Latest Articles
Latest ArticlesFrom Our Legal Team
Practical analysis of the legislative changes and legal developments shaping Australian business, property, employment, and immigration law.
Special Conditions in a Victorian Contract: What can be Included?
Special conditions in a Victorian contract of sale are tailored provisions that supplement general terms and manage transaction-specific risks. These conditions must comply with the Sale of Land Act 1962 and cannot override mandatory provisions, ensuring fairness and clarity in property transactions.
What are Rebates and Discounts in Property Sales in Victoria?
Rebates and discounts in property sales in Victoria are informal agreements that depend entirely on negotiations between buyers and sellers. Clear documentation of any price reductions is essential to prevent disputes over entitlements and final purchase prices.
How does the ART Approach Migration Evidence Effectively?
The ART evaluates migration evidence by reviewing all relevant materials under the Migration Act 1958, focusing on credibility and procedural fairness. Practitioners must prepare cogent submissions, understanding that the Tribunal can exercise discretion in admitting and weighing evidence.
Victorian Off-the-Plan Duty Concession: Who Qualifies for Reduced Stamp Duty?
The Victorian Off-the-Plan Duty Concession reduces stamp duty for eligible purchasers of residential properties bought off the plan, primarily within strata schemes. This concession is available until 21 April 2027, helping to lower upfront costs significantly.
Women in the Business of Law Series by GPS Lawyers on 17 September 2026
GPS Lawyers joined the Women in the Business of Law series on 17 September 2026, highlighting insights on establishing and managing a legal practice.
AI Governance and Directors' Duties: What Australian Company Directors Must Do
Australian company directors must implement AI governance frameworks that align with their statutory duties under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), including the duty of care and diligence in s 180.
Retail Lease vs Commercial Lease: The Real Difference in Victorian Law
Victoria has no separate commercial leases statute, so the only legal difference between a retail lease and a commercial lease is whether the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) applies to the premises. Where it applies, the Act is read into the lease: it extends a short term to five years, makes land tax clauses void and sends disputes to mediation before VCAT. This article explains how retail premises are defined, which premises fall outside the Act, what changes when it applies, and what a review of the lease considers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Case Studies
Matters in Practice
A closer look at how we navigate complex matters for our clients, from immigration challenges to workplace safety.
Overcoming Subclass 602 Visa Refusal Challenges
Our client faced a critical moment when their Subclass 602 Medical Treatment visa was refused. The Tribunal upheld the initial decision, citing doubts about the temporary stay intention under cl 602.215. Navigating through a maze of previous visa non-compliance and procedural history, they needed to demonstrate genuine intent and medical necessity under pressure. With their immigration status hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Construction company strengthens safety measures following WorkSafe inspection
A WorkSafe Victoria inspector halted work at a residential construction site after identifying fall protection failures, untagged electrical equipment, and missing Safe Work Method Statements.
NOICC and PIC 4020 in action: a real case study on navigating visa cancellation challenges
A single error on a visa application can have severe consequences, including a 10-year ban. This case study follows a client who unknowingly had a bogus employment letter lodged on his behalf.