Regulatory Investigations

Regulators such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACC) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have become more aggressive in their efforts to expose and punish corporate misconduct.  This has led to increased exposure for corporations and individuals in a variety of areas under the Trade Practices legislation and the Corporations Act.

Claims by regulators including APRA, ASIC and the ACCC requires a specialised knowledge of the works of such organisations.  Holding Redlich has such expertise and regularly assists our clients in relation to prosecutions brought against individuals and companies by regulators.

Holding Redlich advises and acts on behalf of companies, directors and individuals in relation to:

• ACCC investigations into anti-competitive conduct;
• Investigations by ASIC which can include civil and criminal penalties arising out of corporate conduct in breach of the Corporations Law;
• Federal criminal investigations undertaken by the Australian Crime Commission (ACC);
• Investigations and prosecutions by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA);
• Reviews and prosecutions undertaken by Customs relating to licensing, importing and quarantine;
• Safety, insurance and rehabilitation prosecutions by Comcare;
• Safety, insurance and rehabilitation prosecutions by the State and Territory Safety Regulators;
• Civil penalty litigation issued by Fair Work Ombudsman arising out of workplace law breaches;
• Civil and criminal litigation issued by the Australian Building and Constructions Commissioner (ABCC) arising out of building and constructions industry conduct; and
• Migration matters against the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIMA).

In addition, the firm has significant experience in respect to the variety of Royal Commissions and Commissions of Inquiry.  In particular, the firm has had major roles on behalf of high profile entities in respect of the AWB Royal Commission, the Royal Commission into the Victoria Bush Fires, the HIH Royal Commission and is also currently involved in the 2011 Flood Commission Inquiry in Queensland.