When you need to know more.

Welcome to the latest issue of our SA Public Sector Newsletter.The South Australian government has responded to last week’s Federal Budget by announcing a historic agreement that will see struggling South Australian households and businesses receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill rebates. The SA Government has committed $127.2 million for the National Energy Bill Relief Plan, which will be matched by the Commonwealth dollar for dollar.The Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice report has recommended that the Federal Government pass the Constitution Alteration Bill without amendment. The Committee’s recommendation reflects the overwhelming consensus of constitutional and legal experts, who told the Committee that the amendment is constitutionally sound.The newsletter also includes our usual round-up of practice notes, cases and legislation.

Thomson Geer is advising lithium miner Leo Lithium Ltd on a strategic placement of shares that will raise A$106.1 million from joint venture partner and China's largest lithium producer Ganfeng.

Thomson Geer is advising early learning centre owner and operator Embark Education Group Ltd on its proposed delisting from the New Zealand Stock Exchange and re-domicile on the Australian Securities Exchange.

The recent case of Calix Limited v Grenof Pty Ltd & Aquadex Pty Ltd (Calix v Grenof) marks the first time the Federal Court of Australia has analysed section 121A of the Patents Act 1990 (Cth) (Act), a provision that reverses the burden of proof in patent infringement proceedings under specific circumstances.

Green hydrogen, which is hydrogen produced from wind and solar, has become an important investment theme in Australia recently, and is expected to become a major catalyst in Australia's transition to net zero emissions by 2050.

The High Court of Australia has clarified what it means when a business is sold on an ongoing basis, reinforcing the need for buyers and sellers to be prepared if circumstances change to avoid costly disputes.

Emerging Australian copper explorer Fetch Metals Limited has completed the acquisition of Queensland Mining Corporation Pty Ltd (QMC) after acquiring the final 41.4 per cent of the company it did not already own for A$20.8 million with assistance from Thomson Geer.

Thomson Geer is advising ASX-listed gold company Chesser Resources Limited (ASX:CHZ) on its proposed acquisition by Canada-based global precious metals miner, Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., in an all-scrip deal valuing Chesser at A$89 million.