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Posted on 31 May 2016

Domestic Building – Damages for Failed Slab

The Supreme Court of Victoria – Court of Appeal has upheld the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision to award damages against the builder, Metricon, on the basis that the home built for…

Posted on 31 May 2016

Withholding Tax on Real Estate

The Federal Government has introduced legislation that will significantly affect vendors of property valued at $750,000 or more. The aim of the legislation is to prevent foreign residents from avoiding Australian capital gains tax….

Posted on 23 May 2016

Recovering a debt with a Statutory Demand

A Statutory Demand is a means of recovering a debt owed by a company, provided under the Corporations Act 2001 (‘the Act’). If a company fails to comply with a Statutory Demand, the Court…

Posted on 18 May 2016

Cooling Off Notices Cannot Be Accepted By Real Estate Agents

A purchaser has a right to terminate a contract of sale within 3 business days after signing a contract of sale. This right is commonly referred to as the ‘cooling off right’. The cooling…

Posted on 11 May 2016

Superannuation – Binding Death Nominations

The Federal Court of Australia in an important decision has upheld a decision of the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal to pay superannuation benefits equally to children of the deceased notwithstanding significant factors in the history…

Posted on 11 May 2016

Compensation for Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

A recent decision of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has highlighted the significant damages which can be awarded under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and reinforces the importance of employers having appropriate policies…

Posted on 29 Feb 2016

Verification of Identity

From 9 November 2015, we must comply with new verification of identity requirements before any paper instruments or dealings can be lodged at Land Victoria for registration and before we can hand you any…

Posted on 29 Feb 2016

Purchasing a new home, “buyer beware”

and the importance of building and pest inspections For most Australians, purchasing a residential property to live in or as an investment is one of the largest financial outlays that they will make in…

Posted on 4 Sep 2015

Powers of Attorney Victoria

Advice for Attorneys The Powers of Attorney Act 2014 sets out the powers and responsibilities of a person(s) appointed as an attorney under an enduring power of attorney. The effect of an enduring power…

Posted on 4 Sep 2015

VCAT Advisory Opinion

Retail Leases On 1 May 2015 an Advisory Opinion was handed down by Justice Garde, the President of VCAT, in response to an application by the Small Business Commissioner (SBC). The application was made…