Latest Articles

From Our Legal Team

Practical analysis of the legislative changes and legal developments shaping Australian business, property, employment, and immigration law.

Property Law

Nominating a Purchaser: How to Avoid Double Stamp Duty in Victoria

A nomination lets the purchaser named in a contract of sale substitute another person to take the transfer, and in Victoria a badly timed nomination can attract land transfer duty twice. Duty is assessed a second time if land development occurs, or additional consideration is given, between the day of sale and the nomination.

5 min readOpen file
Corporate and commercial

Special Conditions and General Conditions: Why Are They Crucial in Contracts?

General conditions are the standard pre-printed terms of a standard-form contract, and special conditions are the terms the parties add for the particular transaction. If they genuinely conflict, the special condition usually prevails. This article covers common examples, the rules of precedence, and what a careful review considers.

5 min readOpen file
Corporate and commercial

Why Australian Businesses Need an AI Policy to Prevent Data Breaches

Employees using unauthorised AI tools risk breaching privacy laws and workplace safety regulations, exposing businesses to legal liability. Australian companies must implement an AI policy to control data sharing, ensure compliance, and prevent breaches.

5 min readOpen file
Corporate and commercial

Warranties and Indemnities in Business Sales: Who Pays for Risks?

Warranties and indemnities in a business sale contract determine who bears the cost if the business doesn't meet expectations. Ensure you understand their limits and obligations, as warranties typically expire within a set time, while indemnities cover specific risks without the same restrictions.

6 min readOpen file
Media, Defamation & Privacy

Australia's new privacy tort: a defining shift in June 2025

In June 2025, Australia introduced a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy. For the first time at the Commonwealth level, individuals can bring a direct civil claim where their privacy has been seriously compromised.

6 min readOpen file
Immigration Law

Administrative Review Tribunal amendments 2026: legal and procedural implications for student visa refusal reviews

Parliament enacted the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026. Once commenced, student visa refusal reviews will be determined on the papers alone, making comprehensive written submissions essential.

7 min readOpen file
Commercial Law

AML Tranche 2 reforms: what clients and businesses need to know about Australia's new AML laws

Australia's anti-money laundering framework is undergoing a significant expansion. From 1 July 2026, AML/CTF obligations extend beyond banks to lawyers, accountants, and other professional service providers.

6 min readOpen file
Employment Law

Fair Work Act 2025 amendment: a turning point for modern workplaces

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act delivers sweeping changes to casual employment, contractor classification, labour hire pay parity, and wage theft criminalisation.

4 min readOpen file
Property Law

Pro-forma contracts and off-the-plan contracts in Australia: a legal overview

Pro-forma contracts and off-the-plan contracts serve entirely different legal purposes. This overview explains their structure, regulatory framework, and the key risks and advantages for buyers and businesses.

7 min readOpen file