Employers Beware – $100,000 Fine for Failing to Ensure Safe and Appropriate Workplace
In May 2025, an employer was served with an $100,000 fine for failing to provide a safe workplace for their employees. In doing so, the Magistrates’ Court found that the employer had failed to create a suitable policy on what was appropriate and inappropriate behavior [...]
Late June Tax Update
This article provides an update on key developments in taxation law for accountants and participants in the tax advice industry for late June. This update in summary covers: High Court’s Grant of Special Leave for Bendel Decision Provision of Motor Vehicles to Directors of Corporate [...]
Early June Tax Update
This article provides an update on key developments in taxation law for accountants and participants in the tax advice industry for early June. This update in summary covers: How the ART does not have power to stay an imposition of GIC ART found Home Office [...]
Over $400,000 in compensation and penalties ordered against employer for unlawful adverse action
In a Federal Court decision, Justice Shariff has found that an aged care provider, St Basil's Homes (“Employer”), contravened the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) by dismissing a registered nurse (“Employee”) in breach of her general protections under the Act. The Court held [...]
GREENWASHING: IT’S NOT ALL GLAD
In today’s world, it is not unusual for businesses to make claims about the environmental benefits of their services or products to consumers- it is however important to ensure that those claims are accurate. “Greenwashing” is a term, which generally speaking, refers to the making [...]
Mid May Tax Update
This article provides an update on key developments in taxation law for accountants and participants in the tax advice industry up to mid-May. This update in summary covers: Deputy Commissioner Comments on Bendel Decision Primary Production Exemption found not to Apply for NSW Taxpayer ATO’s [...]
ATO Audit Warning – Family Trust Elections – When an Interposed Entity Election is Appropriate
A recent area of concern that our taxation team has been increasingly encountering is with whether distributions made by a family trust are within the family group and whether said distributions will attract the 47% family trust distribution tax. We expect that in the context [...]
The Absentee (Foreigner) Land Tax Surcharge and Exemptions
Similar to the Vacant Residential Land Tax (discussed here), the Absentee (Foreigner) Land Tax Surcharge is another state tax which may be payable on top of the total taxable value of the land held by taxpayers. This article will discuss what the Absentee (Foreigner) Land [...]
Challenging a will in Victoria: understanding Family Provision claims
When a loved one passes away, disputes over their will can add further stress to an already emotional time. In Victoria, if you believe you’ve been unfairly left out of a will, or not adequately provided for, you may be eligible to make a Family [...]
End of April Tax Update
This article provides an update on key developments in taxation law for accountants and participants in the tax advice industry up to mid-late April. This update in summary covers: Portion of Tax Debt and General Interest Charge cancelled on Serious Hardship Grounds Part IVA applied [...]