A recent decision of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has highlighted the risk of relying on online mapping tools to assess whether a site is within an area of ‘cultural heritage sensitivity’ within the meaning of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and regulations.

A recent decision of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal confirms the approach in the Planning and Environment List to permit applications where Owners Corporations object.

Discretionary trusts are widely used in modern-day business and are generally understood as efficient structures for asset protection and tax minimisation.  The obligations of trustees in administering trusts, particularly with regard to providing reasons for their decisions to beneficiaries, are less well understood.

The end of 2014 is fast approaching and as we don our dancing shoes and toast to the successes of the year that was, it is important for employers to remain mindful of the legal and HR risks that work parties can pose. 

On 1 January 2015, the current Franchising Code of Conduct (Code) will be repealed and replaced with an updated Code. The changes will affect all franchised businesses and this alert summarises that five key changes to the Code.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has clarified the interpretation of the provisions in all planning schemes in Victoria concerning the subdivision of land parcels which are in two planning zones.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has found that Owners Corporation special rules purporting to prohibit ‘illegal’ behavior, a relatively common formulation of rule, are unlawful under the legislative regime created by the Owners Corporations Act 2006.

The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (PPSA) has imposed upon businesses a new and complex regime that is laden with very technical terms and concepts that can be difficult to fully understand.

On 27 October 2014 the Coroner’s Court of Victoria delivered its finding into the inquest on the death of Kyle Vassil.  The deceased was a 12 year old student who, on day one of a school camp, drowned in a dam a few meters from shore. 

Harwood Andrews is a reporting member of the Australian Legal Sector Alliance (AusLSA), an industry-led association that works to promote sustainable practices across the legal sector.

From 1 January 2015 the standards imposed by the government regulator on deposit taking institutions are being tightened.  The measure is part of a global initiative to improve the liquidity of the finance industry.

The Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No 6) Bill 2014 (the Bill) has now been passed by both Houses of Parliament and is expected to receive assent shortly.

Family Business Hub has been established by Harwood Andrews as a specialist consulting service to provide advice, support and expert knowledge to families in business.