Estate planning for a blended family (i.e. a family in which a person has an existing spouse or partner and also children from a previous relationship) is important to ensure that all intended beneficiaries are provided for after you die and to minimise the potential...
In a recent ruling of the Fair Work Commission, a worker’s claim of an employment relationship was rejected as the level of control exercised over work deemed the relationship that of a contractor and principal. The worker agreed to sell Westral Sunshades products for...
While many people may not know the difference, there is a range of distinctions between an aged care facility and a retirement village. In our article today, we will delve into the differences. First, retirement villages are governed by State Government regulations...
In the matter of Hiremani v Commissioner of Taxation [2020] heard by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, a taxpayer (Hiremani) lost $30,000 in tax deduction claims due to inadequate record-keeping. In this case, Mr Hiremani, an employee of Abacus Innovations...
In a decision that affects all employers participating in the JobKeeper scheme, the Federal Court has answered a “short but important question” about calculating employees’ fortnightly pay. Justice Geoffrey Flick said the proceedings – involving...
‘Debt-free’ is not always the state our loved one’s estates are left in when they pass away. Thankfully, the Bankruptcy Act 1966, “The Act” can assist our family when familial trials, conflict and physiological issues arise from a debt-filled estate. One of the...
‘Keeping it in the Family’: The Risks Family-run and owned businesses are common; with the trust and dependency of family members/employees working together to create a strong business team. However, there are some financial issues that can place strain on these...
The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) has failed to prove that an on-hire worker engaged by Personnel Contracting Services Pty Ltd (trading as Construct) was an employee and not an independent contractor. In a November 2019 decision, a...
The Federal Government has recently launched a review into Australia’s patents system in order to support innovation in small and medium-sized businesses/enterprises (SMEs). The review will delve into the accessibility for SMEs to ensure the intellectual property...
The arrival of COVID-19 has not assisted the major problem of employers not paying superannuation to their workers. According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, around 650,000 Australians are affected each year by superannuation guarantee (SG)...
