Unfair Contract Terms Regime - Free Terms & Conditions Traffic Light Review
Stay legally on track with our free Terms & Conditions Traffic Light Review— green for compliance, red flags for caution.
Constructing a fair contract can save you millions
From 9 November 2023, major amendments apply to the unfair contract term (UCT) regime. The UCT regime applies to standard form contracts entered with consumers and small businesses, and attracts significant penalties.
A closer look at related party reporting for charities
Not-for-profit organisations and charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) often engage in agreements and arrangements with individuals or entities with whom they share pre-established connections or a common interest, particularly when starting out.
Recent VCAT ruling heightens stamp duty risk in capital raisings
A recent VCAT decision has served as an important reminder for those undertaking capital raising for funds investing in real property, including for development.
Succession Planning with Digital Assets
Not so long ago, the possessions that people left to their estate after passing away were physical and tangible like cars, cash or jewellery. These days however people produce a significant digital footprint consisting of accounts, profiles, and digital assets. New assets and investments such as cryptocurrencies, NFTs, loyalty program accounts and social media accounts are all changing the succession planning process. Existing tools like Wills and trusts remain effective to deal with these digital assets.
T&Cs and NTFs
What is an NFT?
A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a type of digital asset or token of a small piece of data linked to an object, such as a unique image, cartoon or animation.
Smart Contracts and Smart Legal Contracts – An Overview
Smart contracts are programs stored on a blockchain that self-execute when predetermined conditions are met.
The ATO’s Crypto Tracking and Data Collection Processes
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has released a statement outlining their priorities ahead of the end of financial year 2021/22, with crypto-assets being one of these priorities due to its rising popularity.
Consider your cyber security
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) defines a cyber incident as an unwanted or unexpected cyber security event, or a series of such events, that have a significant probability of compromising business operations.
The Online Safety Act 2021 – what it is and why you should care
The Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) (Act) came into effect on 23 January 2022. The Act aims to develop the existing regulatory framework and vest the eSafety Commissioner with greater investigative and enforcement powers.
Draft Land Tax Ruling - Land Tax Exemption for Charities
On 15 February 2022, the Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) published ruling LTA-009 (Draft Ruling) that replaced the previous rulings of LTA-004 and LTA-005.
The consultation process closed for comments and submissions on 15 March 2022. We will provide updates when the SRO releases their final ruling in due course.
Another Facial Recognition Technology Privacy Breach – AFP in the Spotlight
The Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner, Angelene Falk, has recently determined that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has failed to comply with its privacy obligations in using the Clearview AI facial recognition tool (FRT).
A green light for the reform and transformation of Australia’s Payments System
On 8 December 2021, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced a digital economy roadmap (Roadmap), which applies to payments and crypto assets.
Vino on the blockchain – how a new Penfolds NFT may change the course of wine & spirit collecting
Australia’s much-admired winemaker, Penfolds, has recently announced its endeavours to partner with BlockBar, a leading non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace for luxury wine and spirit products. An NFT is a unique online token that exists on a blockchain and cannot be replicated.
Is Facial Recognition Technology Breaching Your Privacy?
Facial recognition technology (FRT) is now utilised across many industries and businesses. While FRT is becoming increasingly easier to implement, it is crucial that business’s adhere to privacy laws when using this technology.
Director Identification Numbers: What do I have to do?
From 1 November 2021, Director Identity Numbers (DINs) became mandatory for all company directors. Accordingly, all directors are now required to apply for a DIN and should begin preparing their applications.
BIG4 Beacon Resort
Harwood Andrews is pleased to have advised the owners of the BIG4 Beacon Resort on the off-market sale of the business to Ingenia Communities group (ASX: INA) for $37m.
COVID-19 Business Interruption Test Case (No.2) – Round 2 to the Insurers!
On 8 October 2021, the Federal Court of Australia determined its first instance decision in the second Australian business interruption insurance test case. The decision in Swiss Re International Se v LCA Marrickville Pty Limited [2021] FCA 1206 (Second Test Case) provided legal guidance in determining whether business interruption insurance policies provide cover to businesses for losses related to COVID-19.
FinCap Online Education
Harwood Andrews is pleased to have advised FinCap Australia on the acquisition of SpotED, an online education business that sources and delivers high quality, industry-accredited online short courses for students and jobseekers, delivered via a digital portal.
Key reform in the NFP space regarding DGR status
The Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No. 2) Bill 2021 (Bill) has introduced a key reform in the Not-For-Profit (NFP) space in relation to Deductable Gift Recipient (DGR) status.