Smarter Lawcast with Hall & Wilcox
by Hall & Wilcox
Welcome to Smarter Lawcast, the official podcast of Hall & Wilcox, a leading independent Australian law firm. We pride ourselves on our Smarter Law approach, where we work with our clients to creatively solve their legal and business challenges. Tune in to be educated and entertained by our experts’ take on topical legal issues. LinkedIn:@Hall & WilcoxFacebook:@HallandWilcoxInstagram:@hallwilcoxhttps://hallandwilcox.com.au/
Episodes
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Beyond the diversity pipeline: who gets backed to lead?
Getting diverse talent through the door is only the beginning. Creating genuine inclusion means ensuring people have the support, opportunities and sponsorship to build careers, progress and lead. Hall & Wilcox Partner Seun Idowu is joined by Keerthi Ravi, Senior Legal Counsel at PWC and founder…
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Self-insurers in Australia - No room for error: WA’s workers’ compensation reforms in practice
WA’s workers' compensation scheme has been rewritten from the ground up – and for self-insurers, the new framework leaves little room for missed deadlines or technical mistakes. From tighter liability decision timeframes to stricter settlement and notice requirements, getting the process right...
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Lost in pronunciation: identity, culture and belonging at work
What does it mean when someone feels they need to change their name to fit in? The stories behind our names can reveal powerful insights about identity, culture and the experiences that shape us. Hall & Wilcox Partner Seun Idowu is joined by Diana Yaqco and Jade Tillekeratne to explore the…
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Self-insurers in Australia - The early bird gets the return to work: workers’ compensation changes in QLD and SA
Workers’ compensation reforms are changing the expectations on self-insurers in Queensland and South Australia, but with little judicial guidance so far, navigating the new landscape isn’t straight forward. Hall & Wilcox Partner Ilona Strong is joined by Partner Angela Brookes and Special…
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Self-insurers in Australia - The jury’s still out: navigating Victoria’s workers’ compensation reforms
More than two years after Victoria workers’ compensation reforms took effect, some of the biggest questions remain unanswered. With little judicial guidance on key tests for mental injury and ongoing weekly payments, self-insurers are still navigating plenty of grey. Hall & Wilcox Partners Ilona...
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Cultural Inclusion Conversations - Who’s missing from the table? Representation and inclusion in law
Getting someone’s name right is about more than respect – it’s a reflection of the culture we create and the value we place on belonging. While small moments matter, lasting inclusion also depends on representation, curiosity andleadership. Hall & Wilcox Partner Seun Idowu is joined by...
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Self-insurers in Australia - Navigating NSW psychological injury reforms
A major shake-up to psychological injury claims is now in effect in New South Wales. From new eligibility thresholds to a different approach for trauma and conduct claims, the reforms have significant implications for employers. Hall & Wilcox Partner Ilona Strong and Special Counsel Belinda Walsh...
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Cultural Inclusion Conversations - Call the witness…by the right name: why names matter in law
Getting someone’s name right is one of simplest ways to build trust, but it’s something the legal profession doesn’t always get right. The way we recognise, and respect people’s identities can shape their experience of the legal system, strengthen client relationships and foster a more inclusive...
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AI and legal professional privilege in Australia and the US (Part 2)
Lauren Separovich and Ian Clarke-Fisher continue their discussion on how artificial intelligence is impacting legal professional privilege, exploring how AI is changing litigation practice in the United States and what this means for Australia. They examine judicial guidance, the implications of...
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Cultural Inclusion Conversations - Coffee, a case note and cultural inclusion
Creating inclusive workplaces starts with the choices each of us makes every day. From the language we use to the assumptions we make, small actions can have a lasting impact on whether people feel they belong. Hall & Wilcox Partner Seun Idowu is joined by James d’Apice, founder of Gravamen and...
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AI and legal professional privilege in Australia and the US (Part 1)
Lauren Separovich and Ian Clarke-Fisher discuss how US courts are responding to artificial intelligence and what Australian lawyers can learn from these developments. They explore the landmark United States v Heppner decision, whether AI should be treated as a third party and the implications for...
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From risk to resilience: what great leadership looks like in practice
Fay Calderone is joined by Hall & Wilcox Chief Executive Partner Graydon Dowd and employment partner Alison Baker to discuss what great leadership looks like in today’s increasingly complex workplace environment. From psychosocial safety and high performance to communication, resilience and...
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Leading through workplace transformation and disruption
Fay Calderone is joined by partners Emily Harvey and Suzie Leask to discuss how leaders can navigate workplace transformation amid rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, and growing employee expectations. From AI governance and board accountability to psychological safety and workforce...
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Work bias and assumptions about names and accents
Seun Idowu and Sewar Mitanis discuss the connectionbetween names, cultural identity and professional experience. They explore the realities of having a name that is often mispronounced, the impact of assumptions in the workplace, and how experiences of bias and belonging canshape how individuals...
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Reasonable management action: when employers get it right and wrong
Fay Calderone is joined by Sean Sullivan and Clare Kerley to discuss reasonable management action and the challenges employers face when managing performance, conduct and workplace complaints. They explore common misconceptions, why workplace issues often escalate into legal claims and how...
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Psychosocial hazards at work: what employers need to know and do
Fay Calderone is joined by Jessica Luker and Nicholas Beech to discuss the growing focus on psychosocial hazards in the workplace and what it means for employers. They explore what psychosocial risks are, how regulators are enforcingcompliance and what organisations should be thinking about when...
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Balancing identity and professionalism through your name at work
Seun Idowu, Aash Velhal and Stephen Lin discuss how names reflect cultural identity and the role workplaces create in creating inclusive environments. They explore personal experiences of adapting names, the confidence to correct others and practical ways organisations can make it easier to get...
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Restructures and redundancies: when is a redundancy really genuine?
Fay Calderone is joined by Rosemary Roach and Piers Mitchem to discuss the legal and practical challenges organisations face when navigating restructures and redundancies. They explore what makes a redundancy genuinely compliant under the Fair Work Act, where employers commonly get it wrong and…
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How can registered providers in Australia manage debt risk in aged care?
Karl Rozenbergs, Alison Choy Flannigan and David Markham discuss how registered providers in Australia can manage debt risk under the new Aged Care Act 2024, including the shift to means-tested co-payments, what security of tenure rules mean in practice and practical steps providers can take to...
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Owning your name at work and building confidence
Seun Idowu and Sonia Sawant discuss the role names play inrecognising identity and fostering respect in the legal profession. They explore name fatigue, the pressure to anglicise and how greater awareness and confidence, particularly among the next generation, are driving more inclusive practices.
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Getting names right at work and why it signals respect
Seun Idowu and Kenny Trần discuss the significance of names in professional settings, including the impact of correct pronunciation, the use of diacritical marks and how small actions can signal respect and inclusion. They explore Kenny’s experience with court recognition of his name and what it...
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How can Australian businesses build trust with customers around privacy and data?
Suzie Leask, Alison Baker and Eden Winokur discuss Australia’s privacy landscape, to celebrate Privacy Awareness Week 2026, which has a theme of ‘Trust is built here’. With businesses holding more data than ever before, organisations should focus on transparency, consent and security when it…
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Property development tax: capital vs revenue rules
Jacqueline McGrath and Adam Dimac unpack the capital versus revenue distinction in property development and why it remains a key ATO focus. They explore recent cases, common risk areas and practical steps, like strong documentation, to help manage risk.
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What’s in a name? Identity, belonging and getting it right
Seun Idowu and Sumith Perera discuss what’s in a name and why it matters, including the cultural significance of names, the impact of mispronunciation and how getting names right can foster inclusion, respect and belonging in the workplace.
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Tax Records - Are gifts of money from overseas taxable in Australia?
Sophia Wang and Frank Hinoporos explore when money received from overseas relatives is truly a gift for Australian tax purposes, and when it may attract scrutiny from the ATO. They highlight key red flags, what the ATO looks for, and why clear documentation, including a deed of gift, is critical…
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AI and legal professional privilege in Australia and the UK (Part 2)
Lauren Separovich and James Shiel continue their discussion on how artificial intelligence is impacting legal professional privilege, comparing developments in Australia and the United Kingdom. They examine differences and similarities in judicial language, the evolving distinction between open…
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Can Australia produce its own fuel? Inside the Cleaner Fuels Program
Catie Moore and Zachary Whale of GrainGrowers discuss the Commonwealth Government's $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program and what it means for Australia. They explore the role of canola in low carbon fuel production, lessons from the US and EU and the policy settings needed to support a domestic...
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AI and legal professional privilege in Australia and the UK (Part 1)
Lauren Separovich and James Shiel discuss how artificialintelligence is impacting legal professional privilege, with a focus on how the issue is being approached in both Australia and the United Kingdom. They explore key similarities and differences in legal frameworks, significant UpperTribunal...
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Tax Records - What to consider when claiming the R&D tax incentive in Australia
Gloria Lim and Ruby Wensor look beyond core eligibility requirements to unpack the broader risk and governance considerations for businesses claiming the R&D tax incentive in Australia. They explore ATO focus areas, commercial arrangements that can affect R&D claims, the relevance of considering...
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What happens if your will is invalid in Australia?
Laura Hanrahan and McLane Edinger discuss what happens when an informal will application is unsuccessful and how estates are dealt with in those circumstances. They explore the potential outcomes, including the role of earlier wills, intestacy and partial intestacy, and the risks of beneficiaries...
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Informal wills: what are they and how do you avoid them?
Laura Hanrahan and Karen Gaston discuss the rise of informal wills in Australia and how the courts determine whether a document can be admitted to probate. They explore the key legal requirements, recent case examples including digital documents, and the practical challenges in proving…
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What are Australian courts and regulators saying about AI and legal professional privilege?
Catie Moore and Lauren Separovich discuss how Australian courts and regulators are responding to the growing use of AI in legal practice and what it means for legal professional privilege. They explore recent Family Court decisions, emerging judicial commentary, and key developments, including…
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AI and legal professional privilege - Can using AI waive privilege?
Catie Moore and Lauren Separovich discuss the growing intersection between AI and legal professional privilege, including recent developments in Australia and overseas. They explore the risks of uploading confidential information to open AI platforms, emerging court decisions, and…
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Business Succession - Succession planning for family businesses: family offices, boards and values
Erin Brown and Emma Woolley discuss the role of the family office in succession planning, including trends in family governance, how families can prevent future conflict and why documenting values and preparing the next generation is key to preserving wealth and purpose across generations.
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Self-insurers in Australia - Psychological injuries at work in WA and SA
Ilona Strong, Stephanie Driscoll and Ben Clarke discuss how psychological injury work claims are assessed in Western Australia and South Australia.
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Business Succession - Succession planning: do you hold your business interests together with third parties?
Erin Brown and Jacqui Barrett discuss the transition of directly held businesses and why it is vital to plan for the transition of your business, whether to ensure a smooth transfer of wealth and control to the next generation or to avoid an unexpected business partner in case of an unplanned...
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Self-insurers in Australia - Psychological injuries at work in ACT and NT
Ilona Strong, Rebecca Huleatt and Kate Frost discuss the differing approaches taken in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory towards psychological injuries in the workplace.
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Australia’s international law obligations for climate change
Nathan Kennedy and guest Gillian Moon discuss the Australian Human Rights Institute’s ‘State of Denial’ report, and the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, in which it stated, among other points, that all states have a binding international law duty to prevent significant harm to…
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Business Succession - Succession planning for business owners and families: fundamentals and foundations
Erin Brown and James Whiley discuss the fundamentals of business succession planning, including why a structured plan matters, how different business structures impact succession and the key documents and strategies that help business owners protect continuity, preserve family harmony and plan…
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Self-insurers in Australia - Psychological injuries at work in Queensland
Ilona Strong and Angela Brookes discuss psychological injuries at work in Queensland, including what is compensable and how to defend these types of claims.
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Doing Business in Australia - Spotlight on migration and employment trends
Mark Dunphy and Kristopher Kunasingam discuss Australia’s approach to migration and its intricate employment laws. There’s many issues for foreign investors to be aware of, from visas to employer record-keeping obligations, strict unfair dismissal to penalties for non-compliance.
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Self-insurers in Australia - Psychological injuries at work in Victoria
Ilona Strong and Andrew Stamp outline two hypothetical scenarios and explore how Victorian law deals with psychological injuries at work.
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Doing Business in Australia - Spotlight on South East Asia
Mark Dunphy and Ed Paton discuss key issues for South East Asia investors to consider when investing in Australia, including how to navigate Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approvals and the effect on foreign investment that new merger clearance laws from 1 January 2026 will have.
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Self-insurers in Australia - Psychological injuries at work in New South Wales
Ilona Strong and Tim Ainsworth discuss how NSW law applies to psychological injuries in the workplace. They outline two hypothetical scenarios, exploring what needs to be satisfied for a claim to be compensable and what defences are available under NSW law.
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Doing Business in Australia - Spotlight on the UK
Historical ties bind Australia and the UK – but the legal systems have evolved to be very different, particularly in financial regulation and industrial relations. Chris Brown and guest Nigel Clark discuss the UK and Australian markets. There are plenty of opportunities for UK companies looking…
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Doing Business in Australia - Spotlight on the US
Mark Dunphy, Jacqui Barrett and Ben Hamilton discuss key issues US investors need to navigate when investing in Australia. They explore the sectors currently attracting US investors, the growing influence of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) on cross-border deals and the impact of...
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Navigating whistleblower obligations under the new Aged Care Act
Alison Choy Flannigan and Nathan Luker, co-founder of Your Call, unpack the new whistleblowing obligations for aged care providers under the new Aged Care Act, commencing 1 November 2025. They discuss internal vs external reporting pathways, confidentiality requirements and what providers must do...
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Tax Records - What triggers a Tax Practitioners Board review and how to prepare
Jacqueline McGrath and Sara Shahin discuss the evolving role of the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) – from changes to the Tax Agent Services Act to new code obligations and what triggers a TPB review. They break down breach reporting requirements, extended investigation timeframes and what tax...
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Cyberzone: Data, ransomware & the power of cyber injunctions
Partner and Head of Cyber Eden Winokur and barrister Tamir Maltz explore the use of cyber injunctions in Australia in response to data breaches. The discussion includes how they work, when to seek them and the value they offer victims of data breaches. They also discuss non-publication orders,...
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Tax Records - Section 167 assessments: Asset betterment methodology
In raising default assessments, the Commissioner of Taxation may utilise the ‘asset betterment’ methodology to deem an amount to which tax will be payable. Jacqueline McGrath and Lloyd Miller explain the methodology and outline what sort of mistakes taxpayers commonly make in challenging these...
About this show
Welcome to Smarter Lawcast, the official podcast of Hall & Wilcox, a leading independent Australian law firm. We pride ourselves on our Smarter Law approach, where we work with our clients to creatively solve their legal and business challenges. Tune in to be educated and entertained by our experts’ take on topical legal issues. LinkedIn:@Hall & WilcoxFacebook:@HallandWilcoxInstagram:@hallwilcoxhttps://hallandwilcox.com.au/
Hosted by
Hall & Wilcox