The Attorney-General has announced reforms to Australia’s bankruptcy laws which seeks to reduce the stigma associated with entering into bankruptcy and to ensure that Australia’s bankruptcy system is fairer and operates in the best interests of all Australians.

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 High Court has ruled on the ‘dominant use test’ for the primary production land tax exemption. In the recent Godolphin case, the multifactorial analysis has been confirmed with no one factor being regarded as determinative. The Court has clarified that the ‘dominant use’ requirement qualifies must be both the lands use as well as its purpose.

The land tax exemption for primary production land has been clarified where land is used for multiple purposes. The dominant use test has been interpreted as an objective assessment where profitability is not determinative.

Harwood Andrews is delighted to have been identified by clients and peers for expertise and abilities in the 2024 Doyles Guide. Doyles Guide is a highly regarded independent annual peer review of the leading corporate law firms and lawyers in Victoria.

On 4 June 2024, the State Taxation Amendment Act 2024 (Act) received Royal Assent. The Act, amongst other significant taxation changes, amends the holiday home exemption by introducing new provisions to section 88A of the Land Tax Act 2005 (LTA).

Taxpayer successfully appeals against Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) decision that land owned by them was not eligible for the primary production land tax exemption.

The ATO responds to the BPFN ruling, which challenged its stringent stance on non-arm's length income (NALI) in SMSFs. While maintaining the importance of benchmarking, the ruling highlights the validity of commercial assessments in private lending schemes.

The Victorian State Budget for 2024/2025 has revealed a new tax measure for land utilised in social and emergency housing. This new land tax exemption aims to clarify existing arrangements, ensuring landowners involved in such housing initiatives are not burdened by excessive land tax obligations.

School fees, swimming lessons, uniforms, football and dance classes, the list of the ever increasing expenses of raising children goes on. When parents separate, expenses that were once agreed and were paid from joint funds can become a point of contention.

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 2024/25 Federal Budget has announced $6.2 billion of new initiatives in the budget to respond to Australia’s housing shortage.

The New South Wales Supreme Court reverses land transfer to SMSF due to son's unconscionable conduct in Cihan Family Trust v Cihan Family Superannuation Fund [2023] NSWSC 1289

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.

Harwood Andrews is pleased to announce that 9 lawyers have been included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

There are particular requirements for service of divorce applications and a number of documents which must be filed with the court to prove that an applicant’s former spouse has received the divorce application in the correct manner.

Here we answer some common questions in relation to service of an application for divorce.

Recently there have been changes to the Family Law Act 1975 (the Act), via the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (FLAA) about parenting matters. Most of the changes as a result of the FLAA will take effect from 6 May 2024.

The Federal Treasurer has announced sweeping reforms to the merger laws following persistent pressure from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for reform.

Harwood Andrews is delighted to have been identified by clients and peers for expertise and abilities in two areas for Victoria in the 2024 Doyles Guide.