New Zealand: In this edition of the Echo, we consider whether one person can undertake both roles of investigator and decision-maker in a disciplinary process. We touch on a recent case regarding undertaking a proper process which involves neurodiverse employees, and to finish, we discuss the recent Modern Slavery Bill.

Vietnam: Foreign employees in Vietnam typically serve in managerial, specialist, or other highly skilled technical roles, often accompanied by competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits packages. In practice, however, disagreements arising during the course of employment may escalate into protracted court proceedings between employers and foreign employees. To assist both employers and foreign employees in navigating these challenges, this newsletter highlights several key legal issues commonly encountered in disputes concerning the termination of labor contracts involving foreign personnel.

The Defamation (Amendment) Act 2026 (the Act) has been a long time coming. For years, litigants, practitioners, some corners of the political sphere and at times even the judiciary have been calling for review of defamation law in Ireland. 

Dentons Lee announced that the Supreme Court of Korea’s ruling on February 26 recognizing copyright protection for golf course designs marks a significant turning point not only for Korea but also for the global screen golf and golf industries.

Ukraine: Ukraine’s defense industry has undergone a profound transformation since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Once largely oriented toward legacy Soviet-era production and domestic defense procurement, the sector has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic and innovative defense ecosystems in Europe.

Poland: Connection to the Polish gas network requires obtaining connection conditions, concluding a connection agreement, and paying a regulated fee. System operators are obliged to ensure equal and non-discriminatory access where technical and economic conditions are met. Recent regulatory changes increase flexibility for gas-fired power plants and aim to clarify the validity period of gas connection conditions.

Australia: Remote, hybrid and flexible working arrangements have become the norm (and in some cases, are becoming a matter of legal right) in Australia’s post-pandemic workforce. It is therefore unsurprising that as we enter 2026, many employers are grappling with the balance between ensuring commercial productivity and compliance with their work health and safety, and privacy obligations, whilst also respecting and enabling employee flexibility. Our latest article discusses how employers can practically navigate these important but sometimes competing business challenges.

Australia: This month’s update explores the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission’s decision in Loquias v The Star Entertainment Group and John Dwyer [2026] QIRC 23. The case provides practical guidance on preventing workplace sexual harassment and clarifies the limits of employer vicarious liability under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), particularly for interactions between co-workers at social functions, with key lessons for strengthening organisational prevention measures.