From Stamp Duty to Tax: Major reform to stamp duty following the 2023-24 Victorian State Budget
On Tuesday 23 May 2023 the Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas, delivered the 2023-24 State Budget announcing a landmark reform to abolish stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties and introduce a new annual property tax. These changes are expected to take effect from 1 July [...]
Private Ancillary Funds
In May or June as we near the end of the financial year we are commonly asked to establish private ancillary funds for clients. A private ancillary fund is a private philanthropic vehicle typically established and operated by a high net worth individual or family. [...]
Pointon Partners Seminar: Discretionary trusts now not so discretionary Landmark Victoria Court of Appeal case
Please join us where our Partner Michael Bishop and Senior Lawyer Jess Tomlinson discuss the case Owies v JJ Nominees Pty ltd [2022] VSCA 142 which dealt with: obligations on a trustee to inform itself as to the needs of beneficiaries; and consider those needs even If [...]
Buying or Selling a Business – Here are the top 5 things you should consider
Buying or selling a business is a major decision for both the seller and the buyer and can be a daunting and exciting process. Regardless of whether you are a seller or buyer, it is important you take into account a number of [...]
Director Identification Numbers – Now in Force
Australian company directors are now required by law to apply for a director identification number (“director ID”). A director ID is a unique identifier given to an eligible officer who has verified their identified their identity with the Australian Business Registry Services (“ABRS”). The Corporations [...]
Estate Planning – Where the Will is not enough
When we are approached by a client to draft a will, they are often surprised by the number of questions that we ask them that help us determine what matters they will need to consider beyond the drafting of their will. We set out below [...]
Personal Law Webinar- Discretionary trusts now not so discretionary – Landmark Victoria Court of Appeal case
Please join us for our personal law webinar where our Partner Michael Bishop and Senior Lawyer Jess Tomlinson discuss the recent case Owies v JJ Nominees Pty ltd [2022] VSCA 142 which dealt with: obligations on a trustee to inform itself as to the needs [...]
Changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct
If you are a franchisor or a franchisee, it is important to note that amendments were made by to the Franchising Code of Conduct (“Code”) on 1 June 2021. Most of these amendments will apply to franchise agreements entered into, renewed or extended on or [...]
Personal Law Webinar
On 14 July 2021, members of our Personal Law team presented a webinar on the following topics: - Medical and Financial Decisions - Planning for who makes the Decision when you can't. - The Role of an Executor - What you should know. The webinar [...]
Brexit and your EU and UK trade marks
As has been reported on, the United Kingdom (“UK”) voted to leave the European Union (“EU”) in 2016, with this exit officially occurring on 31 January 2020. "Brexit” as the exit of the UK from the EU has become known, has affected businesses and citizens [...]