Ashurst Perkins Coie, Clayton Utz and G+T have put rivalries aside to launch Launchpad 2 Law. High-achieving students in rural and regional NSW are less likely to head straight to uni compared to city peers. So they’re sending lawyers into schools to talk up deals and travelling, with mentoring and nine $10k scholarships a year: Point Blank

⚖️ Mining: Queensland wants to clear the runway for new mines. The Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, introduced on 15 September, would overhaul how mining leases and environmental authorities are assessed and challenged. The Bill would cut duplication between the Mineral Resources Act and Environmental Protection Act, concentrating environmental assessment within the EP Act framework. For objectors, the changes bite hard. At the moment, objections are automatically referred to the Land Court. Under the Bill, referral would become discretionary, fewer people can object, and the grounds they could rely on would be narrower: Mallesons, Queensland Government

⚖️ Disputes: Disputes can cost a business long before anyone goes to court. Regulators are ramping up enforcement, and investigations are increasingly leading to follow-on litigation, including class actions. That risk crosses borders — a regulator’s stance on vehicle emissions in the UK or US can spark similar claims in Australia. The biggest risk areas are AI and tech, major energy and infrastructure projects, and ESG claims. HSF Kramer says the best defence is to act early. Responding quickly to a complaint or regulator inquiry helps preserve evidence, protect privilege and control the message. Have a crisis plan ready too, as the first 24 to 48 hours matter most: HSF Kramer

⚖️ Regulatory: Crypto businesses have until 30 September 2026 to get their licensing in motion. ASIC has promised not to take enforcement action against digital asset businesses operating without the right licence, but only if they act by the deadline. For most, that means lodging an AFSL application or becoming an authorised representative of a licensee. Crypto exchanges and similar platforms must tell ASIC they plan to apply for a market licence and meet with the regulator. Businesses that plan to shut down can notify ASIC instead. The protection only covers businesses already operating by the end of 2025, and doesn’t extend to crypto lending, earn products or most derivatives: Gilbert + Tobin

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Jim Chalmers is on track to become the highest-taxing treasurer in Australian history. Tax hit 24.1% of GDP last financial year, blowing past the Coalition’s old 23.9% self-imposed cap and just shy of Howard’s 24.2% record. Spending is at a 40-year high outside the pandemic too: AFR

The RBA is expected to lift the cash rate 25bp to 4.6% today, its highest since 2011. Inflation keeps running hot and the economy grew faster than expected, so the board’s run out of patience. RBC thinks another hike in November will take it to 4.85%. HSBC warns that could tip us toward a recession: Bloomberg

⛏️ Northern Star has knocked back a $38.7bn takeover bid from South Africa’s Gold Fields, slamming it as “opportunistic”, with nearly three-quarters paid in riskier Gold Fields stock. Activist Elliott, holding 6.24%, says the board must engage. Mallesons is repping Northern Star: NST, AFR

🏘️ Warburg Pincus has lobbed a third, sweetened bid for Ingenia Communities, pitched 5% to 10% above the $5.05-a-share offer the board knocked back last week. Shareholders want the board to open the data room and ditch its near-$1bn Peet acquisition. Corrs is advising Warburg: AFR

☢️ HSF Kramer and Sidley Austin are acting for Telix Pharmaceuticals on its deal worth up to A$3.3bn for German isotope supplier ITM, with Latham & Watkins and Gilbert + Tobin advising the target: Point Blank