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In response to the current coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Government recently introduced a number of financial measures in its Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Act 2020 (Vic)(“the Act’). Much of the Act deals with economic stimulus measures, such as stimulus payments and superannuation draw-downs, however Schedule 12 is entitled “Temporary relief for financially distressed individuals and businesses” and deals with three key areas of temporary reform.

Businesses are generally aware that they need to obtain Workers Compensation insurance for their employees. But did you know that you may have to obtain Workers Compensation insurance for your independent contractors? Workers Compensation insurance is required in circumstances where contractors are classified as workers of an employer.

Taking a proactive approach to workplace health and safety is essential for any business. The consequences – both in ethical and legal terms – of businesses failing to provide a safe workplace is simply too high to be ignored.

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If you are considering purchasing or investing in property as part of your business, these stamp duty tips and traps are key factors of which to be aware when making decisions. Recently, the State Government has been finding additional means to raise revenue through stamp duty in Victoria.Below we consider important legislative changes that the State Government has made to the Duties Act 2000 (Vic) and previous exemptions which are now being closely scrutinised by the State Revenue Office (‘the SRO’).

Disputes often arise between builders and owners and, when they do, they are often difficult, expensive and time-consuming to resolve – especially if litigation is required. Domestic Dispute Resolution Victoria (‘DBDRV’) is a free service established to assist owners and builders with the resolution of their dispute prior to the instigation of VCAT proceedings. Where negotiations between parties have failed to reach a resolution, the DBDRV provides a venue for parties to air grievances and attempt to settle the matter with the assistance of an independent third party.

There have been recent amendments to the Duties Act 2000 (Cth) (Chapter 2, Part 4B) in relation to stamp duty and economic entitlements. We list below how these changes impact stamp duty payable for Victorian property transactions and key factors for avoiding unexpected duty obligations.

A retail lease is a lease of premises which are used predominantly for the sale or hire of goods or the retail provision of services. Whether or not a premises is used for the sale or hire of goods is generally self-explanatory, however whether or not it is used for the retail provision of services may be more difficult to determine. See here for more information.

As Australia’s population continues to age, more and more individuals are wanting to live at home for as long as they can. However, as people are living longer, it may be the case that they have access to less disposable income as their savings diminish. There are a few different options available that allow people to utilise their home and its equity to obtain further access to funds.

You have a brilliant idea about a small business that you would like to start. In this article, we provide a checklist of 10 things that you should consider as you start your small business.

In Victoria, if a person dies without a Will, they are said to have died intestate and their estate will be distributed in the manner set out in the Administration and Probate Act 1958 (Vic). In late 2017, significant changes were introduced to the intestacy provisions of the Act, with the aim of making intestacy laws fairer and more consistent with the practices of other States and Territories.

What does it mean if you've been served? If you have been served with a court document, this means that a party (known as the Plaintiff or Applicant) has commenced legal proceedings against you or your company (known as the Defendant or Respondent).

The Co-Invest Scheme is a scheme that provides employees and contractors in the construction industry in Victoria with portable long service leave. If you are an employer with employees carrying out certain works, there is a reasonable chance that you need to be making Co-Invest contributions on behalf of your employees.