Legal News
Going to Court? Make sure your lawyer has the expertise.
Within Australia, there are many courts and tribunals that exist for different types of cases and it can sometimes be confusing as to how and in which court you need to be represented. Not all lawyers can represent clients in the more specific and dedicated courts. With such a range of courts and tribunals in our legal system it is important for your legal representative to have experience and up-todate knowledge of how each of them operates.
Learn more »
Changes to Employment Law and NES - know your rights and responsibilities
The Fair Work Act 2009 sets out 10 minimum conditions of employment. These National Employment Standards (NES) were effective as of 1 January 2010 and will replace the existing Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard. Together with modern awards, the NES will constitute the government’s new employment safety net.
Are you entitled to contest a Will?
The passing of a loved one can be an extremely emotional experience. This can be made all the more difficult if there is any kind of dispute against the Will of the deceased.
Disputes often arise when parties that are associated with the deceased person disagree with their intentions as contained in their Will.
Intellectual Property - Protect the legacy of your business
Whilst insurance and succession planning play major roles in securing the future of your business, protecting your intellectual property can often be just as important, yet is something that is regularly overlooked.
So, what exactly is intellectual property and why does it need protecting? The term intellectual property refers to patents, trademarks and designs. And this covers everything from logos, pictures, words and phrases, to ideas, creations, products and innovations.
National Employment Standards Effective Jan 1 2010.
On 20 March, 2009 the federal parliament passed the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act). The FW Act sets out 10 minimum conditions of employment. These National Employment Standards (NES) will take effect on 1 January, 2010 and will replace the existing Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard. Together with modern awards, the NES will constitute the government’s new safety net. The 10 matters covered by the NES are:
Increased Foreign Investment Thresholds to bring more overseas investment to Australia
In an attempt to attract greater foreign investment to Australia the Federal Government has recently doubled the current foreign investment thresholds.
Current legislation dictates that foreign investors looking to purchase a share of 15% or more interest in an asset valued at $100 million or more must apply to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) for approval. Additionally, there are other different thresholds that apply for offshore takeovers, US investors and US offshore takeovers.
Changes to personal bankruptcy laws reflect change in economic climate
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland has recently released details of proposed changes to existing personal bankruptcy legislation.
The changes are now available for public consultation and are intended to modernise the current legislation to better reflect what is actually happening in the community. Specifically, it is addressing the fact that we are increasingly seeing a larger number of bankruptcies in relation to consumers with a small amount of assets and low income levels. Where previously bankruptcy was more commonly associated with individuals who were often simply attempting to avoid paying their debts, bankruptcy is now being increasingly accessed by those who have simply found themselves having a hard time financially.
New Trade Practices legislation to affect standard form contracts
The Commonwealth Government moved to introduce a new national consumer protection law in June this year (2009) when it passed Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Bill 2009. This new law is modelled on a successful trial that has been operating in Victoria over the last few years and it is due to come into effect around the country on 1 January 2010.
Home Buyers Schemes
The government has put in place a range of schemes to help out new home and first home buyers. The trick is finding the one that applies to you. Figuring out which one and then applying for it can be a bit confusing. The most relevant schemes to new and first home buyers are detailed below including how much they can save you as well as basic eligibility criteria.
What you should know about the new Fair Work Act
Earlier this year (7 April 2009), Australia’s much anticipated employment legislation The Fair Work Act 2009 passed through federal parliament. The introduction of the Act, which became effective as of 1 July 2009, spells the end of the controversial Workplace Relations Act 1996 that was implemented by the Howard Government during its time in power.
