As of 1 July 2014, a regulated superannuation fund can only provide an insured benefit, such as income protection, to a new member if that member satisfies a ‘condition of …
Unethical Financial Planning
A recent Senate inquiry into unethical financial planning practices at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (“CBA”) has revealed that Macquarie Bank’s financial planning arm, Macquarie Private Wealth also, has widespread …
New ATO Ruling to affect Assets in Separation
Individuals often hold their assets in a variety of entities, be they companies, trusts or other types of arrangements. In the context of family law, divorcing spouses have often funded …
Compensation for False Imprisonment
When Musa Konneh launched a class action against his mistaken arrest by police for breach of bail, he opened the door for other disadvantaged young people to do the same, …
Security of Payment for Buildings Under Construction
Primarily directed at promoting timely payment of subcontractors, recent amendments will have broader implications for industry players. Solicitors acting for principals and head contractors should be aware that changes to …
Sustainability makes Dollars and Sense
Sustainability may conjure images of alternative lifestyles, but it “doesn’t have to be about tree-hugging, it’s actually a sound business decision”, says Australian Legal Sector Alliance (AusLSA) general manager Emily …
What is the NSW Relationship Register?
The NSW Relationships register was established on 1 July 2010. It allows adults who are in a relationship as a couple, regardless of sex, to register their relationship, provided at …
Patent Trolls – Recent Federal Court Australia Ruling
A recent Federal Court ruling demonstrates why Australia is not a fertile a hunting ground for patent trolls. Upaid Systems Ltd, a UK patent portfolio company which some regard as …
New Swimming Pool Compliance will impact Property Leasing and Sales
New swimming pool certification requirements apply to strata and community titles, and will impact on the lease or sale of land contracts for premises with pools. Changes to the Swimming …
Protecting Trademarks in China
The year of the horse could usher in better opportunities to protect brand integrity when new trademark law is introduced in China in May. As Australia’s largest trading partner, the …