In Practice | A McCullough Robertson Podcast McCullough Robertson

In this episode we talk to Nicola McMahon, Senior Associate with McCullough Robertson Lawyers about how COVID-19 has affected the relationship between employers and their workforces. We examine the increase in employment disputes and unfair dismissal claims, at a time when the national unemployment rate has been steadily rising.

Nicola talks us through some specific employment dispute cases which have come about as a product of working from home and offers advice for employers around their rights and responsibilities in unfair dismissal claims.

In this episode we talk to Naomi Omundson Senior Associate with McCullough Robertson Lawyers about how a black swan event like COVID-19 has impacted equity capital markets both in Australia and internationally.

From the surge of equity capital raisings through to shifts in mergers and acquisitions, Naomi breaks down some of the significant changes, opportunities and future outlook on capital markets.

We talk to two of McCullough Robertson's construction and infrastructure experts about the challenges facing the industry in 2020, and what we can expect to see going into 2021. Special Counsel Alex Power and Senior Associate Darren Williams explain upcoming legislation changes in the sector and how COVID-19 will shake up the industry.

Construction is being hailed as a major part of the nation's post-pandemic economic recovery, with legislation evolving to ensure all stakeholders are appropriately licensed to carry out all components of a project and that reasonable avenues are available for recourse. While at the time of recording changes have not been legislated, Darren and Alex explain why getting legal advice now is prudent in keeping projects moving forward.

In this episode, Alex and Darren provide important advice and tips for businesses to keep projects on track and in line with the new requirements. Plus, they make their prediction about what the sector can expect to see beyond 2020.

In this episode we talk to Partner Dominic McGann, a trusted authority on native title and cultural heritage matters, on how the legal landscape has changed 30 years on from the iconic Mabo decision.

With many misconceptions surrounding this area of law, Dominic talks us through its complexities, from the impact of an increasing number of carbon projects on native title law, to how federal legislation will impact on future native title and cultural heritage cases.

In this episode we talk to Rebecca Lindhout, Special Counsel at McCullough Robertson in Sydney, about the rapidly evolving area of social media defamation.

The 'grapevine effect' of social media makes it a dangerous place to be settling personal scores or slandering rivals, and even the smallest statement may land you or your business in hot water.

Can commenting on a news article amount to defamation? What about sharing a Facebook post or writing a Google review? Rebecca talks us through why it's a dangerous time to be a 'keyboard warrior' yourself, or to play host 'keyboard warriors' on your digital platforms.

In this episode we talk to John Kettle, International Partner at McCullough Robertson, about his experience advising clients through the GFC and how he sees Australian industries and businesses responding to the current economic downturn.

How applicable are the learnings from the GFC to the COVID-19-related crisis? What kinds of opportunities will we see both nationally and globally following this period? John talks us through the industries that are well-positioned for growth and how he sees Australian businesses taking advantage of these growth "sweet spots".