Jemimah Fitzgerald Jemimah Fitzgerald

Recent ruling provides additional opportunities for charities to be exempt from land tax

There have been several recent amendments relating to the charity exemptions available regarding land tax. The previous State Revenue Office ruling LTA-009 has been replaced with LTA-009v2 in reference to the exemptions under section 78B and 78C of the Duties Act 2000 introduced by the State Taxation Amendment Act 2024 and section 78D introduced by the State Taxation Further Amendment Act 2024.

This new ruling has provided important clarification on aspects of land tax exemptions available to charities as well as filled necessary gaps in the relevant legislation.

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The End of the NRAS Period in Victoria: What It Means for Property Investors

The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) in Victoria is ending with the final properties exiting the scheme by 2026. Investors at this time will be faced with the decision as to whether they wish to transition their properties to the open market, sell or retain them for affordable housing. The Victorian Government has said that its aim is to keep the properties within the affordability housing sector but encouraging collaboration with the Community Housing Providers (CHP).

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Recent Scam on the Rise – Emails from “Trademark/ Patents Registry Hub”

Scam emails from senders purporting to be Trade Mark Attorneys from “Trademark Registry Hub” or “Patents Registry Hub” are currently circulating with a number of our clients reportedly receiving the same communication. These emails can be concerning and convincing. Here’s what to do.

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Intellectual Property Michelle Dowdle Intellectual Property Michelle Dowdle

Katie Perry Australian clothing brand loses out in trade mark dispute with pop superstar Katy Perry

The Full Federal Court has handed down the decision Killer Queen, LLC v Taylor [2024] FCA 364 in which Katheryn Hudson (better known by her stage name ‘Katy Perry’) was successful in overturning a decision that she (and her associated corporate entities) had infringed a registered trade mark for ‘Katie Perry’ owned by an Australian clothing designer, Katie Taylor (formerly Katie Perry before marriage).

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Harwood Andrews Advises Key Player in Queensland's Affordable Housing Project

Harwood Andrews is proud to have advised on one of Queensland’s most substantial affordable housing projects, which will change the lives of hundreds of future residents.

The project will deliver 483 affordable homes with support from the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund.

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Shareholder oppression claims and start-up investment – ‘Get your Ducks in a Row’

The case of BBHF Pty Ltd v Sleeping Duck Pty Ltd [2024] provides useful guidance regarding shareholder oppression claims in the context of investment in start-ups.  The decision highlights the need for clear, written shareholder agreements and the objective test applied when assessing whether oppressive conduct has occurred. 

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Community, Government, Not For Profit Maddi Batchelor Community, Government, Not For Profit Maddi Batchelor

Key Insights from the Latest Annual Charities Report

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission has released their annual charity report analysing the activity of 51,536 charities over 2022. The report looks at the revenue, expenses and equity of charities in Australia, with a focus on extra small charities and the impact the cost of living crisis has had on those charities.  

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Neal v Brown – Difficulties with Superannuation Deathbed Withdrawals

The recent NSW Supreme Court case of Neal v Brown [2024] NSWSC 841 highlights the adverse and unforeseen consequences of withdrawing superannuation death benefits before one’s death.

This case emphasis the necessity of not only considering tax implications when withdrawing superannuation benefits before death but also how such withdrawals interact with the terms of a will. Proper estate planning is essential to ensure that the distribution of assets aligns with the deceased’s wishes.

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