Law Council slams immigration minister for “anti-Australian” comments

Law Council slams immigration minister for “anti-Australian” comments
The Law Council of Australia says the immigration minister’s attack on lawyers and law firms that provide pro-bono legal assistance to asylum seekers is regrettable and misguided.

Peter Dutton made the comments on breakfast radio on Monday morning and called lawyers and law firms “un-Australian” for providing help.

The President of the Law Council, Fiona McLeod SC, rejected the comments and said they were “extraordinary” but that the legal rights of individuals can be a “nuisance” to the government.

"There is nothing more Australian than ensuring people are subject to the rule of law and have their legal rights protected,” she said, adding that the Australian legal system reflects the values of fair treatment under the law.

"We have a long and proud history of politicians understanding the importance of showing respect for the independence of our legal system. Today's comments represent an extraordinary break with that history," Ms McLeod concluded.

Norton Rose Fulbright acts on major Qube deal
A team from Norton Rose Fulbright in Sydney has acted for Qube Holdings and related entities on its first major pre-commitment at Moorebank Logistics Park in New South Wales.

The agreement was with Target Australia for the development and leasing of a new purpose-built warehouse and office facility.

The Team was led by special counsel Deanne Ogilvie with partner support from Norton Rose Fulbright global head of real estate Peter Trevaskis.

“We have been closely involved with the Moorebank Logistics Park project for many years and have worked alongside Qube to assist it to move to the delivery phase of the project. This deal marks a significant milestone for our client and we are very proud to be involved,” commented Trevaskis.

Mayer Brown JSM hires former securities regulator
Mayer Brown JSM in Hong Kong has hired Alan Linning as a partner in its litigation and dispute resolution practice.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Linning joins from Sidley Austin and was a former Securities and Futures Commission regulator.

He has also been managing director and head of Asia regional compliance at a leading investment bank and is qualified to practice Hong Kong law and is admitted in Scotland.