Wind farm turbines not fixtures for land tax
The Supreme Court of Victoria has determined that wind farm infrastructure (such as wind turbines, towers and wind-monitoring buildings) were chattels, rather than fixtures.
Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses and individuals
On 22 March 2020, the Australian Government, as part of its economic response to the Coronavirus, announced temporary relief measures for financially distressed businesses.
Best practice procurement: Accessible standards for technology
Web content can be challenging for those with a disability to navigate and understand. All Victorian Government online services and departments working directly with people with a disability, must ensure internal and external digital content meets certain accessibility standards. For private sector businesses, these standards can also provide a great guide on what to aim for in your communications.
Political Deepfakes - Part 2
Although digital manipulation of images and video has been around for some time, the combination of software that improves the realism of the fake and the speed at which fakes can be generated and disseminated to targeted audiences has made headlines in the political sphere over the last year or so. The manipulation of video images using artificial intelligence has been called ‘deepfake’, a portmanteau of ‘deep learning’ and ‘fake’.
Political Deepfakes – Part 1
Although digital manipulation of images and video has been around for some time, the combination of software that improves the realism of the fake and the speed at which fakes can be generated and disseminated to targeted audiences has made headlines in the political sphere over the last year or so. The manipulation of video images using artificial intelligence has been called ‘deepfake’, a portmanteau of ‘deep learning’ and ‘fake’.
Local Government Sustainable Procurement
Under the Local Government Act 1989, Victorian local Councils must use their resources efficiently and effectively and provide services in accordance with best-value principles to meet the needs of the local community, and improve the quality of life in the local community.
Best practice procurement - getting specifications right
At any stage of the procurement lifecycle – from tender writing to final negotiations – accurately and completely describing what you are buying is critical…and rarely straightforward. Here are some of our thoughts on getting this right.
Best practice procurement: Managing probity risks
A “lack of probity” is often raised in a procurement context as part of a complaint that there is an element of perceived unfairness. It is an easy allegation to make, and one that is often made easier when organisations do not take the time to understand probity and embed it into their procurement practices.
Payroll tax cuts in regional Victoria
New data has shown how businesses across regional Victoria have taken advantage of the Victorian Government’s regional payroll tax cuts. The number show businesses have saved more than $31 million in the first financial year it was introduced.
Government To Consider Individual Tax Residency Rules
This week the government released the Board of Taxation report on a new tax residency model for individuals with a position that further analysis and consideration on the key recommendations is required before the Government takes a position.
Successful prosecution of 'the Ritz' owners
Harwood Andrews has acted for the City of Greater Geelong in a successful prosecution of the owners of ‘the Ritz’ - a prominent heritage listed building located on Bellerine Street, Geelong.
IT HAS NOW BEEN CONFIRMED THAT COUNCILS ARE BOUND BY THE COMPETITION & CONSUMER ACT
Contrary to common belief, local councils and officers acting on their behalf are subject to the provisions of the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), just like any other entity engaged in trade or commerce.