Knowledge

New regulations allow electronic signing of Wills: what does this mean and a breakdown of the new regulation during COVID-19

Robert Lamb explains how new regulations issued by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland make it possible for people to sign their wills remotely under COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

UPDATE: Queensland legislation passed to implement the National Code of Conduct on Commercial Leases

David Adolphe provides an update on the National Code of Conduct on commercial leases and the range of powers the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 gives the Queensland Government.

What Australian landlords and tenants in the accommodation industry need to know about the PM’s Mandatory Code and Commercial Leases

David Adolphe explores the commercial and retail leasing issues arising from COVID-19 in the context of the accommodation sector.

Security is vital to protect money you loan to family and friends hit by COVID-19

Hillhouse Legal Partners’ Craig Hong explains why it is important to obtain security for any loans you make to family and friends who are suffering because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Electronic settlement will be crucial to conveyances during the Coronavirus crisis. Is your lawyer prepared?

Hillhouse Legal Partners’ Director Craig Hong explains why the use of PEXA will be crucial to lawyers and agents trying to settle conveyances during the Coronavirus crisis.

Contract renewal and end-of-term management for landlords and business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic

Landlords and business owners should be mindful of renewal and end-of-term clauses in contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael Morris looks at why owners should review all contracts and put procedures in place to avoid contracts being renewed or extended automatically.

The impact of COVID-19 on commercial lease agreements and what are your rights as a tenant and as a landlord

Hillhouse Legal Partners’ Special Counsel Daniel Lilley reviews the possible impacts of government-ordered business closures on commercial leases.

Strict laws cover treatment of employees during Coronavirus pandemic

Robert Lamb, Director at Hillhouse Legal Partners, looks at employers’ legal responsibilities when working with staff during the Coronavirus pandemic, including asking staff to work from home, to take leave or to stop working all together

Temporary changes to bankruptcy and insolvency laws aimed at helping businesses and individuals survive Coronavirus

Robert Lamb, Director at Hillhouse Legal Partners, explains the latest changes in bankruptcy and insolvency laws designed to help businesses and individuals survive the Coronavirus pandemic.

Got Gas? You might find yourself paying significantly higher Council rates

Owners of rural properties with CSG infrastructure on them might find themselves paying higher Council rates following a recent case.

Objection process means you don’t have to accept your new land valuation

Daniel Lilley explains why the Valuer-General’s new land valuations can be challenged and what property owners need to do if they feel their valuation is incorrect.

Increased liability and responsibility for Directors in new legislative regime

From 1 April 2020 the Commissioner of Taxation will have broadened powers to ensure compliance and regulate directors throughout Australia. Directors may face significant penalties if they fail to heed the new legislative regime in relation to GST Liabilities, PAYG, Superannuation, Wine Equalisation Taxes (WET) and Luxury Car Taxes (LCT). Ben Ryan looks at what these changes may mean for you and your business this year.

Fines for employer who failed to provide employees with Fair Work Information Statements

Robert Lamb considers a recent case where the Federal Circuit Court of Australia imposed a penalty of $2,700 on an employer for failing to provide Fair Work Information Statements to three new employees.

Who gets the pet? How pet custody is determined in legal proceedings

We all love our pets, but what will happen to them in the event of separation from your partner or spouse? Caitlyn Wessels and Robert Lamb discuss how pet custody is determined in legal proceedings.

Fair Work Commission’s ruling on annualised salary provisions will have a significant impact on many white collar employees

Robert Lamb explains how a ruling by the Fair Work Commission will significantly alter annualised salary provisions under 22 Awards, putting the onus on employers to track hours worked by full-time salaried employees.