NEWS & COMMUNITY

CATEGORIES
Director Penalty Notices
Australian Tax Office Crackdown on Director Penalty Notices 29.10.24 The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has ramped up its recovery efforts post-pandemic. Recent data shows the ATO issued 26,702 director penalty notices in the 2023-24 financial year, targeting unpaid company debts worth around $4 billion. In this article, Law Clerk James Wright and Partner Lachlan Boyle examine the ATO’s increased use of these notices to recover unpaid liabilities.

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Right to disconnect
Right to Disconnect - Employee's Right to Refuse Contact From Employer 17.10.24 Do you know that you can now refuse to take calls from your boss after work hours? The Fair Work Act 2009 now provides employees with a Right to Disconnect, and employees can apply to the Fair Work Commission to resolve any disputes of such nature. Click the below link to read more.

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Temporary Work Visas for Australia's Entertainment Industry
Temporary Work Visas for Australia's Entertainment Industry 31.07.24 To work in Australia’s entertainment industry, including film, TV, or live performance, if an individual is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, they must obtain a temporary work visa for the duration of their stay. The most suitable visa option is usually the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) under the entertainment activities stream. This article details the requirements and critical considerations for both individual media and entertainment professionals and production companies to ensure smooth operation and compliance for film, TV, or live performance productions.

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Residential Reform - New REIQ Residential Contracts Released
Residential Reform - New REIQ Residential Contracts Released 04.07.24 On June 7, 2024, updated editions of the Contract for Houses and Residential Land (19th Edition) and the Contract for Residential Lots in a Community Title Scheme (15th Edition) were released. These new editions introduce several significant changes that buyers, sellers, and agents should be aware of, particularly concerning the recent rental law reforms introduced by the Queensland Government. In this article, our commercial and property law team examines the newly published REIQ contracts and their impact on the rights of parties going forward.

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Property Settlements
The Impact of Superannuation on Property Settlements 01.07.24 When it comes to your finances, superannuation is a cornerstone for securing a comfortable retirement. However, its importance extends beyond individual financial stability, particularly during relationship breakdowns. The division of assets during separation or divorce is a complex process, with superannuation often playing a significant role. This article explores how superannuation is handled and divided in property settlements, ensuring that both parties can move forward with financial confidence.

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Updating Your Will
Will You, Wont You? When to Revisit Your Will 25.06.24 In Australia, around 60% of adults have a Will, and over 93% of those aged over 70 do. However, having a Will doesn’t guarantee it reflects your current wishes. For example, "Bob" made his Will 50 years ago with a DIY kit and hasn’t updated it since. It’s likely outdated or invalid. Our Wills and Estates team discusses when to review your Will, the risks of not updating, and how to amend it properly.

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Visa Cancellations and Community Safety Concerns
New Ministerial Direction 110 Introduced to Address Visa Cancellations and Community Safety Concerns 24.06.24 Ministerial Direction (MD) 110, concerning Visa Refusal and Cancellation under section 501 and the Revocation of Mandatory Visa Cancellation under section 501CA, was recently introduced. The decision followed "a week of pressure over the failure to deport migrants convicted of violent crimes under Direction 99," according to Andrew Giles the Immigration Minister. In this article, our migration team discusses the introduction and implications of MD 110, emphasising the increased focus on community safety in visa refusal and cancellation decisions under section 501, as well as the revocation of mandatory visa cancellations under section 501CA

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Revamping The Rules - Queensland Body Corporate Reform 20.06.24 On November 14, 2023, the Queensland Government passed the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (the 'Act'). This Act officially took effect on May 1, 2024, and introduces several significant changes to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (the 'BCCM Act') and related legislation. In this article, our property and commercial law team examines the changes brought about by the new Act and their implications for body corporates and lot owners.

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Sara Morgan Celebrates Two Decades of Legal Excellence at Ramsden Lawyers 05.06.24 Sara Morgan’s 20-year journey at Ramsden Lawyers is an inspiring testament to growth, resilience, and dedication. Starting as a receptionist in 2004, Sara has risen to Executive Paralegal, becoming one of the firm's most distinguished success stories. Her commitment to excellence and passion for achieving successful client outcomes have been pivotal in her career. Sara attributes her long-standing loyalty to the close-knit relationships and supportive environment at Ramsden Lawyers, describing the firm as "like family." The firm's significant growth and adaptability over the years reflect exceptional leadership and a progressive approach to industry changes. Celebrating Sara’s incredible achievements highlights the firm’s dedication to fostering talent and providing outstanding legal services.

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Personal Property Security Register (PPSR) Protection 27.05.24 In the changing landscape of commercial transactions, the intricacies of security interests, as governed by the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA), continue to be a critical cornerstone of modern financing. Whether lending a few dollars to a friend or financing a significant business deal, registering security interests is your key to peace of mind. In this article, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Senior Associate Lachlan Boyle and Law Clerk Riley Hickey provide insights into protecting your financial interests in secured transactions because, in the world of commercial lending, it pays to be at the front of the line.

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General Skilled Migration 23.05.24 This article outlines Australia's General Skilled Migration program, which offers visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491. It highlights eligibility criteria, including a points system, age limits, and health checks. Subclass 190 requires state sponsorship, while Subclass 491 targets regional growth. The article stresses the need for updated information and expert guidance for successful migration to Australia.

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Shareholder Oppression Explained 09.05.24 As businesses change, their relationships with shareholders can also change, sometimes not for the better. This means that shareholders can often be left out of company decisions, don't get their fair share of profits, are stuck with a company going in a direction they don’t agree with, or have no clear way to leave. In this article, Lachlan Boyle and Riley Hickey look into shareholder oppression to help you understand what options you might have if you're dealing with this situation.

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