Insight

Modern Slavery: proposed criminal offence for failure to prevent and civil penalties for non-compliant reporting

In a significant development for Australia’s modern slavery framework, the Australian Government announced plans on 16 July 2026 to introduce a new criminal offence for the failure to prevent modern slavery and reiterated its intention to introduce civil penalties and associated enforcement powers to address non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Act).

17 July 2026

Insight

SOCI Act update: Proposal to significantly extend and enhance the enforcement of the SOCI Act

The Department of Home Affairs (Department) has released the Streamlining and Modernising the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 Consultation Paper (Consultation Paper) here, proposing a second tranche of reforms to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (Cth) (SOCI Act).

15 July 2026

Insight

NSW Approved Safety Codes of Practice are now mandatory

From 1 July 2026, in New South Wales it is now mandatory for persons conducting a business or undertaking to comply with Approved Safety Codes of Practice.

14 July 2026

Insight

Rail Round-up July 2026

In this edition of the Rail Round-up, we summarise the latest developments across the rail industry, with a particular focus on the recent budget announcements and significant shifts in national rail policy.

10 July 2026