McCullough Robertson

Last week, our experts delivered a series of insightful webinars on Australia’s evolving foreign investment framework and the added complexities of new merger control laws for inbound investment. These sessions provided key regulatory updates, keeping international advisors informed as we navigate 2025. It was great to see the webinar’s global reach and reconnect with many of our international contacts. If you have any questions about the topics covered or would like to connect with a member of our team, please contact us here: https://lnkd.in/gqnVPFxi #mcr #foreigninvestment #mergercontrol #acquisition #FIRB Duncan Bedford | Andrew Bukowski | Natalie Kurdian | Charlie Watson

McCullough Robertson’s Corporate M&A team has advised AGL on its recent acquisition of Australian owned electric vehicle software platform, Everty, enhancing electric vehicle charging and energy management solutions for commercial customers. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gtTBPhr9 #mcr #EVcharging

McCullough Robertson was delighted to host our annual In-house Counsel CLE day, bringing together in-house lawyers for a morning focused on professional development and valuable industry insights. Our guest, psychologist and communication expert Lisa Butler, kicked off the day with her insights on effective networking. Next, Kate Peterson prompted thought-provoking discussion on the ethical lessons arising from recent public scandals. Nathan Roberts provided valuable guidance and practical insights on managing psychosocial hazards in legal practices, and Melissa Miller shared the latest developments in consumer law drawing on her assessment of ACCC priorities. Thank you to those who joined us. Reach out if our partners can share our thoughts and guidance with your teams. #cpdpoints #legaleducation #inhousecounsel #professionaldevelopment #employmentlaw #consumerlaw

McCullough Robertson was proud to sponsor the Women in Government Networking Event in the lead-up to International Women's Day. On Thursday, 27 February, we had the privilege of supporting an evening focused on navigating change and preparing for the future in public service. Partner, Lydia Daly attended and engaged in meaningful discussions with an incredible panel of women leaders in government: Robyn Littlewood, CEO of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Jenny Lang, Deputy Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, and Maryanne Kelly, Managing Director of Queensland Treasury Corporation. Lydia delivered the opening remarks, sharing her insights on the importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of the public sector and introducing the panel speakers. The evening sparked valuable conversations around the challenges and opportunities women face and the evolving landscape of the sector. It was a privilege to be part of such an empowering event, and we’d like to thank the Women in Government Network and The Little Laneway for hosting. We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that champion diversity, inclusion and leadership in the public sector. #WomenInGovernment #IWD2025 #PublicService #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗜 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 The NSW Supreme Court and Land and Environment Court have refined their AI Practice Notes, effective 12 February 2025, following consultation with legal practitioners. These changes clarify the scope of generative AI in litigation, easing some restrictions while maintaining key safeguards. Key amendments include allowing limited AI use in drafting various legal documents, provided that citations and references are verified by a human. There have also been refinements to rules on feeding information which has been produced under compulsion through AI platforms, with strict confidentiality measures. However, core prohibitions remain, including restrictions on AI-generated affidavits, witness statements, and expert reports without court approval. In this article, members of our Planning and Environment team examine the implications of these amendments, balancing the practical benefits of AI in legal practice with the need for accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical responsibility in litigation. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gRDKxXBs #mcr #genAI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIRegulation #planningandenvironment

Recently, Tribe Global Ventures, Innovation Architects, and Mandalay Venture Partners hosted an inbound trade mission for 10 international agtech and agrifood companies visiting Brisbane. A highlight of the trade mission was the "Doing Business in Australia" workshop, which featured specialists from various professional services addressing essential considerations for Australian market entry. McCullough Robertson Partners, Duncan Bedford and Ben Wood, shared valuable insights on navigating regulatory frameworks for foreign entities, focusing on optimal business structures and essential documentation requirements for agri-tech startups and scaleups entering the Australian market. A huge thank you to Maren Birkby, Tribe Global, Innovation Architects, and Mandalay Ventures for organising this valuable session, and to those who attended. We’re proud to support international businesses navigating the Australian landscape and are excited to see the growth of the agtech and agrifood sectors. #DoingBusinessInAustralia #AgTech #Agrifood #TradeMission #LegalInsights #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #startups #scaleups

Yesterday, McCullough Robertson hosted an insightful session, diving into key aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Guest speaker, Neil McIntyre MBE, Diatreme Resources Limited CEO accompanied McR Corporate Partner, Aaron Dahl, and Senior Associate, Matthew Stewart, in discussing the nuances of extending offer periods, pre-bid strategies, due diligence, the Takeovers Panel, and target tactics in competitive environments. The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A, where Aaron Dahl facilitated an engaging discussion with Neil, offering attendees valuable takeaways on navigating complex M&A processes. McCullough Robertson has had the privilege of supporting Diatreme Resources for many years, a relationship that speaks to our shared commitment to long-term success. We’re proud to continue delivering practical legal insights to our clients and partners, reinforcing our commitment to driving success in the M&A space. #McCulloughRobertson #MergersAndAcquisitions #DiatremeResources #LegalInsights #CorporateLaw #Takeovers 

McCullough Robertson Digital and IP Lawyer, Chelsea Bodimeade, travelled to Coober Pedy with longtime pro bono client Many Rivers to support their community economic development (CED) initiatives. Many Rivers’ CED work supports regional and remote First Nations organisations in building sustainable economic opportunities across Australia, while strengthening their planning, leadership, and organisational skills. During the three-day trip, Chelsea joined Many Rivers' South Australia CED Manager, Matthew Scott, and Head of Business Development and Marketing, Julian Martin, to meet with the Umoona Community members to discuss their economic goals and assess key development projects, including the the Umoona Art Centre, the Tjitji Tjapu Tjuta Childcare Centre , the new nursery business, and return to country and health services. The trip also offered unique cultural experiences, from exploring the historic Umoona Opal Mine & Museum to staying in the town's famous underground accommodation, escaping the 45°C heat in naturally climate-controlled rooms carved from rock. As a firm founded in Barcaldine in 1926, we understand the importance of investing in the communities where our clients work and live.  Engaging directly with remote regions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities allows us to deepen our understanding and strengthen our support. #mcr

The food and agribusiness industry is ripe for innovation (no pun intended) - here’s what industry leaders from AgriFutures evokeAG are predicting for the year ahead: 1️⃣There is a gap to be bridged between academic research for innovative products and the approach to real world application. 2️⃣It can be difficult to justify innovation from a cost perspective but it’s innovation that provides opportunity for increased profits and it takes commitment from businesses as a whole. 3️⃣Profitability, efficiency and social licence are the key drivers to innovation in the agtech sector. 4️⃣The agtech sector needs more patient capital. There isn’t a lack of innovation but traditional investment models don’t fit into the returns generated by agtech. 5️⃣Funding needs to come not just from private capital but government support – yet other political priorities often get in the way, which is resulting in large imports of fuel technology like Australian’s aviation biofuel usage which is 96% reliant on imported product. If you would like to learn more about our Food and Agribusiness team at McCullough Robertson, follow the link here: https://lnkd.in/gMR4xvtb Duncan Bedford | Stephen Iu | Natalie Kurdian | Melissa Miller | Ben Wood | Charlie W. | Chelsea Bodimeade | Alisa Mihaila | Mike Casey | Robert van Barneveld #agrifutures #evokeAG #agritech #foodandagri

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its enforcement priorities for 2025-26. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb outlined an expanded focus with 12 priority areas, up from 10 the previous year. The Commission will intensify scrutiny on supermarkets and the broader retail sector, essential services, and the digital economy. Environmental claims, particularly greenwashing, and unfair contract terms will also remain under focus. Notable this year is the ACCC's new priority addressing misleading pricing practices including surcharges and add-on costs. Additionally, businesses should prepare for the new merger control regime commencing January 2026, with voluntary notification available from July 2025. Our Digital and Intellectual Property team have analysed the potential impact these priorities may have on your business. Read the full analysis: https://lnkd.in/g2zw7mpv Alex Hutchens Melissa Miller Belinda Breakspear #mcr #ACCC #CompetitionLaw #ConsumerLaw