Agribusiness & equine law
Overview
The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the Australian economy and one of the country’s largest export industries. The sector plays a crucial role in ensuring domestic food security and is also a major employer with 300,000 people directly and indirectly working in the sector.
Our specialised team advises some of Australia’s largest rural landholders and agribusiness owners, investors, financiers and producers, as well as high-profile Australian and offshore horse breeders, trainers, owners and competitors of all disciplines.
We understand the challenges the agribusiness and equine sectors face, such as facing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, adopting more sustainable practices and addressing workforce shortages in agribusiness. We also appreciate equine-specific issues, such as horse welfare, biosecurity and the recognition of animal sentience in law, as has occurred in the Australian Capital Territory and is likely to be extended to other states and territories.
Our team draws on experts in the firm’s property, corporate and commercial, banking and finance, foreign investment, employment and safety, tax, wills, estates and succession teams to ensure clients receive astute advice that helps them make the most of opportunities and minimises risks and the potential for disputes.
Our agribusiness expertise spans advising on:
- acquisitions and sales
- business structuring and succession planning
- commercial contracts, including supply, employment and building
- employment and industrial relations
- environmental law
- financing
- foreign investment review board applications and approvals, and
- native title.
Our equine law expertise spans advising on:
- agreements – breeding, management, training, agistment and joint ventures
- asset protection
- disputes in Australia and overseas
- endorsement, sponsorship and other marketing or promotional arrangements
- risk management
- syndications, co-ownership and managed investment schemes, and
- transport matters, including drafting cartage terms and conditions.
Our practical understanding of the equine industry is bolstered by the continued involvement of some of our key lawyers in racing, dressage and showjumping industries as owners, exhibitors and competitors.
We also work with significant businesses in regional and rural markets including Australia's most prestigious boarding schools, regional councils, local health services, schools and care providers.
