Insight

Australasian In the Law: Legal News From Our Recently Awarded Countries

Best Lawyers highlights the top legal stories out of Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, in conjunction with the 2024 Australasian launch.

Suited man sitting at table using a tablet
GS

Gregory Sirico

April 19, 2023 09:00 AM

As Best Lawyers® acknowledges the professional excellence of lawyers across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore in the latest 2024 edition launches, we consider headlining news impacting the current legal landscape in these countries. Those recognized as Best Lawyers or “Ones to Watch” honorees are among the many lawyers navigating these complex cases and agreements, transforming their countries and influencing legislation.

Australia

In a historic tripartite agreement between the U.S., U.K. and Australia, government officials recently announced the Australian military’s plan to acquire a sizeable fleet of Pacific-based nuclear-powered submarines, with projected costs zeroing in at roughly $368 billion between now and 2050. This announcement is only one part of the multidecade AUKUS deal aiming to counter China’s recent military expansion.

Enacted in 2021, under this pact, the U.S. and U.K. will assist Australia in achieving nuclear-powered military capabilities. Additionally, the AUKUS deal may also entail future cooperation between nations on projects in areas such as advanced cyber mechanics, AI and quantum technologies, to name a few. Though the pact remains in the ground stages, many questions surrounding environmental awareness and nuclear waste disposal have risen to the surface.

Several Australian lawmakers, specifically from the Labor Party, have broken ranks with their political colleagues, raising their personal concerns over the recent AUKUS agreement. Currently, countrywide voter polls indicate a majority of the public remains “worried” about the deal’s huge cost.

As political and regulatory resistance aimed at protecting remote parts of Australia begins to brew, lawmakers and citizens alike are left wondering what regions will become designated nuclear waste storage sites for the inbound fleet of submarine reactors.

New Zealand

On March 17, 50,000 primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers gathered for a one-day strike in New Zealand. Across the nation, from Auckland to Wellington, all public schools were shut down as the country held its largest industrial-based protest since the teachers' strike of 2019. The one-day strike, spearheaded by the Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) and the New Zealand Educational Institute, began after trade union representatives rejected the Labor Party-led government's offers on compensation and benefits.

Teachers and other educational staff alike, who continued to persist despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly deemed the government's offer inadequate in relation to the massive strain put on educators. PPTA president Chris Abercrombie, who has worked firsthand with educators for the last year to improve compensation and overall working conditions, expressed his disappointment in the government's failure to act.

"The results of the ballot show clearly that members believe the time for words from the government has passed. This is essentially about teachers withdrawing their labor because of a lack of progress in the negotiations. PPTA has been in talks with the Ministry of Education for almost a year. Parents need to know that we are fighting for the quality of their children's secondary education," stated Abercrombie, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.

Jennifer Mills, an Auckland-based employment lawyer and founder of boutique firm Jennifer Mills & Associates, is amongst a growing group of legal professionals currently offering advice to parents facing legal action from their employers following the events of the strike.

"My advice to an employee would be, if you haven't already, communicate with your employer that you're going to need time to care for your child because you haven't been able to find alternative childcare arrangements. My strong advice is to ask for payment, working from home arrangements, some kind of leave and then there cannot be justified disciplinary action taken against an employee,” stated Mills, as reported by Newshub.

The New Zealand strike, which is still no longer underway, is only one moving part in what seems to be a growing global movement of labor protests. Lawyers representing both parents and teachers alike expect settlements to take place in the foreseeable future. Whether it be teachers, nurses or other essential workers, individuals are rallying together against regulatory inaction in the face of mounting inflation worldwide.

Japan

Almost a decade after it was introduced, Japan’s longstanding reconstruction tax still plays a pivotal role in how the government goes about rebuilding public land, namely within prefectures affected by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011. The tax, implemented shortly after the disaster in January 2013, works in tandem with a sizeable, government-supplied relief budget of ¥114.38 trillion ($870 billion), used to cover reconstruction efforts in Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate, the most heavily impacted areas.

Since then, the reconstruction tax, which draws from the general public’s income at a fixed rate of 2.1% until the end of 2037, has generated roughly ¥400 billion ($3 billion) in annual government revenues. As of March 2022, the funds levied, along with the relief budget, amass to ¥39 trillion ($293 billion), leading many living in Japan to question whether the reconstruction tax is still necessary. Additionally, governmental critics across the country are quick to point out when the funds are misused, resulting in increased public demands for a more stringent method of allocating the already sizeable relief budget.

The Reconstruction Agency, a government organization established in 2012 to manage the tax, has adamantly stated that all funds are strictly utilized to fortify damaged infrastructures, revitalize local industries and businesses and directly aid displaced people. Despite growing disapproval amongst the public, the government recently proposed yet another extension to the reconstruction tax to finance increases in defense spending and improve childcare policy moving forward, an extension that will likely be met by swift legal action.

Singapore

On March 4, the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) concluded another successful round of international negotiations, proctoring a new agreement regarding the conservation, sustainability and usage of marine biodiversity in areas outside government jurisdiction. Despite having bodies of water teaming with marine biodiversity, only about 1% of the world’s seas are currently under government regulation, according to a study conducted by the UN.

Led by Rena Lee, Singapore’s Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the BBNJ agreement came to fruition through a series of international discussions starting in 2004. Since 2018, Singapore has taken the lead over negotiations of the BBNJ agreement, striving to enhance the international legal authority responsible for conserving biological diversity in areas not heavily trafficked for economic benefit. After longstanding negotiations and lingering doubts about whether progress was within reach, lawyers dedicating their time to construct these environmental clauses are elated to see regulatory action put behind the complex language they have carefully drafted.

“Singapore welcomes the successful and timely conclusion of the BBNJ Agreement. The success of the BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference process reaffirms the importance and relevance of multilateral cooperation and the United Nations in establishing and upholding a rules-based international order. Singapore looks forward to the universal adoption and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement,” stated the Minister for Foreign Affairs office in an official post.

One aspect that sets past agreements apart from the BBNJ is an additional financial commitment. By signing, developed countries express their willingness to provide an additional 50% of all annual contributions to fund building projects that will allow developing nations to conserve and sustainably manage their marine biodiversity. Additionally, the agreement requires nations to participate in a shared network of marine genetic resources by facilitating access to samples and biodata on organisms outside national jurisdictions. In what was the largest multilateral environmental convention since the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, over 200 nations signed the BBNJ agreement, securing what is expected to be a positive future for the high seas—a global common ground for all sovereign nations.

Headline Image: adobestock/bernardbodo

Related Articles

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer poses for legal headshot in purple dress

Eva Davis

Corporate Law

Los Angeles, CA

2025

One of NY’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers on 2 Surprising Trends Transforming the Industry


by Gregory Sirico

Lawyer Jeff Korek talks emerging personal injury law trends in IVF litigation and trial scarcity.

Doctor consoles couple in medical office

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer in suit smiles for professional headshot

Kevin M. Levy

Technology Law

Miami, FL

2025

History Eraser


by Gregory Sirico

Penguin Random House and several other major book publishing houses filed litigation against Florida education leaders who recently passed a book ban law.

Penguin logo in front of black and white books

Scarlett Law Group: Mastering TBI Trial Law


by Justin Smulison

Randall H. Scarlett shares successes in traumatic brain injury cases, fueling Scarlett Law Group's growth across Northern California with specialized insights.

Two lawyers, suited, standing in front of law firm sign

"Lawyer of the Year"


Man in suit and tie smiling for professional headshot

Dylan D. Rudolph

Litigation - ERISA

San Francisco, CA

2025

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer poses for professional firm headshot

Mindi M. Richter

Copyright Law

Tampa, FL

2025

One of the Greatest Ever...


by Justin Smulison

Steve Yerrid, a top catastrophic injury lawyer, has secured over 300 verdicts of $1M+ and has been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Tampa.

Lawyer in blue suit poses in office for headshot

IN PARTNERSHIP

Georgia Car Accident: How to File a Car Accident Case


by Robert Hammers

In a car accident in Georgia? Read this guide for key steps from actions at the scene to settlement talks and lawsuit filing. Stay informed and prepared.

Figure with clipboard assesses the scene of an accident

How a New Maryland Bike Safety Law Honors a Client’s Legacy


by Justin Smulison

Four-time Lawyer Of The Year Patrick Regan discusses how a client’s bicycling tragedy led to a result that improved Maryland traffic law to protect riders.

Group of lawyers posing for a photo

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer wearing glasses and suit smiles in headshot photo

Duane C. Pozza

Advertising Law

Washington, D.C., DC

2025

New SAFE Act Aims to Tackle Rising Crime in DC


by Gregory Sirico

As DC grapples with skyrocketing crime rates, the Secure Apartments for Everyone Regulation Amendment Act seeks to implement actionable change

Security cameras affixed to animated building

IN PARTNERSHIP

Three Steps To Maximizing Compensation After a Columbus Car Accident


by Jonathan Mani

Car accidents could result in costly medical bills and significant pain and suffering. To ensure you're compensated, contact a car accident attorney now.

Toy car laying upside down on pile of money

IN PARTNERSHIP

Immigration Pathways in the United States


by Versfeld & Hugo

Leon Versfeld knows firsthand how challenging obtaining a visa can be. Whether your path to residency involves investments, employment or athletic accolades, Versfeld & Hugo will guide you through every step.

Immigration Pathways in the United States

IN PARTNERSHIP

Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey: Compassionate Service and Relentless Representation


by Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey

The attorneys at Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey, LLC are here to help you navigate your criminal case in South Carolina, specializing in DUIs, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Homicide and Expungement.

Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey: Compassionate and Relentless

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipemtn

Beyond the Billables


by Michele M. Jochner

In a recently conducted, comprehensive study, data reveals a plethora of hidden realities that parents working full-time in the legal industry face every day.

Women in business attire pushing stroller takes a phone call