishes maximum energy prices and strengthens consumer protections for hundreds of thousands of residents across the st...

23/01/2026

Introducing our Renewable Energy Law Quarterly Newsletter. We'll explain key developments in the sector in easy to read ongoing newsletters, this first edition is on us, a deeper dive will be delivered to our clients on an ongoing basis:

A review of regulatory changes, landmark cases, and emerging developments shaping the Australian renewable energy sector.

22/01/2026

The Australian Government has announced plans to ban non-compete clauses in employment contracts for most workers from 2027.

This reform will significantly affect how employers across all industries from technology, energy and professional services to fashion, fintech, skincare and beauty sectors and beyond – protect their confidential information and client relationships.



Read more here:

Introduction The Australian Government has announced plans to ban non-compete clauses in employment contracts for most workers from 2027. This reform will significantly affect how employers across all industries from technology, energy and professional services to fashion, fintech, skincare and beau...

08/01/2026

Australia's renewable energy sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation. Throughout 2025, 54 new renewable energy projects received approval, adding close to 7 gigawatts of renewable capacity to the national grid. This expansion continues accelerating in 2026. The scale and pace of this transition create extraordinary opportunities for developers, investors, contractors, and operators whilst simultaneously generating complex legal challenges that require sophisticated contractual solutions.

https://lawquarter.com.au/navigating-the-legal-complexities-of-energy-contracts-in-australias-renewable-transition/

01/01/2026

Wishing you a Happy New Year. As we greet the first day of 2026, may your day be peaceful and relaxing. What are your resolutions for this year?

22/12/2025

As we move into 2026, now is a good time to schedule a review of your standard form contracts and to ensure that they comply with the ACL provisions prohibiting Unfair Contract Terms. Learn more about UCT prohibitions here:

The Hidden Risks in Your “Take It or Leave It” Agreements For many business owners, standard form contracts are an essential tool for efficiency. Whether for gym memberships, online services, or equipment rentals, these pre-prepared agreements streamline operations. But what if these everyday do...

24/12/2022

Wishing you a Merry Christmas

13/12/2021

Are you a future High Court Justice? Complete our quiz, and then argue a couple of hundred cases, to find out

Law Quarter is a law firm focused on delivery of value to our clients whether by legal advice, representation, or other forms of assistance. We engage with our clients to discuss the risks and costs associated with particular courses of action and to provide them with all the information they need t...

08/10/2021

Who needs to be vaccinated to attend work next week:

28/09/2021

The NSW roadmap for reopening: presented in a way you might find useful from the Financial Review.