The Victorian Government and the wine industry are co-designing a new strategy funded by the 2023-2024 State Budget. Over two years, stakeholders can shape the Victorian Wine Strategy through forums and submissions. Agriculture Victoria's engagement paper invites input on industry issues and opportunities until Sept 1, 2024.

The Victorian Government launches the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024, aiding tourism projects in rural and regional Victoria. Grants up to $5M available. Eligibility open to various entities. Apply by July 19, 2024.

The Residential Tenancies (Caravan Parks and Movable Dwellings Registration and Standards) Regulations 2020 (current Regulations), which regulates caravan and residential park operators is set to expire on 30 June 2024.

Under the Australian Consumer Law and ASIC Act, the spotlight is now shining on unfair contract terms, and function venues, wineries and venue operators should take note.

Mental Health considerations and responses have been a major government initiative for some time and this has only been amplified since the onset of COVID-19.

A trust structure is often recommended to individuals and family business owners by their accounting and legal advisors to distribute income tax effectively and safeguard assets.

On 27 March 2021 the Commonwealth Government introduced legislation which included a definition for a “casual employee”. The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) now provides a process by which casual employees may convert to full time or part time employment, and requires that employers provide casual employees with a Casual Employment Information Statement.

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.

On 22 March 2020, the Australian Government, as part of its economic response to the Coronavirus, announced temporary relief measures for financially distressed businesses.

This week Cruisin Motorhomes paid a $12,600 penalty following an infringement notice from the ACCC alleging a breach of the excessive payment surcharge laws as outlined in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The ban on excessive surcharge payments has been in place since September 2017.