Australia: Civil Law

Victoria's planning enforcement regime has undergone significant transformation following the 2016 Corkman Irish Pub demolition scandal. The new legislative framework introduces unprecedented powers for courts and authorities, including commercial benefit orders, industry exclusion provisions, and civil penalties with lower burdens of proof. These reforms fundamentally reshape how planning violations are prosecuted and penalized across the state.

The Supreme Court of New South Wales has dismissed a delayed diagnosis claim against two medical practitioners arising from an alleged failure to diagnose syphilis in 2018. The proceedings were determined following an application by the defendants under rule 29.10 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW).

Employers that find themselves embroiled in litigation should always seek legal advice when considering costs orders in this jurisdiction.