Knowledge

Do you trust that your family trust was set up properly? The benefits of a corporate trustee to minimise risk

Craig Hong looks at the benefits of setting up a trust with a corporate trustee and eliminating the need for an appointer. He weighs up the advantages and disadvantages with particular focus on estate planning purposes.

What does the new Medicare Shared Debt Recovery Scheme mean for medical professionals?

The Medicare Debt Recovery Scheme means doctors and medical practices now face new levels of liability for any over-payment of Medicare benefits. Craig Hong looks at how medical professionals can protect themselves.

Why you need to protect your intellectual property?

Your intellectual property is what sets you apart from your competitors. So, is your intellectual property protected? Ben Ryan looks at what a trade mark is and why it should be a key aspect of your business.

The uber difference between a contractor and an employee

A recent investigation into an unfair dismissal claim against Uber Australia raises further questions about the difference between a contractor and an employee. Robert Lamb looks at why it pays to check all agreements.

Procedural fairness or systemic apprehension? Why it’s important to follow key procedures when terminating employment contracts

The increasing number of unfair dismissal claims with Australia’s Fair Work Commission is making some employers nervous. Robert Lamb looks what employers need to know and the key learnings from a recent case with Virgin Australia.

How a recent court case could have significant ramifications for sick leave entitlements in Australia

Robert Lamb looks at a recent court case between the owners of Cadbury and their workers regarding sick leave entitlements and how this could impact more than a million Australian workers who don’t work traditional hours.

‘Lemon laws’ – when consumers are given lemons, can the government make them into lemonade?

Changes have been introduced to help protect consumers buying used vehicles and increase the ability to resolve disputes in QLD. Ben Ryan looks at whether these changes will make lemons into lemonade.

What you need to know before hiring an electric scooter. Warning, it’s not as straight-forward as it may seem

Hiring an electric scooter may be tempting, but it can also be a costly decision with riders usually not covered by insurance. Michael Morris looks at what you should know about your potential exposure to liability.

Key questions you should ask before committing to a franchise

The allure of buying into a franchise can be strong with promises of a business ready to step into, but these agreements are often heavily weighted in favour of the franchisor. Ben Ryan lists four key questions you should ask before buying into a franchise.

New Family and Domestic Violence Leave – Key Changes to the Fair Work Act Every Employer Should Know

Robert Lamb writes about recent and significant changes to the Fair Work Act and other laws impacting an employer’s obligations when an employee experiences family and domestic violence.

Why making a video Will is just not worth the risk

Making a video Will may seem a very modern thing to do, but it is also fraught with problems which may make a Will invalid. Ian Hillhouse & Craig Hong look at the implications of making a video Will.

Succession planning for family owned agribusinesses

Michael Morris looks at key discussions families should be having – “talk early and talk often” is a mantra that should be used.

Fundamental changes to the legal profession over the past 17 years and key predictions – part 2

Zac Herps continues to explore how the legal landscape has changed over the past 17 years with a focus on the property and accommodation sectors.

Does Uber Australia have an employer/employee relationship with its drivers? The Fair Work Ombudsman says ‘no’

Robert Lamb looks at what this ruling means and how to determine if a person is a contractor or employee.

The importance of reviewing comments on your business’s public social media pages

A recent Court case calls for increased vigilance in managing public social media pages. Michael Morris and Caitlyn Wessels examine the decision and provide practical tips for managing your business’s social media pages.