To Airbnb or not to Airbnb: New rules for Owners Corporations regarding short-stay accommodation

Property Law

Litigation [Courts & Tribunals]

There have been recent changes to the law which impact Owners Corporations, hosts and other occupiers dealing with short-stay accommodation operations, such as Airbnb. As of 1 February 2019, apartment owners and occupiers who host Airbnb guests may now be held liable for damage, noise or loss of amenity caused by their Airbnb guests. Read here for more information.

Relocating with children

Family Law

When a relationship breaks down and each partner decides to go their own separate way, you may find yourself contemplating relocating with children. Whether it's you who is looking to relocate with your children or your former partner, you need to be aware of some important considerations.

Managing fake reviews online

Commercial Law

Have you or your business ever received any fake reviews online, or reviews which you believed to be misleading? Alternatively, have you ever thought about publishing your own false reviews online to balance out the negative reviews? As we have moved further into the 21st Century, people are becoming more reliant on what they read online for reviews as opposed to more traditional methods of review such as word of mouth. This can be a big problem if fake reviews are published about you or your business.

Changes to the rules for 'flexible working arrangements': Employers take note!

Employment Law

Under the Fair Work Act 2009, some employees have a right to request "flexible working arrangements". This is one of the National Employment Standards included in the Act. Flexible working arrangements can include changes to the employee's hours of work, place of work and job structure (e.g. job sharing).

How does an Intervention Order work?

Family Law

In Victoria, a Family Violence Intervention Order ("IVO") is an Order made in the Magistrate's Court to protect a victim from domestic violence, generally perpetrated by an intimate partner or former partner.

Who's responsible for the air conditioner in a retail premises?

Property Law

We frequently see disagreements between Landlords and Tenants of retail premises about who is responsible for repair and maintenance of an air conditioning system. So, whose legal obligation is it? Read here for more information.

Unfair Dismissal and the work Christmas Party

Employment Law

In recent years, the Fair Work Commission has heard a number of matters in which drunken employees were dismissed for bad behaviour at their respective work Christmas parties. However, one dismissal was deemed unfair, while in others it has not been determined to be unfair. Read here for more information.

What is spam? Email marketing laws in Australia

Commercial Law

Are you familiar with email marketing laws in Australia? The Spam Act 2003 (Cth) provides an extensive regulatory regime as to when emails are classified as 'an effective marketing tool' and when emails are classified as 'spam'. There are serious penalties for breaching the Spam Act. Read here for more details.

What happens to employees if you buy or sell a business?

Employment Law

If you are buying or selling a business, you will need to decide what is to happen to the business's employees. The employees may be transferred from employment with the outgoing owner to the incoming owner, or the outgoing owner may decide to make its employees redundant and allow the incoming owner to hire its own employees. This article sets out the key matters you will need to consider if you are buying or selling a business that has employees.

Powers of Attorney for incapacitated persons

Wills & Estate Planning

Powers of Attorney provide authority for another person to implement financial, personal and/or medical decisions on your behalf, during your lifetime. Powers of Attorney are particularly important to plan for who you want to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer medically capable.Unfortunately, sometimes it is not possible, whether by reason of mental impairment or otherwise, to make Powers of Attorney. This raises the question: how can I legally make decisions for a family member or loved one who is incapable of making a Power of Attorney?

Taxes and Deceased Estates

Probate & Estates

Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes! There are important issues for an executor to consider when dealing with deceased estates and their taxes. Upon obtaining Probate or Letters of Administration, a deceased's Legal Personal Representative (i.e. Executor or Administrator) is responsible for finalising the affairs of the deceased and their estate. One crucial element is that of attending to any tax payable by the Deceased or by their Estate

Redundancy: the basics

Employment Law

Unfortunately, too many employers trip themselves up and speed into the redundancy process without a solid understanding of the relevant law and how to best protect their legal interests.This article provides a straightforward explanation of redundancy - what it means, what needs to be considered when making an employee redundant, and the downside of getting it wrong.