Knowledge

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.

Employee entitlements: key tips for compliance and risk minimisation for accommodation operators

The appointment of administrators to George Calombaris’ restaurant group serves as a timely reminder about employee entitlements. David Adolphe provides top tips for compliance & risk minimisation for accommodation operators.

Reducing your list of debtors could help you avoid becoming an insolvency statistic

Craig Hong explains why business owners should focus on reducing their list of debtors if they want to avoid becoming another statistic in the state’s growing string of commercial insolvencies.

Why shareholder, unitholder and service agreements are crucial to avoiding disputes within a medical practice

Zac Herps explains why having shareholder, unitholder and service agreements can save medical practices a lot of time, money and heartache in the long run.

Federal Court’s decision against Trivago will have significant consequences for the accommodation industry

David Adolphe explains how the Federal Court’s findings against accommodation website Trivago are likely to have wide-reaching ramifications for the accommodation industry.

10 tips for your next lease

A commercial lease is usually one of the most significant financial commitments a business will make and should be negotiated accordingly. Ben Ryan looks at 10 things you should consider when negotiating your next lease.

Is your medical practice still on solid ground or do you need to make some changes?

Zac Herps looks at why it is important for medical practitioners to take stock of how their practice is set up and consider whether the agreements and processes they have in place still offer the best safeguards.

Looking back on the year that was and ahead to 2020

Zac Herps, Hillhouse Legal Partners’ Managing Director, looks back on a busy 2019 and ahead to a new year full of promise.

What to do when someone passes away

While it’s always a difficult time when someone close to you dies, if you’re the executor of their estate you need to be aware of what to do next. Robert Lamb looks at the steps to take when someone passes away.

Why you should have a Will once you turn 18

Many young people put off creating a Will, perhaps thinking that it’s not something they need to worry about until later in life. Robert Lamb discusses why everyone over 18 should have a Will.