From 1 January 2016 the process of revaluing all Victorian properties commenced. The new values will form the basis upon which you are charged municipal rates and land tax. If you have received a rates notice and disagree with the value assigned to your property you have the right to lodge an objection with council within 2 months of the date stated on the rates notice. 

A deceased person’s ‘estate’ includes assets such as property, bank accounts and investments. The deceased person may also have liabilities including a mortgage, credit cards or other loans that need to be repaid.

The law of defamation traditionally relates to printed statements, such as a newspaper articles or ‘tell-all’ books. However, defamatory statements are increasingly made online and can be accessed repeatedly by readers. 

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has announced that it is launching an investigation into the Australian Bureau of Statistics for potential breaches of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). 

Rio 2016 began with a typically extravagant opening ceremony on Saturday morning AEST. Unfortunately however, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Seven's 9.00am broadcast of the event averaged only 2.25 million regional & metropolitan viewers, the lowest rating opening ceremony since 2001 when the OzTam rating system began.

In a recent decision, the Full Federal Court has found that trade mark owners can lose their registrations if they do not exercise proper control over their licensees.

The Fair Work Commission has handed down a decision that will allow most employees to cash out some of their annual leave entitlements. These changes to modern awards apply from the first pay period on or after 29 July 2016.

One of the many ways in which the government is encouraging innovation is through a series of Research and Development tax incentives, in particular the R & D Tax Incentive Program. 

A sporting club may handle a considerable amount of money in a single financial year. Whether it be membership revenue, ground maintenance costs or even the weekly sausage sizzle intake – everything adds up!

On 15 June 2016, the AFL made the historic announcement that eight clubs would compete in the inaugural season of the women’s national league in 2017. During February and March next year, Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will participate in six home-and-away rounds, with the top four playing two semi-finals and a Grand Final. 

Incorporated sporting clubs and associations have distinct obligations to fulfil as a legal entity. Committee members, directors, coaches and volunteers each have a role to play in the team and it is vital that all involved understand the different policies that are applicable to the club and its members. Here are just two policy considerations for ensuring “good play” in your local sporting organisation.

Each year the Fair Work Commission reviews minimum award pay rates for each classification in an award.  The new rates apply from 1 July 2016.

Yes, the team with the best single-season record in NBA history just got better…Kevin Durant, the 2014 Most Valuable Player, 7-time NBA All Star, 5-time All-NBA First Team member and 4-time scoring champion, has agreed to sign with the Golden State Warriors.

As a director of a company, you have a duty to act in its best interests. 

In undertaking your role as a director, you may face a situation where the interests of the company come in to conflict with your own personal interests. 

What duties do you owe to the company in relation to conflicts of interests?

To help you determine if your business legally requires a privacy policy under the Privacy Act, we have developed a simple flow chart for you to follow. If the answer is yes to any of the questions in the chart, a privacy policy should be prepared to ensure your business is not subject to penalties for non-compliance with the Privacy Act.

There are many things young lawyers are told before starting their graduate year - get ready to work 60 hour weeks, never leave your desk, be a slave to the firm and that there is certainly no time for anything other than work. 

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) recently held in FLZY and Commissioner of Taxation that profit arising from the sale of a building by a family trust that was part of a privately held family group (Group) gave rise to a discount capital gain despite the wider property building, development and investment activities undertaken by the Group. The decision demonstrates the importance of considering a taxpayer’s purpose and intention when acquiring and developing real estate within the broader factual context of the activities undertaken by a taxpayer and any related entities.

In light of the 2016-2017 Federal Budget handed down on 3 May, participants in the wine industry have expressed significant concerns regarding the Federal Government’s proposal to reform the Wine Equalisation Tax Rebate (WET Rebate) and the related eligibility criteria.

Separating from your partner can be a painful and disruptive time. While many separated couples may want to distance themselves from each other, it is important to organise arrangements for your children (if you have them) and the division of your property.

With the increase in unmarried couples living together and the decline in marriage as a means of formalising long term relationships, de facto law has become a hot topic. So are you in a de facto relationship or not?