The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 was passed on 9 June 2010 and will commence on 1 July 2010.  The Bill was introduced in response to a review of WorkCover Queensland and enacts several significant changes to the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld), the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Regulation 2003 (Qld) and the Workplace Heath and Safety Act 1995 (Qld) with the aim of maintaining the viability of the Queensland Workers Compensation Scheme.

by Stephen White, Senior Assoicate and Peter Dovolil, Associate

Insurance Newsletter, June 2010

The Australian Civil Liability Guide 7th Edition is a product of the continual evolution of previous publications by Carter Newell Lawyers.

The guide addresses legislative and case law developments relevant to civil liability federally and in all Australian States and Territories since the reform process began in 2002. 

Justice Ipp writes:
 “…Carter Newell Lawyers are to be commended for their publication of the Australian Civil Liability Guide, now in its 6th edition…one of the most time-consuming problems for lawyers who have to grapple with the subtleties of the legislation involved is the difficulty in finding relevant material…the time and trouble that has been taken in the production of the guide is obvious.  Its quality as a reference work speaks for itself.  It is an extremely helpful tool for any tort lawyer, whether practitioner or academic and for any person who is interested in the changes to Australian tort law that have occurred since 2002.”

If you would like to receive a copy of this book, please fill in the details below.

Carter Newell Lawyers

June 2010

Having recently considered specific loss scenarios, the meaning of defective design and workmanship generally is examined.  Professional indemnity policy response in relation to a contractor’s design and construct cover is also addressed by reference to a New South Wales Court of Appeal decision.

by Patrick Mead, Partner | pmead@carternewell.com

Constructive Notes, June 2010

Even if claimants demonstrate a “material fact of a decisive character” and a prima facie cause of action sufficient to extend the limitation period, leave can nevertheless be refused due to discernable prejudice to the respondents attributable to delay.

by Mark Brookes, Partner | mbrookes@carternewell.com

and Stacey Leeke, Solicitor

Reliance on professional legal advice was sufficient to show that Fortescue Metals Group and “Twiggy” Forrest had complied with the continuous disclosure rules in respect of announcements to ASX about various infrastructure arrangements.

by Cameron Jorss, Partner | cjorss@carternewell.com

Corporate Newsletter, May 2010

The Queensland government released the Geothermal Energy Bill on Wednesday 19 May 2010.

While a key focus of the new Bill is the introduction of a new legislative regime governing large scale geothermal energy exploration and production projects, the Bill will also introduce a new land access framework that will change the way resource explorers and producers will engage with landholders in this State.

by James Plumb, Senior Associate

Resources Newsletter, May 2010