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Will Workers’ Compensation Laws Help if Your Employee is Killed or Injured While Working from Home?
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What You Need to Know About Claiming Workers’ Compensation in Queensland
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All 160 items
Christmas and Parenting Arrangements: Planning Ahead for the Holiday Period
Christmas and the school holiday period can be one of the busiest times of year for family law matters, particularly when it comes to parenting arrangements. Regular parenting arrangements are often r…
Using AI for Family Law Advice? Read This Before You Rely on It
AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere, and it’s understandable why so many people turn to them during a separation. Family law issues are stressful, questions often come up outside business hours, and …
Can I Sack an Employee Who Keeps Making Complaints About Their Manager or the Business?
“Every time we try to manage this employee, they make another complaint.” A complaint about their manager. A complaint about their workload. A complaint about their pay. A complaint about how their pe…
“I’m Not Bullying Them. I’m Managing Them.” Where Is the Line?
“I’m not bullying them. I’m managing them.” It is a sentence most experienced leaders have heard. And sometimes the manager is absolutely right. Performance management isn’t bullying. A difficult conv…
Five Common Mistakes People Make After Separation
Separation can be an emotional and overwhelming time. The decisions you make in the first few weeks after separating can have lasting financial and legal consequences, particularly when it comes to pa…
“It Was Just Banter”: When Workplace Jokes Become Sexual Harassment
“It was just banter.” Four words that can create a very big problem for an employer. I am not suggesting that we need to remove humour from the workplace. People joke. People swear. People give each o…
How Mediation Can Help Resolve Family Law Disputes
Separation and divorce can feel like they are heading towards a courtroom battle. In reality, many family law disputes in Australia are resolved through negotiation or mediation without a judge making…
Can Directors or Executives Be Personally Liable for Employee Underpayments?
$887,690 versus $341,213. Two employee costing models. One was more than $500,000 cheaper. Which one do you think the business chose? The cheaper one. There was just one fairly significant problem. It…
Can an Employee Be Made Redundant While on Parental Leave, Sick Leave or Workers’ Compensation?
“We need to restructure, but the employee whose position is affected is on parental leave. Can we still make them redundant?” What if they are on long-term sick leave? Or workers’ compensation? The an…
Can I Sack an Employee Who Has Been Here for 15 Years?
It depends. And the biggest risk probably isn’t unfair dismissal. “Can I sack an employee who has been here for 15 years?” The short answer? Yes. There is no rule in Australian employment law that say…
It’s Not Just the House: What Counts as Property in a Property Settlement?
When people think about a property settlement after separation, the family home is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But under Australian family law, the “property pool” is much broader than…
The Value of Early Advice
When facing separation or a family law issue, many people delay seeking legal advice in the hope that matters will resolve on their own. While this is understandable, obtaining advice early can often …
General Protections Claims Are Exploding. Most Employers Still Don’t See Them Coming
It usually doesn’t start with a termination letter. A General Protections claim rarely begins on the day someone gets fired. More often? It starts months earlier. A complaint gets brushed off. A manag…
When Does Tough Management Become Bullying?
Not every tough manager is a bully. Managers are expected to set standards, hold people accountable and address underperformance. Difficult conversations are part of leadership. But there is a line. A…
Sexual Harassment at Work: Contractor and Customer Ordered to Pay $116,000
A contractor and a customer have been ordered to pay $116,000 after sexually harassing a worker. The unique part? Neither of them worked as an employee for the employer. The decision of Eklom v Marsha…
$100 Million Restructure Program halted by SafeWork And Every HR and Safety Leader Should Be Paying Attention
For years, restructures and redundancies have largely been viewed as HR and industrial relations processes. Consultation obligations. Redeployment considerations. Selection criteria. Communications st…
$920,000 Awarded To Injured Worker Despite Returning To The Gym And Taking Overseas Holidays
A Queensland Supreme Court decision is another reminder that workplace injuries do not need to leave a worker completely incapacitated for employers to face substantial compensation exposure. In Singl…
$180,000 Fine After Worker Injured In Dough Mixer: The Safety Warning Employers Cannot Ignore
$180,000 Fine. A Finger Injury. And A Workplace Already Prosecuted Multiple Times Before. There is a dangerous assumption some businesses still make about workplace safety: “If nobody was seriously hu…
$802,000. Forced Bubble Tea Purchases. False Records. How Did It Get This Bad?
$395,000 In Penalties Alone against an owner and manager. $802,000! Bubble Tea “Cashbacks”. False Records. And Migrant Workers Underpaid At Adelaide Eateries. Another Fair Work Ombudsman prosecution h…
When HR Ignores a Complaint… That Might Be the Biggest Mistake
There’s a dangerous assumption I see in workplaces all the time: “If we don’t act, we can’t get it wrong.” This case shows why that thinking is flawed. In Mitri v Fire Rescue Victoria [2026] FedCFamC2…
Adverse Action Claim Fails… But Employer Still Pays $176,000: Here’s Why
An Employer successfully defends a general protections claim… and still ended up paying $176,250? Why? What happened? The Federal Circuit and Family Court decision in Lord v Toll Transport Pty Ltd [20…
CCTV Isn’t Enough: The Unfair Dismissal That Cost an Employer 22 Weeks Pay
Accusing an employee of theft is one of the most serious steps an employer can take. It is the kind of allegation that almost always leads to summary dismissal. But what happens when the evidence does…
He Used AI to Run a Fair Work Case. The Commission Was Not Impressed and awarded Costs.
The Fair Work Commission recently dismissed a case, described the legal arguments as “incoherent”, found the applicant had misrepresented what his contract said, and then invited the employer to apply…
When Performance Management Becomes a Psychosocial Hazard or Risk
Performance management has always been treated as a core HR function. Set expectations. Address underperformance. Improve outcomes. But that traditional view is now incomplete. In today’s regulatory e…
A Single Email Cost This Employer 15 weeks pay in an Unfair Dismissal Case
If an employee uses their company email to apply for another job, can you fire them on the spot? One employer thought the answer was yes. The Fair Work Commission had a very different view. A single e…
Sexual Harassment and “Reasonable Steps”: Why Online Training Modules May Not Be Enough
If your organisation’s primary defence to a sexual harassment claim is “we have online training modules,” it may not be enough. The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission decision, Loquias v The S…
Can the Fair Work Act Apply to Overseas Employees? Not Always
For HR leaders and Employers in Australia managing international workforces, one of the most misunderstood questions is this: When does the Fair Work Act apply to employees working overseas? A recent …
Flexible Work Refusals Under Fire
If you are still treating flexible work requests as a policy issue rather than a legal risk, you may be exposed. Nearly three (3) years after the Fair Work Commission was given power to arbitrate disp…
Do You Know Where Your Employment Law Risk Really Sits?
Most employment law issues do not come out of nowhere. They usually build quietly in the background. An outdated contract. A pay assumption that has never been tested. A complaint that is handled info…
2026 is Not a “Business as Usual” Year for Employers
Employment law in 2026 is less about new buzzwords and more about execution. Can your payroll withstand payday super? Are your redundancy processes genuinely defensible? Do your contracts still do wha…
Think Casuals Cannot Claim Unfair Dismissal? This FWC Case Proves Otherwise
The Fair Work Commission has again confirmed that the day to day reality of a working relationship will outweigh any contract terms describing a worker as a casual. Fair Work Commission case Richard M…
Sexual Harassment and Power Imbalance: A $305,000 Federal Court Warning for Employers
Sexual harassment remains one of the most serious and preventable risks in Australian workplaces. Recent reforms, increased public awareness, and the shift toward a positive duty to eliminate harmful …
Employee or Contractor? Sham Contracting in the Spotlight – The $197,000 lesson for HR teams
HR managers and Heads of HR are often at the frontline when it comes to workforce classification, contract design, and compliance. The Federal Court decision in Fair Work Ombudsman v Doll House Traini…
Workplace Bullying or Reasonable Management Action? Why Context and Conduct Matter
The Modern Workplace Bullying Dilemma Workplace bullying isn’t new but how we perceive it is changing fast. In an era of hybrid work, constant performance pressure and a sharper awareness of psycholog…
Not Every Tough Boss is a Bully – FWC Dismisses Micromanagement Claim
An employee said the boss’s micromanagement drove him to quit. The FWC said otherwise and HR teams should take note. What happened – Mr Cooper Lynch v Mcpherson Window Cleaning Pty. Ltd. & Mr Paul McI…
Sexual Harassment – A HR Lesson in How Not to Run a Workplace Investigation
The Fair Work Commission’s decision in Sewell v dnata Airport Services Pty Ltd [2025] FWC 2823 is a wake-up call for every HR team managing sexual harassment complaints. At the heart of the case was t…
The $280,000 Wake-Up Call: Why Incomplete Employment Contracts Cost Employers Big
Written Employment Contracts may sound like a boring part of HR and business. When it comes to employment relationships, unclear or incomplete contracts are a recipe for disputes. Courts are increasin…
Why Payroll is Now Every Board, Executive and HR Biggest Risk (Thanks to Coles & Woolies)
Ok, Ok maybe it is going a bit too far. But this is a question that needs to be asked and answered for every Board, Executive and HR team. Do we have payroll under control? Because of recent cases (wh…
One Offensive Comment, Four HR Mistakes: Why This Dismissal Was Found Unfair
When an employee told a colleague, “why don’t you go get molested…”, it was the final straw for his employer. But while the behaviour was appalling, the Fair Work Commission still ruled his dismissal …
Social Media Missteps: How Far Can Employers Go in Disciplining Staff?
Can an employee’s “off-the-clock” Facebook rant really put their job at risk? In today’s workplaces, the answer is increasingly yes. Social media has blurred the lines between professional and persona…
Outsourcing vs Redeployment: High Court pushes HR to Reimagine Redundancy Practices
Imagine making what you thought was a watertight redundancy decision only to have the High Court declare it invalid years later. That’s exactly what happened in Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd v Bartley [202…
20 Years of Service, One Pink Bag, and an Unfair Dismissal
It started with a pink bag on a bus and ended with an unfair dismissal claim. A cleaner with over two decades of experience without incident, was carrying out his normal duties, only to be accused of …
Right to Disconnect – What do Australian Employers and Human Resources need to know and 6 Exceptions to the Right to Disconnect
A major change in workplaces has seen the Government introduce and now implement, as of 26 August 2024, the new Right to Disconnect laws. The aim of this legislation is to foster work-life balance for…
Independent Medical Assessment and Reasonable and Lawful Direction – 4 HR Takeaways
Reasonable and lawful directions. With the onset of Psychosocial Risks and Hazards legislation, an increase in mental health claims, exposure, disclosure, discussion and risk management the issue of m…
Why Reasonable Notice is Back on HR’s Radar? 5 Take Aways for all HR Teams
The Federal Court of Australia has delivered a timely reminder that reasonable notice is still in play. In the recent decision of Cropper v Energy Action (Australia) Pty Ltd (No 2) [2025] FCA 663 (Cro…
Work from Home and Flexible Working Arrangements: What are an Employer’s Obligations?
Work from Home and Flexible Working Arrangements – potentially 20, 15 or even 10 years ago, this was seldom used. However, as part of the ever-changing workplace and evolving workforce, Flexible Worki…
Redundancy Pay Denied: The Work From Home Debate Plays a Part in the Question of Redundancy Pay
Redundancies are often challenging for both employers and employees. But under Australia’s Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), a redundancy won’t be considered genuine if there’s a reasonable opportunity for th…
Redundancy in a Crisis: The 5 Must Knows for HR Teams for Employment Law in Australia
Redundancy, especially during a crisis, is a challenging aspect of Human Resources (HR) management. Ensuring compliance with Australian Employment Law is not only a legal obligation, but it also prote…
Why does Redundancy Pay drop after 10 years?
In Australia, redundancy pay is governed by the National Employment Standards (NES) under the Fair Work Act 2009. A notable aspect of these provisions is that redundancy pay entitlements decrease afte…
Losing a Loved One: Where to Begin with Estate Administration
Losing someone close to you is never easy. Along with the emotional toll, it can be overwhelming to navigate the legal and financial steps that come next. To help you during this difficult time, we’ve…
Closing the Gap in Duty of Care and Vicarious Liability: HR and the Fallout of Bird v DP
Workplace employment relationships “akin to employment” can be found on an almost daily basis as workplaces continue to evolve. Some examples include: Labour hire; Independent contractors; and Volunte…
Executor’s Guide: Your Responsibilities When Administering a Will
A practical guide to help you carry out your duties with clarity and confidence. Being Appointed as an Executor Being named as an executor of a Will is a significant responsibility—and often a great h…
Selling Property in Australia? New ATO Rules Mean You’ll Need a Clearance Certificate—Every Time
From 1 January 2025, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) introduced important changes that affect anyone selling real estate in Australia—whether you’re a foreign resident or not. Here’s what you need to …
Out of Office, Not Out of Bounds: Employer Responsibility for Virtual Workplace Bullying
The changing face of modern workplaces still requires management of people. Managing remote teams creates complexities not really seen before. An area on the rise in the context of remote work is Work…
Dangers of General Protections – 5 tips to traverse legitimate performance management amongst a sea of employee complaints
Legitimate performance management because of an employee’s work performance can be a long process. However, it is integral to do so, as performance management is about looking for improvement in the p…
Sexual Harassment Prevention Plans are now mandatory in Queensland
Continued evolution in sexual harassment in the workplace now firmly identifies sexual harassment as a workplace health and safety issue. The Work Health and Safety (Sexual Harassment) Amendment Regul…
Wage theft, Underpayment of Wages and Fair Work Ombudsman – Welcome to payroll and HR in 2025
The Fair Work Ombudsman has been busy with underpayment of wages problems with several workplaces including big names such as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The Fair Ombudsman have taken this to …
Over-reliance on systems – The Fair Work Commission confirms that termination of employment obligations lies squarely with Employers
With systems, automation, processes, and AI continuing to dominate the workplace now and into the foreseeable future, the Fair Work Commission has reminded all Employers and HR teams that the legal ob…
NDIS, Unfair Dismissal and Conflict of Interest – The tightrope of referral relationships
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) has had a lot of media and business attention for many years. The human resources and employment law elements of NDIS workplace operations are no different …
The fine line between fun and Unfair Dismissal: Pranks, X-rated lollies and Australia Post
Pranks in some workplaces are a way to galvanise a team or a group of people as well as having a bit of fun. But in other workplaces (and some might say in most places) this has the opposite effect. A…
How can illness amongst a pay dispute still lead to payment of long service leave?
Long service leave in Queensland and to some extent in other states in Australia is an entitlement to reward long-serving employees. Long service leave entitlements in Queensland crystallise after 10 …
Sexual Harassment: $110,000 + damages for slapping bottom
Sexual harassment has undergone a number of changes in recent times: The extension of powers of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner An ability for employees to make an application for a stop sexual ha…
4 Reasonable Business Grounds in Flexible Work Arrangements – When Can Employers Refuse a Request?
Flexible work arrangements are another hot topic for human resources teams in workplaces. Any request for a flexible work arrangement creates a workplace right for an employee. However, Employers can …
Forced Resignation – The Fine Line Between Resignation and Dismissal, what the Fair Work Commission Says
Forced Resignation, when an employee decides to resign from employment, especially during complaints and grievances being made or a performance improvement process, can the Employer still be held liab…
Before you sign: 5 Critical Clauses to Review in Your Employment Contract
Written employment contracts are almost a given in every employment relationship. It is integral to have in place a written employment contract that has basic terms and conditions that go beyond salar…
What is Upward Bullying? 4 Key Takeaways for Employers
Bullying is often associated with either peers or superiors targeting subordinates (downward bullying), it can also occur in the opposite direction, known as “upward bullying.” Recently, we have had s…
The 2 Year CGT Rule for Deceased Estates and possible extensions of time
The complexities surrounding capital gains tax (CGT) and deceased estates can be daunting, especially when navigating the emotional landscape of loss alongside tax obligations. A recent private ruling…
Understanding Superannuation Death Benefits in Testamentary Trusts and Succession Planning
In a recent private binding ruling (PBR 1051920326857), an important scenario involving superannuation death benefits and testamentary trusts has come to light. The ruling examined whether death benef…
Unfair Dismissal Claim has been received? What do you do now? 3 Tips to Consider
As an Employer and part of the HR team, you have made the difficult (and maybe sometimes not so difficult) decision to terminate the employment of an employee. Expectedly or unexpectedly you have rece…
Psychosocial Risks and Hazards: A Human Resources Guide
Psychosocial Risks and Hazards Workplace health and safety legislation change has further evolved from a focus on physical safety (knee injuries, near misses and serious injury) to renewed focus on me…
Carbon rights on State Land – Leasehold property
Under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 (Cth) (CFI Act), a project proponent (often the Landowner) seeking to register an emissions avoidance project or a sequestration project u…
Carbon Farming Methods
Carbon farming is about a change in your land management to either: avoid or abate the emissions of greenhouse gases from your activities; or increase the storage of carbon in trees or soil. How do yo…
An Overview of Queensland’s Carbon Farming Initiatives for Landholders
Carbon farming has become a popular means by which landholders can help both reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land management practices and earn revenue from government-supported programs. The pra…
Madden Solicitors Join South Geldard Lawyers
We are pleased to announce that Madden Solicitors has become a part of South Geldard Lawyers. Effective immediately, all matters previously handled by Madden Solicitors, including safe custody matters…
Do I need to engage a lawyer if I buy or sell a business?
In most if not all cases, it is strongly recommended a lawyer be involved in sale or purchase of a business. Failure to do so… Read More » Do I need to engage a lawyer if I buy or sell a business?
Moving from Option Phase to Construction Phase of a Windfarm – What to Expect
Many landowners are faced with the question about whether allowing a wind farm to operate on their land is a wise course of action to… Read More » Moving from Option Phase to Construction Phase of a W…
Contesting a Will by Making a Family Provision Application
While a person makes a will in the hope that once they pass, their worldly estate will be distributed to beneficiaries in an orderly… Read More » Contesting a Will by Making a Family Provision Applica…
Robert Maurice South, Solicitor (1933-2022)
Robert Maurice South, Solicitor died on 10 June 2022 at Rockhampton. Robert commenced Articles of Clerkship in Rockhampton in 1949 with Colin Stumm, then a… Read More » Robert Maurice South, Solicitor…
Top Ten Tips if You Are Separating
The top ten queries clients often ask. However, each client has individual circumstances which should be addressed in a fixed fee appointment with one of our Family Lawyers.
A List of Dos and Don’ts of Family Law
In this blog, we list down the dos & don’ts of family law. Seek Family Law legal advice if you are contemplating separating or have separated.
The lawyer’s role in your family law matter
It goes without saying that in life and legal practice, no other event or area of law involves as much sensitivity and trauma as family law.
Are vaccinations in the best interests of the children?
The modern day “water-cooler” talk seems to be who has been vaccinated, who has not, why not, when are they getting vaccinated and what version are you getting.
The Effects of Marriage, Separation and Divorce on your Will and Power of Attorney
What are the effects of marriage, separation and divorce on your Will and Power of Attorney? In this blog, we explain why seeking appropriate legal advice is essential during this significant time in …
The Difference Between Parenting Plans and Consent Orders
A parenting plan is a written and signed voluntary agreement between parties. It deals with the care, welfare and development of a child.
Family Reports in Parenting Matters
Going to court to decide family matters brought about by separation and divorce is a difficult and complex process. Learn more here.
What You Need to Know About Third Parties and Family Law Matters
A family law matter is between two people whose relationship has come to an end and need to decide on the division of property.
What are the Areas and Sources of Drone Liability?
The transformation of drone technology from military tech to widespread use in many areas of the economy, including agriculture, scientific research and real estate, has… Read More » What are the Area…
What to Do When You Are at the End of Your Lease – 4 Things to Prepare
There are a number of things a tenant needs to do when a commercial lease comes to an end, or the tenant wishes to terminate… Read More » What to Do When You Are at the End of Your Lease – 4 Things to…
Guardianship for Children in Wills
Anyone making a will who also has children needs to consider guardianship and how they will be provided for in this important legal document.
Statement of Wishes in Terms of How Children are Raised
How you wish your child to be raised after your passing can be detailed in a ‘Statement of Wishes’ that accompanies your will.
How to Protect Your Estate from Being Contested
One of the most unseemly things that can occur after a loved one passes away is a family squabble about the terms of the deceased’s will.
What is Supply Chain Finance and How Does it Work?
In business a frequent cause of disquiet and disruption are disputes around payment terms between an enterprise and its suppliers.
I’ve Been Left Out of a Will. Can I Make a Claim?
There are many reasons why someone who expected to be provided for in a deceased person’s will might be left out.
Will Workers’ Compensation Laws Help if Your Employee is Killed or Injured While Working from Home?
A recent decision by the NSW Court of Appeal in March 2020 has given employers some guidance in determining the scope of possible claims under workers’ compensation schemes, even in the highly unusual…
Can a Landlord Hold a Tenant’s Property for Unpaid Rent?
Originating in feudal times, the common law right of a landlord to seize and impound a tenant’s goods to compel payment of arrears in rent has been abolished in most parts of Australia.
What is a Joint Venture? Why Would I Use One?
While a company or partnership structure carries with it a clear set of legal rights and obligations, the same is not necessarily the case for a joint venture.
Divorce. Don’t leave it until the last minute!
Divorce is the official ending of a marriage. The only legal requirement for obtaining a divorce is the “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
Changes to Making an Enduring Power of Attorney in Queensland
Important legislative changes in Queensland came into force from 30 November 2020.
Transferring a Lease of Crown Land? Here’s What You Need to Know
In Queensland, leases over state land are granted for various purposes such as grazing, agriculture, tourism, forestry and others as term, perpetual or freeholding leases.
A Family Law Guide for separated parents for surviving Christmas
Most parents will have an arrangement in place for spending time with their children, whether it be on a week-to week or an alternating basis.
All You Need to Know About Trust Structures
While most business people have heard of trusts, it’s likely not as many really understand what they are or why you’d use one.
Why It’s Important to Comply With a Development Approval
The enforcement of the terms of Development Approvals (DAs) in Queensland is achieved by the Planning Act 2016 (‘the Act’) which…
Assessing Contributions in a Property Settlement
It is common during a marriage or de facto relationship that the husband, wife or partner made a greater financial contribution through their initial contributions to the marriage or relationship, dur…
Formalising Your Property Agreement
You have reached an agreement with your former spouse. What do you do now? Finalising your agreement into a legal document is important.
What Does the Brett Cattle Company Class Action Mean for Government Decisions?
The recent Federal Court decision in Brett Cattle Company Pty Ltd v Minister for Agriculture [2020] FCA 732 (‘Brett Cattle’) has implications for future decisions by Federal government ministers in re…
The Importance of Due Diligence When Purchasing a Commercial Property in Queensland
Commercial property is an asset class that can provide good returns if you buy at the right time, in the right place, and can install good tenants.
Workpac v Rossato: A “Double-Dip” For Employee Entitlements?
With a 1025 paragraph judgement and an appeal imminent, the Full Bench of the Federal Court of Australia have recently published their reasons for judgement in the matter of WorkPac Pty Ltd v Rossato …
What is a Family Provision Claim?
A Family Provision Claim (FPA) refers to a claim which a person can make against a deceased estate if they have been left out of a will or have not received sufficient for what is described by the law…
Are All Casual Employees Now Permanents?
Casual employment and the consequences for employers of misclassifying employees have been vexed issues since the 2018 decision of the Federal Court regarding the employment of Mr Paul Skene by WorkPa…
Valuing Property in Family Law matters
You may have just separated from your partner or have been separated for some time. A division of property remains to be resolved between you.
Do I have to Leave our House when we Separate?
Usually on the breakdown of a relationship, one party moves out of the matrimonial home, leaving the other party to continue to reside in the property. But what happens if neither party wants to leave…
What Happens to Super on a Divorce or Separation?
Superannuation like any other property in which a spouse has an interest is available for distribution between them.
What You Need to Know About Forming a Company
In short, this will depend on whether you plan ahead. You can decide in advance who can make decisions for you by preparing a legal document known as an Enduring Power of Attorney (“EPA”).
Who will Make Decisions for Me if I Lose Capacity?
In short, this will depend on whether you plan ahead. You can decide in advance who can make decisions for you by preparing a legal document known as an Enduring Power of Attorney (“EPA”).
Key Things to Consider When Forming a Business Partnership
Going into business with close friends or associates as partners is, for many people, an ideal way to realise their entrepreneurial dreams. Like sole trading, a partnership business structure offers m…
Are You Separated or Thinking About Separating?
While separation may be a difficult and emotional time, which may create uncertainty for you, your children and your partner, some necessary practicalities are involved.
Can Businesses Protect their Online Reputation from Anonymous Defamatory Reviews?
Negative reviews from disgruntled customers are a reality that most businesses will have to face from time to time. But once those negative reviews are anonymously published online, business owners ar…
Does Equal Shared Parental Responsibility Mean Equal Time?
Whether you were married, in a de facto relationship, or were never together, if you have a child with someone and then separate from the other parent, in the eyes of the law you continue to have shar…
Can I Make Recordings that May Help My Family Law Matter?
All’s fair in love and war. Or is it? If you are embroiled in a family law matter such as separation or divorce, you may be tempted to do whatever it takes to get your share of the assets, and for the…
Conducting a Procedurally Fair Workplace Investigation and Disciplinary Action
If you employ a workforce, chances are you will at some stage be called upon to investigate and adjudicate allegations of employee misconduct. The process can be complex.
Planning Your Industrial Arrangements
A good succession plan has the following characteristics: (1) It must be tailored. Each person and every family is different. A succession plan must be tailored to your specific circumstances.
Characteristics of a Thorough Succession Plan
A good succession plan has the following characteristics: (1) It must be tailored. Each person and every family is different. A succession plan must be tailored to your specific circumstances.
Responding to Workplace Claims
Responding to an employment claim involving former or existing employees can be costly, extremely disruptive and, sometimes, inevitable.
Certificate of Title’s – A Thing of the Past
Paper certificates of title are no longer evidence of legal ownership because of recent changes to the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld) which have transitioned from the land titles system in Queensland from …
Property Settlement After Separation or Divorce
One of the first and most important things to keep in mind if you are getting separated or divorced is that you can- and should- resolve your property and financial matters as soon as possible.
Have you received a letter from the ATO about your SMSF?
A number of our clients have recently received a letter from the ATO asking them about the soundness of their investment strategy.
How Can My Business Defend Itself From an Adverse Action Claim?
In a recent post, we shared the basics about adverse action claims. Specifically, we discussed what they are, when an employee can make one and how they can do so. In this article we’ll talk about how…
What is an Adverse Action Claim?
When we think of an “adverse action” claim, most people think of a disciplinary or termination of employment situation. However, legal issues can also arise when engaging a prospective employee and du…
Social Media and Family Law
Viewed one way, social media is a wonderful modern-day tool, capable of bringing people together and making the world seem much smaller than it really is.
Is Your Superannuation Binding Death Benefit Nomination Actually Binding?
Many people are unaware that if and when they die, the superannuation amount they leave behind is not treated as part of their overall estate.
The Importance of Estate Planning Following Separation
When a couple decides to separate there are usually a lot of things to attend to at what is a very trying time. Working out where to live, how childcare arrangements will work, and what steps need to …
Former Chief Steward Opens up about Racing Life and Exit
ON THIS day last year, Rockhampton’s chief steward Luke Collins controlled hisfinalrace meeting, bringing the curtain down on a 10-year career.
What the New Whistleblower Protections Mean for Your Business
The recent banking Royal Commission revealed that even in Australia’s largest, most reputable companies, there can be misconduct and illegal behaviour which it is in the public’s interest to know abou…
Queensland Landholders to be Reimbursed
Recent legislative changes in Queensland have changed the way landholders and resources companies will now negotiate a Conduct and Compensation Agreement (CCA).
How to Distinguish ‘Phoenix’ Arrangements from a Genuine Restructure
Recently, the federal government introduced the Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Illegal Phoenixing) Bill 2018 and the Insolvency Practice Rules (Corporations) Amendment (Restricting Related Credito…
What Do I Do If I Have Been Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident in Queensland?
Road accidents are shocking, disorienting experiences, made worse if it results in you suffering an injury. Thousands upon thousands of car accidents occur in Australia each year..
What You Need to Know About Claiming Workers’ Compensation in Queensland
Being injured at work can be an enormously traumatic experience, suddenly depriving you of your livelihood while leaving you to deal with a sometimes chronic, long-lasting condition.
Can I Change My Child’s Name After Separation?
The short answer is “sometimes”, provided that it is in the child’s best interests for the name change. It is important to understand that a parent’s wishes are irrelevant when determining what is in …
The Importance of Having a Will
From the age of 18, having a will should be considered a serious priority for everyone. A will is a crucial document not only for its owner, but for all of that person’s family and friends.
It’s All Insolvency, Isn’t It? What are the Different Roles of Administrators, Receivers and Liquidators?
“Insolvency” is a term often seen in the headlines recently with the collapse of a number of high profile local companies such as JM Kelly Builders Pty Ltd and Metro Builders, and publicly listed comp…
Spousal Maintenance – Where Do I Stand?
Separation from your spouse or partner whom you have been financially dependent upon can be daunting. It may be particularly worrying if you’ve been absent from the workforce for a while and are unsur…
How Will a Wind or Solar Farm Affect My Property?
The increase of renewable energy projects across Australia raises a number of important legal considerations for landowners who are considering allowing wind or solar ‘farm’ to operate on their proper…
How to Leave Money to Charity
An unfortunate but sometimes inevitable consequence of preparing your Will is that your loved ones start squabbling over who gets what once you die. But apart from family, many people also prefer to l…
Unfair Contract Terms in Business to Business Agreements
Legislation came into force recently that will affect the way we do business. The Unfair Contracts legislation will potentially affect many of the “Standard Form” contracts we enter into.
How to Change Your Name After a Separation or Divorce
Marriage is a huge commitment in life. One of the ways that many couples choose to demonstrate this commitment is by taking the last name of their partner. But in the unfortunate event of a divorce…
Superannuation and Your Property Settlement
Separation or divorce is an unfortunate but common reality for many people. While we commonly assist people with queries about parenting arrangements (formerly known as “child custody” and “visitation…
Digital Assets and Your Estate Plan
For years, legal and financial professionals have stressed the importance of proper estate planning. We’re told that creating a will and taking all of the associated steps is the best way to…
What Do the Changes to Queensland Labour Hire Laws Mean for You?
Last year, the Queensland Parliament created new laws to address concerns about the labour hire industry. These laws (the labour hire licensing regime) took effect on 16 April 2018 when the Labour Hir…
Common Myths & Misconceptions About Family Law
When it comes to family law in Australia, don’t believe everything you hear or read. It is common place for facts to be misconstrued, either because of misunderstandings or highly emotive reporting of…
How to Get Ready to Sell Your Business
If you’re like most business owners, it’s likely that the sale of your business is going to go towards your retirement fund, yet, unfortunately, most owners are under-prepared…
Compulsory Acquisitions – What are They?
Earlier this week the Federal Government announced that it would not proceed with any compulsory acquisitions of rural properties for its extension of the Shoalwater Bay Army Training Area….
How Can I Get Paid When the Head Contractor Goes “Belly-Up”?
(THE SUBCONTRACTORS CHARGES ACT 1974) When a head contractor in a construction or building project goes to the wall, the repercussions for contract builders and subcontractors can be severe.
Why Would I Need a Testamentary Trust?
Wills often include provision for beneficiaries to receive their distribution from the estate via a “Testamentary Trust”.
Parenting Arrangements For Your Children
Under the Family Law Act (“the Act”), children have the right to know, be cared for by and spend regular time with both parents.
Am I Entitled to Spouse Maintenance?
The Court has the power to make a separate order for the maintenance of one of the parties (“spouse maintenance”). The maintenance is either paid on a periodic basis or calculated…
Can You Trust A Trust To Protect Your Property In The Family Court?
A question we are often asked by clients is whether having assets in a company or a trust protects them when their relationship, or one of the beneficiaries’ relationships, sours.
Business Succession Plans Deliver Positive Outcomes
Would your business survive? Could you happily continue the business in partnership with the beneficiaries of your deceased partner’s estate (usually his or her spouse or children)?
When Do I Need a Shareholder’s Agreement?
A shareholders agreement is an agreement between the shareholders of a company that governs how matters that may arise between the shareholders will be resolved.
What is e-Conveyancing?
Electronic conveyancing allows your property transaction to be completed faster, securely and in a more efficient way through the online property exchange PEXA, with the documents needed for property …
Do You Have a Retail Shop Lease?
The Queensland Parliament recently passed legislation to amend the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994. Most amendments are designed to: