Insights

Legal commentary, analysis, and practical guidance from the Nitre Law team, covering the areas where our practice intersects with the issues that matter to our clients.


Space Law Defence April 2026

AUKUS Pillar II and the Export Control Maze: What Australian Tech Companies Need to Know

The AUKUS advanced capabilities pillar is generating significant opportunities for Australian technology companies — but navigating the interaction between Australian Defence Export Controls, ITAR, and the emerging AUKUS technology-sharing framework requires careful preparation. We outline the key compliance obligations and the risks of getting it wrong.


Maritime Law March 2026

Time Bars in Australian Admiralty: Why One Year Goes Faster Than You Think

The Hague-Visby Rules impose a one-year time bar on cargo claims that is strictly enforced in Australian courts. We examine the key triggers, the limited exceptions, and why cargo interests — and their insurers — should engage lawyers earlier than feels necessary.


Succession Law March 2026

Business Succession Planning: The Agreement You Need Before You Need It

A cross-option buy-sell agreement funded by life insurance is one of the most underutilised tools in Australian business succession planning. We explain how it works, why most business owners wait too long to implement one, and what happens to ownership when they do.


Corporate Law February 2026

Non-Compete Clauses in Australia: The Landscape After Recent Reforms

The enforceability of non-compete clauses in Australian employment contracts has long been uncertain. With recent legislative attention and proposed reforms, employers and employees alike need to understand what is — and is not — likely to hold up. We analyse the current state of play.


Space Law February 2026

Who Is Liable When a Satellite Comes Down? Australia's Absolute Liability Explained

Under the Liability Convention 1972 and the Space (Launch and Return) Activities Act, Australia bears absolute liability for damage caused by objects launched from its territory — regardless of fault. We explain what this means for launch operators, what insurance structures are required, and how indemnity provisions in launch agreements address the risk.


Property Law January 2026

Off-the-Plan Contracts in Queensland: What Buyers Should Demand Before Signing

Off-the-plan purchases carry risks that are not always apparent in the marketing. Sunset clauses, sunset clause abuse, specification variations, and developer insolvency are all live concerns. We outline the contractual protections buyers should insist upon — and the questions that should be asked before any deposit is paid.


Defence Industry January 2026

DISP Membership: What the Process Actually Involves and How to Prepare

The Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) is the gateway to classified defence contracts. Many companies approach the membership process underprepared — with inadequate governance frameworks, incomplete security documentation, or insufficient understanding of the ongoing obligations. We walk through what the process actually involves.


Succession Law December 2025

International Estates: When Your Assets Are in Multiple Countries

Australians with overseas property, foreign bank accounts, or beneficiaries in other jurisdictions face a succession planning challenge that a standard Australian will does not adequately address. We examine the key considerations for multi-jurisdictional estates and the planning tools available.


Maritime Law November 2025

Vessel Arrest in Australia: The Nuclear Option and When to Use It

An action in rem — arresting a vessel in an Australian port — is one of the most powerful remedies available to maritime creditors. It is also one of the most misunderstood. We explain the grounds for arrest under the Admiralty Act, the undertakings required, and the strategic considerations that should guide the decision.