Receiving a letter of demand alleging copyright infringement can be daunting. However, allegations of infringement should not be ignored, so as not to be exposed to significant additional damages. A recent decision from the Federal Court highlights the importance of acknowledging such demands.

Disputes involving promises about the future of the family farm are common and highlight the importance of succession planning.

Developers are increasingly looking to contract with rural landowners to develop wind farms and other forms of renewable energy.

Harwood Andrews is proud to have advised on one of Queensland’s most substantial affordable housing projects, which will change the lives of hundreds of future residents.

The project will deliver 483 affordable homes with support from the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund.

The case of BBHF Pty Ltd v Sleeping Duck Pty Ltd [2024] provides useful guidance regarding shareholder oppression claims in the context of investment in start-ups.  The decision highlights the need for clear, written shareholder agreements and the objective test applied when assessing whether oppressive conduct has occurred. 

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission has released their annual charity report analysing the activity of 51,536 charities over 2022. The report looks at the revenue, expenses and equity of charities in Australia, with a focus on extra small charities and the impact the cost of living crisis has had on those charities.  

There have been some difficult cases for the supreme Court in the past two years resulting from people trying to do a Will at home in their dying days, or leaving a note written at home attempting to amend a previously made Will. 

In the “old days”, when life was simpler, couples were married or they weren’t, and the law didn’t need to deal with any middle ground.

A transfer of dutiable property made without monetary consideration to a trustee or custodian of a complying superannuation fund where there is no change in the beneficial ownership of the property. 

The recent NSW Supreme Court case of Neal v Brown [2024] NSWSC 841 highlights the adverse and unforeseen consequences of withdrawing superannuation death benefits before one’s death.

This case emphasis the necessity of not only considering tax implications when withdrawing superannuation benefits before death but also how such withdrawals interact with the terms of a will. Proper estate planning is essential to ensure that the distribution of assets aligns with the deceased’s wishes.

Australia is recognised for its reputation as an open, stable, globally connected economy. With its close connections across the Tasman, it’s no surprise that New Zealand businesses often making the move to expand their operations within Australia.