As confirmed by the High Court’s decision in Burns v Corbett [2018] HCA 15, state tribunals, such as VCAT, do not have the jurisdiction to hear disputes between interstate parties.

On 1 July 2021, the Environment Protection Act 2017 (New Act) came into effect.

The new environment protection framework adopts a preventative, risk-based approach to preventing harm to human health and the environment. This is a shift away from the Former Act which adopted a prohibitive, reactionary approach whereby polluters were punished after committing an offence.

The Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2021 (Regulations) were introduced by the Victorian Government on 24 August 2021 aimed at providing further rent relief for Commercial Tenants as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A copy of the Regulations can be found HERE.

The separation from a spouse (married or de-facto) is a critical time to review your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker.

On 1 September 2021, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia merged. They have joined to become the new Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).

The impacts of COVID-19 have sped up Australia’s transition to a digital economy and accelerated virtual means of conducting business.

The Federal Government has unveiled an exposure draft of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Measures for a later sitting) Bill 2021: Unfair contract term reforms (Exposure Draft) which seeks to amend the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to improve the unfair contract terms (UCT) regime.

Harwood Andrews hosted its annual Charity & Not-For-Profit webinar on Tuesday 7 September.

Harwood Andrews is delighted to have been identified by clients and peers for expertise and abilities for Victoria in the 2021 Doyles Guide.

Although Employee Share Schemes (ESSs) are appealing on the surface, they are undermined by complex legislation and confusion regarding upfront or deferred taxation.