National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct The long awaited Code of Conduct has just been released by the Federal Government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Due to come into force in each Australian State and Territory very shortly, the Code effectively aims to balance the commercial interests of landlords and tenants during this time of crisis and impose a regime to 'share the burden'. [...]

News of the successful appeal by George Pell to the High Court of Australia and his release announced this morning has left many people with questions.  Here are some answers to the common ones: How can you appeal a matter to the High Court? The High Court of Australia can hear any appeal but it is not required to.  You may recall that High Court [...]

The Prime Minister has urged landlords and tenants to negotiate workable arrangements to see them through a period of at least the next 6 months.  Our team can assist you in negotiations, or in the implementation of any agreement for the immediate future and the remainder of your lease. National Cabinet made further progress on the issue of commercial tenancies. They have agreed that a mandatory code [...]

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, many of our clients are contacting us in relation to their rights and obligations as: landlords or tenants and employers or employees There are many people looking to implement the Prime Minister’s recommendations to discuss matters together with a view to building a bridge over the troubled waters in which we find ourselves.  We are helping many [...]

On 25 March 2020, the NSW Government introduced an emergency Bill to Parliament consisting of amendments to existing laws in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This bill comprises the following amendments: Court Procedures The bill amends the Criminal Procedure Act 1986, enabling a judge to order that a relevant witness can pre-record their evidence before the trial. The bill expands scope for judge-only [...]

As a business owner you have always had rules and regulations to abide by. Today though and into the foreseeable future these will need to be adapted to keep up with the current environment we all find ourselves in.   The most recent development as a business owner is to keep your business afloat and to implement measures for your team to be able to work [...]

"In the midst of chaos there is also opportunity" Sun Tzu Opportunity need not arise at the expense of anyone else.  The opportunity is here now for you to ensure that you protect your business, allowing you to continue when the consequence of COVID-19 passes, which it will.  We are all tiring of hearing we are facing unprecedented times and not knowing what lies ahead.  [...]

We wanted to reach out personally to let you know that we are here to support you at this time. Our legal offices remain open and we are adhering to and following all hygiene procedures within all of our offices. For those of our clients that would prefer to liaise with us via telephone or FaceTime we advise that we are equipped to do so. [...]

As an employer, you have obligations under the Workplace Health & Safety legislation to protect yourself and others. In light of the recent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, SafeWork NSW has provided the following advice to businesses: Review your infection control policies and procedures; Develop and implement safe systems of work that include directions and advice provided by our health authorities; and Monitor and read updates on [...]