In this episode, we talk to McCullough Robertson's Sarah Hausler (Partner) and Strati Pantges (Special Counsel) about the state of Australia's water infrastructure assets and what role these play in securing our water supply going forward. Sarah is a specialist planning and environment lawyer, focusing on advisory work, planning and environment litigation. Her background includes experience in environmental science and urban and regional planning. Strati is a senior projects lawyer with 15+ years of experience in Australia and overseas, working on large-scale projects in the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors.

The two of them bring their vast knowledge to topics including the challenges associated with updating or enhancing vital national water resources and the regulation of water infrastructure assets throughout the country.

Additional notes

To read more about the Four Corners piece (referenced at 17:13) in this episode, visit:

https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/pumped/8727826

To read more about the Paradise Dam project (referenced at 7:43) in this episode, visit:

https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7119159/paradise-dam-class-action-ramps-up-as-dry-weather-bites/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-21/concrete-in-paradise-dam-wall-fails-to-meet-design-standard/12272216

This episode examines the state of play for businesses wanting to expand their customer base to include key Government contracts, at a time when there is a push within departments to engage more with small and medium-sized Australian firms. McCullough Robertson Special Counsel, Kate Fitzgerald discusses the latest news and trends in Government procurement processes.

In this episode we talk to Nicola McMahon, Senior Associate with McCullough Robertson Lawyers about how COVID-19 has affected the relationship between employers and their workforces. We examine the increase in employment disputes and unfair dismissal claims, at a time when the national unemployment rate has been steadily rising.

Nicola talks us through some specific employment dispute cases which have come about as a product of working from home and offers advice for employers around their rights and responsibilities in unfair dismissal claims.

In this episode we talk to Naomi Omundson Senior Associate with McCullough Robertson Lawyers about how a black swan event like COVID-19 has impacted equity capital markets both in Australia and internationally.

From the surge of equity capital raisings through to shifts in mergers and acquisitions, Naomi breaks down some of the significant changes, opportunities and future outlook on capital markets.

We talk to two of McCullough Robertson's construction and infrastructure experts about the challenges facing the industry in 2020, and what we can expect to see going into 2021. Special Counsel Alex Power and Senior Associate Darren Williams explain upcoming legislation changes in the sector and how COVID-19 will shake up the industry.

Construction is being hailed as a major part of the nation's post-pandemic economic recovery, with legislation evolving to ensure all stakeholders are appropriately licensed to carry out all components of a project and that reasonable avenues are available for recourse. While at the time of recording changes have not been legislated, Darren and Alex explain why getting legal advice now is prudent in keeping projects moving forward.

In this episode, Alex and Darren provide important advice and tips for businesses to keep projects on track and in line with the new requirements. Plus, they make their prediction about what the sector can expect to see beyond 2020.

In this episode we talk to Partner Dominic McGann, a trusted authority on native title and cultural heritage matters, on how the legal landscape has changed 30 years on from the iconic Mabo decision.

With many misconceptions surrounding this area of law, Dominic talks us through its complexities, from the impact of an increasing number of carbon projects on native title law, to how federal legislation will impact on future native title and cultural heritage cases.

In this episode we talk to Rebecca Lindhout, Special Counsel at McCullough Robertson in Sydney, about the rapidly evolving area of social media defamation.

The 'grapevine effect' of social media makes it a dangerous place to be settling personal scores or slandering rivals, and even the smallest statement may land you or your business in hot water.

Can commenting on a news article amount to defamation? What about sharing a Facebook post or writing a Google review? Rebecca talks us through why it's a dangerous time to be a 'keyboard warrior' yourself, or to play host 'keyboard warriors' on your digital platforms.

In this episode we talk to John Kettle, International Partner at McCullough Robertson, about his experience advising clients through the GFC and how he sees Australian industries and businesses responding to the current economic downturn.

How applicable are the learnings from the GFC to the COVID-19-related crisis? What kinds of opportunities will we see both nationally and globally following this period? John talks us through the industries that are well-positioned for growth and how he sees Australian businesses taking advantage of these growth "sweet spots".

In this episode we talk to Reece Walker, Chair of Partners at McCullough Robertson and leading capital markets lawyer.

With capital raising now on the agenda for many organisations, Reece talks us through the effects of recent Government changes and breaks down what businesses should be considering now.

How does the current economic crisis compare to the GFC in terms of the capital raising environment? What should businesses be considering in order to make it a successful raising? And when should alternatives to capital raising be considered?

In this episode we talk to Phillip McGowan, Wills and Estates Partner, about some of the estate planning issues that are cropping up due to COVID-19.

With many people now taking the opportunity to reconsider their personal affairs, Phillip talks us through what's involved when drafting wills and powers of attorney documents, and how to make sure documents are executed correctly - especially during these times of distancing and isolation.

Phillip also takes us across some of the key issues clients are facing. When should I be updating my will? What happens if documents aren't executed properly? And what about do-it-yourself wills kits?