The Watchdog podcast is back for 2026. Kicking off the new season, Maddocks Partner and host Shaun Temby and Maddocks Special Counsel Christopher Marsh return to the mics to mark a major milestone: the tenth edition of Maddocks’ ACCC Year in Review publication. Together, they reflect on a decade of regulatory change and the ACCC’s shifting role in Australia’s economy.

Across ten editions, the publication has charted the ACCC’s evolution from a traditional competition and consumer protection enforcer to a multidisciplinary market steward, spanning digital platform regulation, energy transition oversight, mandatory merger reform, and consumer protection in an increasingly complex economic landscape.

👉 Read the publication: Watchdog Recap | 2025 ACCC Year in Review

In this episode Maddocks Partner, Shaun Temby, is joined by Special Counsel, Viviane Karoumbalis, to discuss the ACCC's proceedings against Microsoft Corporation and its Australian subsidiary, Microsoft Pty Ltd.

The case centres on allegations that the tech giant engaged in misleading conduct concerning its Microsoft 365 subscription pricing and the integration of its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in consumer law, digital marketing or the evolving landscape of AI and subscription services.

The final instalment in our Do What Matters podcastseries is here! A must listen for all applicants currently in the midst of clerkship interviews, this episode sees hosts Emily Kidd, Pete Gavralas and producer Charlotte Verley answer all of your questions.

 Taking a very close look at the inner workings ofthe interviews process, the conversation provides plenty of helpful tips – plus gives listeners the finer, practical details of the Maddocks clerkship program and how successful applicants can make a great impression and get the most out of their clerkship.

In our latest episode of the Watchdog series, Maddocks Partner and podcast host Shaun Temby provides a mid-year update on the ACCC's 2025 activities, highlighting increased enforcement in consumer protection, greenwashing, and merger reforms.

 Shaun also assesses how accurately our Maddocks Watchdog Recap 2024 predictions have aligned with the regulator’s actions and priorities, noting both accurate forecasts and unexpected developments - particularly in litigation frequency.

Clerkship and Graduate Offer Days are fast approaching!

In Episode 5 of our Do What Matters podcast series, hosts Emily Kidd, Pete Gavralas, and producer Charlotte Verley break down what to expect on offer day - including what to do if you're travelling and what your obligations are.

They’re joined by Dale McQualter, Partner at Maddocks, to explore; what to do if you don’t receive the offer you were hoping for, alternative pathways into the legal profession, transferable skills and fresh perspectives that can shape your career.

In this episode Maddocks Partner Shaun Temby discusses the ACCC proceedings in the Federal Court against Meta, accusing the company of allowing misleading “Fake Celebrity Endorsement Ads” to run on Facebook.

These ads allegedly used the likeness of well-known Australians to promote dodgy financial schemes - many of which turned out to be scams.

But Meta isn’t backing down. Tune in to hear why the company argues it shouldn’t be held liable.

Shaun also breaks down the court’s perspective and what’s next for both the ACCC and Meta. Shaun also hypothesises the potential implications this case could have for tech giants and the future of digital advertising regulation.

In Episode 4 of our podcast series, hosts Emily Kidd, Pete Gavralas, and producer Charlotte Verley dive into a range of topics - from unpredictable weather chats to mastering interviews and navigating networking nights.

Emily and Pete share their personal experiences and offer practical advice on how to approach these sometimes -daunting events with confidence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your professional presence, their insights will help you put your best foot forward.

They’re joined by special guest Adam Jaques, Partner in the Maddocks National Real Estate team and one of the Graduate Partners overseeing the Maddocks Graduate Program. Adam shares valuable tips on the graduate recruitment process, including how to stand out during interviews, what to expect, and a few “Easter Eggs” for those currently navigating the clerkship and graduate journey. 

Tune in for a thoughtful, honest, and helpful conversation that’s all about Doing What Matters - especially when it matters most.

In this episode Maddocks Partner Shaun Temby breaks down potential upcoming legislative changes to the Australian Consumer Law to introduce prohibitions on “unfair practices” – and whether they go too far, or not far enough.

From online subscriptions and drip pricing to deceptive design and manipulative tactics, Shaun analyses what’s proposed and offers practical advice for organisations to start preparing from what’s to come.

In Episode 3 of our Do What Matters podcast series, hosts Emily Kidd and Pete Gavralas, along with producer Charlotte Verley, dive into the Maddocks Clerkship Program and the application process.

They are joined by Rose Bundrock, Head of Talent Acquisition from the Maddocks People and Culture team, who shares insider advice for students on how to make their applications stand out.

From crafting a compelling CV and cover letter to navigating each stage of the process, Rose, Emily and Pete offer practical tips and tricks to help applicants put their best foot forward.

Host Shaun Temby, discusses the ACCC initiated legal proceedings last year in the Federal Court against the online dating platform eHarmony Inc., alleging that the company engaged in misleading conduct concerning its membership pricing, renewal terms, and duration.

Learn more from Shaun Temby about this action and how it highlights the ACCC's focus on advertising and marketing practices within the digital economy, which is one of its compliance and enforcement priorities.