Legal Insights
Victorian Government - Proposed Imposition of Stamp Duty on Adjustments made for Land Tax and Windfall Gains Tax
The Commissioner of State Revenue has released draft revenue ruling, Draft-DA-70: Land Transfer Duty – Consideration – Assumption of Tax Liabilities (Draft Ruling) seeks to impose land transfer (stamp) duty on adjustments made for certain taxes at settlement of a property transaction, by treating those adjustments as dutiable consideration.
Harwood Andrews January 2026 Promotions Announced
Harwood Andrews is proud to announce the following well-deserved promotions effective 1 January 2026.
Celebrating Rob Warnock’s Retirement
Please join us in congratulating Rob Warnock Principal Lawyer and CTA on his retirement from active practice as a lawyer at Harwood Andrews.
Who are a Charity’s “Responsible Persons”?
If your organisation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), you are required to notify the ACNC of the appointment of people responsible for governing the charity. These are known as “Responsible Persons”. Essentially, they are entrusted with making decisions on behalf of the charity and determining how the organisation should be run.
Rob Jeremiah Announces Retirement After a Distinguished Legal Career
We are honoured to announce that our esteemed consultant, Rob Jeremiah, will retire from active practice at Harwood Andrews, effective 5 December 2025
AML/CTF Series: AUSTRAC Releases Core Guidance
As covered in our previous article series (link), amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth), extending anti money laundering (AML) and counter terror financing (CTF) obligations to additional professional service sectors, will take effect from the 1 July 2026.
AML/CTF series: Why is an AML/CTF Risk Assessment required - and how do law firms do one?
At the heart of law firms’ anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) obligations is a risk assessment.
AML/CTF series: How does “tipping off” and legal professional privilege (LPP) work for law firms?
With the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) (Act), law firms will soon be subject to the expanded anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regime.
AML/CTF series: What reports and records will AUSTRAC expect from law firms?
Reporting and recordkeeping are core pillars of the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regime.
Harwood Andrews Recognised as a Leading Family & Divorce Law Firm and Lawyers in Regional Victoria by Doyle's Guide 2026
Harwood Andrews is delighted to have been identified by clients and peers for expertise and abilities for Victoria in the 2026 Doyle’s Guide. Doyle's Guide is a highly regarded independent annual peer review of the leading corporate law firms and lawyers in Victoria.
AML/CTF series: What should law firms do with existing clients and matters on 1 July 2026?
With the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) (Act), law firms will soon be subject to the expanded anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regime. The Act captures firms of all sizes, from sole practitioners handling conveyancing to large commercial practices with trust accounts, with core obligations for law firms and conveyancers commencing on 1 July 2026.
New Division 296 Tax – Changes to Key Aspects
New Division 296 Tax – A win for the industry
Controversial taxation bill has been watered down – tax of unrealised gains has been scrapped.
Harwood Andrews Principal Lawyer Daniel Fullerton Recognised as LIV Accredited Specialist
Harwood Andrews congratulates Daniel Fullerton, Principal Lawyer in our Disputes team, on his recognition as a Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation Law.
This prestigious accreditation reflects Daniel’s expertise and experience in commercial litigation and adds to our team of LIV-accredited specialists, reinforcing our commitment to excellence for our clients.
![Roberts [2025] FCA 957 Court allows SMSF management despite bankruptcy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62940022bdc06b31c5ba0c30/1761775922008-GOHH9FIAQMV9Y4KFMV8W/unsplash-image-EqZNSrk-foE.jpg)
Roberts [2025] FCA 957 Court allows SMSF management despite bankruptcy
In the case of Roberts ([2025] FCA 957) an application to the Federal Court to exercise its discretion to grant leave to a bankrupt individual to manage a self-managed superfund.
![Stamp duty imposed on acquisition of units in Hybrid Unit Trust – Ramifications of Victory International Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] VSC 484](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62940022bdc06b31c5ba0c30/1761775246553-MLP35XCQEP222BP4GBHH/unsplash-image-YkXbHOGI8ZY.jpg)
Stamp duty imposed on acquisition of units in Hybrid Unit Trust – Ramifications of Victory International Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] VSC 484
Landholder duty issues for Hybrid Unit Trusts highlighted by Victory International Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] VSC 484
Changes to the First Home Guarantee Scheme: What does it mean for first homebuyers
From 1 October 2025, changes to the Home Guarantee scheme will come into effect for Australians looking to purchase their first home. The scheme will allow all first home owners eligible under the scheme to purchase a property with a 5% deposit with no income eligibility requirements and increased price caps on the value of property.
Real Estate and Property Development businesses subject to Anti-Money Laundering
Criminals have long used real estate as a way of laundering or concealing funds – not only can they get that trophy house, a real estate purchase allows a large amount of money to be laundered in a single transaction.
When does our law firm need to do customer due diligence for AML/CTF?
One of the biggest shifts for law firms under Tranche 2 of the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regime will be undertaking customer due diligence (CDD) before acting.
What does an AML/CTF program look like for a small to mid-sized law firm?
Every law firm that provides a “designated service” must establish and maintain an anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) program. Think of it as the rulebook your firm writes for itself, setting out how your firm identifies, assesses and manages AML/CTF risk.
What exactly counts as a “designated service” for law firms (and what doesn’t)?
It is important for law firms to obtain clarity on what services are captured by the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regime.