Gilbert + Tobin

This is a service specifically targeted at the needs of busy non-executive directors. We aim to give you a “heads-up” on the things that matter for the week ahead – all in just a few minutes. In this edition, we cover ASX’s consultation on the draft fifth edition of its Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, including what boards should do ahead of the 14 September 2026 submission deadline. We also examine ASIC’s three-year bans of two former NextGen Financial Group directors for failing to comply with AFCA determinations, a Takeovers Panel application concerning a 12.24% stake in Adslot Ltd, and the disclosure risks arising where beneficial ownership and associations are unclear. In Over the Horizon, we explore the Australian Government’s latest AI consumer-safety priorities and what they mean for board oversight, including AI governance, risk management, accountability and escalation processes. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gKG9A3vv Justin Mannolini 马俊廷 GAICD SF Fin, Ariane Moir, Rachael Griffiths-Szeto

Australia has the resources. The question is whether we can create the conditions to capture the next wave of value. Pilbara 3.0 isn't just about critical minerals or renewable energy. It's about building an ecosystem where infrastructure, capital, policy and industry move together. Swipe through for key insights from Clare Pope and Craig Tindale's article. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gDhGm3hr #Resources #EnergyTransition #Infrastructure

The Australian Government has proposed significant reforms to Australia's modern slavery laws, including a new offence for failing to prevent modern slavery in supply chains and civil penalties for reporting failures.   These changes come against the backdrop of recent announcements by the US Govt that it will be levying additional tariffs against nations that it sees as not doing enough on forced labour. Andrew Hii and Claire McGrath outline the proposed reforms and what boards and organisations should be thinking about. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gPKAKfSm #ESG #ModernSlavery #Governance #RiskManagement

AI has moved from the margins to the centre of corporate life.     Boards are increasingly using AI to summarise papers, test strategy and support decision-making. But while the technology is changing rapidly, directors' duties remain the same – and regulators are watching closely.    In the second article of our AI disputes series, Kasia Dziadosz-Findlay, Crispian Lynch, Richard Harris, Philippa Hofbrucker and Peter Munro examine what the law expects of directors and boards, and the practical steps organisations can take to manage AI governance and reduce litigation risk.    Here are seven key takeaways for boards navigating AI governance.    Explore the full insight to learn what boards and directors should be doing now: https://lnkd.in/gBFqqh2P   #AIDisputes #ArtificialIntelligence #BoardGovernance #DirectorsDuties 

AI is changing the pace of cyber risk and the questions boards need to ask. In The Australian Financial Review, Gilbert + Tobin partner Ross Phillipson discusses why static checklists and point-in-time assessments are no longer enough. As AI shortens the time between identifying and exploiting a vulnerability, organisations need to know whether their controls can adapt and perform under pressure. Effective cyber governance is not just about confirming that controls exist. It is about understanding the real risk, testing those controls and responding quickly when the threat changes. Read Ross’ perspective and James Eyers’ article below.

Australia’s housing challenge requires new models of partnership, capital and delivery.   Over FY26, Gilbert + Tobin has advised community housing providers, financiers, sponsors and government agencies on major social and affordable housing projects across Australia – supporting the delivery of hundreds of new homes.   Our work has included HAFF-backed and other significant housing developments for Housing Australia, Bridge Housing, Evolve Housing, Junction Housing and the Tetris-led Together Housing Victoria consortium.   Alongside our transaction work, we continue to support community housing providers on structuring, charities and governance matters and contribute to broader industry engagement across the sector.   Watch our FY26 social and affordable housing highlights.   #SocialHousing #AffordableHousing #CommunityHousing #HousingAustralia #Infrastructure #ProjectFinance   Adela Smith, Zac Kerr, Darren Fittler, Elizabeth Wighton, James Frixou, Matthew Hundt.

The 2026 Charity Law Association CLAANZ Annual Conference has wrapped at Gilbert + Tobin’s Sydney office. On day two, our partner Elizabeth Wighton joined Steven Moe and Simon Miller for a panel on charity mergers, restructures and diversification, chaired by partner Darren Fittler. Special counsel Kaushalya Mataraaratchi also spoke on charitable bequests. Across two days, charity leaders, advisers, regulators and sector experts examined the issues shaping charities and not-for-profits, from regulation, tax and artificial intelligence to volunteering and bequests. Thank you to CLAANZ, our speakers and everyone who joined us in person and online for two days of practical discussion and shared insight. #CharityLaw #NotForProfit #CLAANZ #SocialSector

Day one of the 2026 Charity Law Association CLAANZ Annual Conference brought together charity leaders, advisers, regulators and sector experts at Gilbert + Tobin’s Sydney office for a timely discussion on the issues shaping charities and not-for-profits. G+T partner Darren Fittler opened the conference with a keynote on pressing issues in charity law, followed by sessions on policy, the use of AI by charities and tax issues facing the sector. Thank you to all speakers and attendees for a thoughtful and practical first day. We look forward to continuing the conversation on day two today. #CharityLaw #NotForProfit #CLAANZ

Private capital remains a defining force in Australia's M&A landscape, with sponsors and investors pursuing high-quality assets across mid-market, large-cap and infrastructure transactions. Offshore capital also remains a significant force, driving competition for quality assets.   From take-privates and growth equity investments to strategic exits and sponsor-to-sponsor transactions, these deals have required disciplined execution, innovative structuring and deep expertise across regulatory, financing and competition matters.   G+T continues to advise sponsors, investors and corporates across the full investment life cycle, supporting some of the market's most significant and complex transactions.   Here is a snapshot of some of the private capital M&A transactions we’ve advised on over the past 12 months.   Alex Kauye, Rachael Bassil, Peter Cook, David Josselsohn, Hiroshi Narushima, Costas Condoleon, Nirangjan Nagarajah, Beth Cameron, Olivia Blakiston, Ilona Hunnisett, Andrew Earle, Matthew Coe.   #PrivateCapital #PrivateEquity #MergersandAcquisitions #GTlaw

Why Australia? Why now? Australia has become a key destination for data centre developers, investors and operators seeking exposure to long-term digital infrastructure growth – but the opportunity comes with complexity. In our Building and scaling an Australian data centre platform guide, Real Assets co-leads Stuart Cormack and Ben Cosentino explore why Australia continues to attract investment and the key opportunities and constraints shaping the market, including updates following the Australian Government’s 15 July announcement on a proposed national framework for data centre and AI infrastructure development. Swipe through for a snapshot, then download the updated guide: Building and scaling an Australian data centre platform: from market entry to platform scale #RealAssets #DataCentres #DigitalInfrastructure