Are you moving to a retirement village? What do you need to consider?

By |2023-08-15T05:22:33+00:00August 15th, 2023|LEGAL NEWS|

Like any big change in life, moving into a retirement village takes some consideration. You should take the time to think about the lifestyle that you want and discuss your decision with family, friends and advisers.  It is a good idea to work out a budget and visit a few villages to understand the contractual obligations and costs and seek professional legal and financial advice [...]

Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022– what it means for employers and employees

By |2023-01-19T01:55:22+00:00January 19th, 2023|COMMERCIAL LAW, LEGAL NEWS|

On 6 December 2022, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (the Act) was enacted. The Act amends and introduces a number of workplace laws, and  introduces new objectives to promote job security and promote gender equality.  Some of the key changes are as follows: Fixed Term Employment Contracts The Act seeks to limit the use of fixed-term contracts.  Employers can [...]

Important changes to Queensland Land Tax coming in 2023 and how it will affect you

By |2022-09-09T02:47:20+00:00September 9th, 2022|LEGAL NEWS, NEWS, PROPERTY LAW|

Land tax is levied annually by each State or Territory government based upon the value of land for properties which reach the land tax threshold.  This threshold changes each year and varies from State to State. Whilst land tax does not affect all properties and there are concessions and exemptions which apply, there are significant changes being implemented in Queensland which should be considered when [...]

Revenue NSW is auditing Discretionary Trusts

By |2022-05-13T00:42:25+00:00May 13th, 2022|LEGAL NEWS|

In 2019, the NSW Government enacted changes to duty and land tax laws in NSW being the State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Act 2020 (NSW) (the Act).  The Act had significant implications for discretionary trusts. In particular, the changes resulted in an assumption being applied that the trustee of a discretionary trusts is a foreign person and therefore any real property that is owned by [...]

CONTRACT IS KEY – High Court emphasises the importance of a written contract in employee vs contractor distinction

By |2022-04-08T00:58:02+00:00April 8th, 2022|COMMERCIAL LAW, LEGAL NEWS|

The High Court of Australia has recently handed down decisions that emphasises the importance of a written contract in the employment or contractor relationship. On 9 February 2022, the High Court handed down two landmark decisions, Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy union v Personnel Contracting Pty Ltd [2022] and ZG Operations Australia Pty Ltd v Jamsek [2022].  These decisions clarify the distinction between an [...]

Electronic signatures here to stay following new federal Bill

By |2022-03-16T23:39:08+00:00March 16th, 2022|COMMERCIAL LAW, LEGAL NEWS, NEWS|

Formal deeds and contracts have been executed by companies using electronic means rather than traditional handwritten signatures following the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions which have prevented in-person conferences.  The ability to sign documents electronically was initially a temporary solution to lockdown restrictions and was due to expire on 1 April 2022. However, businesses have keenly embraced the newfound convenience and efficiency of signing documents electronically. To [...]

Family Law Courts Merge in New Structural Reform

By |2021-11-17T23:01:30+00:00November 17th, 2021|FAMILY LAW, LEGAL NEWS|

As of 1 September 2021, the separate Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia have merged to become the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCA). The fusion of the two courts aims to streamline processes for more efficient resolution of family law disputes and to reduce cost and delay to the parties involved. Navigating the new structure All family law matters will [...]

COVID-19 Rent Relief mandated while Sydney in its Second Lockdown

By |2021-08-27T02:58:37+00:00August 27th, 2021|LEGAL NEWS, PROPERTY LAW|

As Lockdown continues and many tenants are forced to keep their doors closed, the NSW Government has updated its COVID-19 leasing laws and mandated rent relief for tenants. In 2020, when the pandemic first began, the NSW government instated the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2020 which allowed for rent relief negotiations proportionate to a tenant's turnover loss.  However, this legislation ceased to [...]

Advice For Employers On The Vaccination Of Your Employees

By |2021-08-11T01:16:26+00:00August 11th, 2021|LEGAL NEWS|

Employers have the right to ask employees if they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to try to maintain a workplace safe from infection.  This does not mean that vaccinations can be mandated by an employer, noting that the Prime Minister has repeatedly confirmed that “the vaccination program in Australia is free and not mandatory”. In practice where employers are aware of the vaccination [...]

COVID Regulations

By |2021-07-30T06:06:37+00:00July 30th, 2021|LEGAL NEWS, NEWS|

What does the most recent round of NSW and Commonwealth Regulations mean for me and my business? With almost daily changes to restrictions, rapidly introduced legislation, increases to police powers and an adapting workplace environment staying on top of your obligations to both clients and your employees can be difficult.  To provide a calm and safe environment and avoid the significant penalties which can be [...]

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