NEWS & COMMUNITY

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New Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List: COVID-19 recovery plan 04.09.20 As COVID-19 continues to impact Australia, the Acting Minister for Immigration has announced that there are 17 occupations in a new Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List. Health care, IT and construction sectors are high on the priority list.

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Defamation case: Geoffrey Rush awarded historical amount in special damages 03.09.20 On 2 July 2020, the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia awarded the largest sum in a defamation case regarding a single individual in Australian history. The monumental award of damages was proportionate to the emotional and reputational harm suffered by Geoffrey Rush. This was assessed based on the loss of employment opportunities in the film industry due to defamatory comments made by Nationwide News.

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Property Settlement Entitlements: Is my spouse, or is my spouse not, entitled to an adjustment of my property interests, that is the question. 28.08.20 The recent case of Grady & Chilcott (2020) serves as a timely reminder that the circumstances of every relationship is different, and a longer relationship will not necessarily entitle someone to a share of their partner’s assets.

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Released from a contract: is COVID-19 an excuse? 28.08.20 Happy Lounge Pty Ltd v Choi & Lee Pty Ltd and Anor [2020] QDC 184 is an important decision highlighting the reluctance of the courts to recognise the COVID-19 pandemic as a valid ground for releasing parties from their contractual duties where awareness of its foreseeable effects can be established.

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Agent commission denied: Difficulties with conjunction agreements 20.08.20 The recent District Court of Queensland case of Equity 2 Pty Ltd v Best Price Real Estate Pty Ltd [2020] QDC 180 highlights that a lack of understanding when it comes to contract terms could cost real estate agents their agent commission.

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Freezing Order to Preserve Assets Denied: “Not Better Late than Never” 12.08.20 BluePoint Property Pty Ltd v Zuri Properties Pty Ltd is a timely reminder that applications for a freezing order must be made quickly and often without notice to the other side. Where a plaintiff delays applying for freezing order, the defendant can take irrevocable steps which will ultimately prevent their ability to satisfy any judgment they obtain.

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Construction Contract Dispute: Knowledge equals liability 07.08.20 In Somerset Civil Pty Ltd v Sugarbag Road Pty Ltd the Court left open the possibility that a principal may be liable to pay their builder where it knows (or ought to have known) that the builder was unlicensed. This is despite unlicensed work being unlawful under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991.

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COVID-19: ARE YOU BOUND BY A FAMILY LAW PROPERTY SETTLEMENT BUT CAN’T COMPLY? 31.07.20 Due to COVID-19, many Australians are currently dealing with serious financial concerns and are now faced with the difficult situation of not being able to meet their financial obligations linked to their family law property settlement, spousal maintenance and child support payments.

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COVID-19: Update for Student Visa Holders 24.07.20 The Australian Government is currently looking to make a number of changes that will impact Student (subclass 500) Visa holders as a result of COVID-19.

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Defamation Case: Bad Neighbours and an AVO 22.07.20 The case of Cosco v Hutley is a cautionary warning to be mindful of what is said in the heat of battle as it could lead to a defamation case.

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Where Joint Ventures Fail 22.07.20 Joint ventures are often considered an attractive vehicle to combining businesses. However, disputes and failed arrangements are a common occurrence.

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Safe Haven for Hong Kong Nationals 10.07.20 In light of the current political climate in Hong Kong, the Australian Government has announced visa extensions for some Hong Kong residents.

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