Latest publications
AusLSA report on the environmental impact of law firms
In March 2011, the Australian Legal Sector Alliance (AusLSA) released a report on the consumption of energy, water and paper and the production of waste by its member law firms. …
Commencement of PPSA to be delayed
In brief – PPSA due to commence in October 2011 In a recent development, the commencement date of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) has been delayed from May 2011 to October 2011. The deferral of the commencement date is the result of industry requests for more time to prepare. Establishment…
“Free range” labelling of food products can be misleading
In brief — ACCC prosecutes egg producers for bogus free range claim Many people choose to pay more for products labelled “free-range” because they believe that the animals used in their production were treated in a more humane way. However, the ACCC’s recent successful prosecution of egg producers demonstrates that such labelling…
Can a parenting plan be enforced?
In Brief — Enforcement of court orders and parenting plans A court can fine or gaol a parent for not abiding by court orders. However, this is not the case with parenting plans. Parents’ responsibility Without court orders or parenting plans, both parents are legally responsible for their children’s upbringing and this responsibility continues…
Could your board minutes provide the evidence needed to protect you as a director?
In brief – Board minutes can serve as crucial evidence Having accurate minutes is not just a formality required under the corporations law. Detailed minutes may serve as the crucial evidence required to defend a director from charges of breaching of his or her duties, including charges of trading while insolvent. Definition and purpose…
Building owners can fund green improvements through council loans
In brief — Environmental upgrade agreements Building owners can now obtain financing through their local council via an environmental upgrade agreement (EUA) to assist in making green improvements to buildings. The amendments to the Local Government Act (NSW) 1993 to establish the scheme started on 18 February 2011. How the financing agreements work…
Appeal dismissed — Full Federal Court confirms that iiNet is not liable for infringements by its use
In brief — TV and film companies fail to snare iiNet Internet service provider (ISP) iiNet is not guilty of copyright infringement on the basis of file sharing by its users, according to the Full Federal Court. 2010 iiNet decision In February 2010, the Federal Court found that ISP iiNet was not liable…
Valid reason for dismissal the key to defending unfair dismissal claims
In brief A recent judgment of the Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) has highlighted that the existence of a valid reason for dismissal is pivotal to an employer’s ability to succeed in defending unfair dismissal claims. Criteria for establishing an unfair dismissal When an unfair dismissal claim is made by an eligible employee…
Why can’t same-sex couples in Australia get married?
In brief – Same-sex marriage is currently illegal in Australia Same-sex marriage is currently illegal in Australia, which can result in same-sex couples experiencing discrimination. Recent changes in legislation mean that same-sex couples qualify as de facto couples and for the most part have the same family law rights as married…
Changes in law and implications for franchising
In brief — Proposed reforms to strengthen protections for franchisees Changes proposed to unfair contracts law, unconscionable contracts law and the Franchising Code of Conduct may have the effect of providing additional protections for franchisees. Unfair contracts law and the Trade Practices Act The Trade Practices Act (Australian Consumer Law) Bill…