Finally, a Fairer Security of Payment Regime for Victoria after 18 Years
Major Reform on the Horizon for Victoria’s Construction Industry Victoria’s construction industry is about to undergo one of its most significant overhauls in years. The State Government has introduced the Building Legislation Amendment (Fairer Payments on Jobsites and Other Matters) Bill 2025 (Vic) (Bill) to Parliament – the first stage of long-awaited […]
National Construction Code Freeze Sparks Housing Debate
What Is the National Construction Code and why the freeze? The federal government has announced a pause on new residential changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) until 2029, aiming to cut red tape and give builders a more stable set of rules to work with. Only urgent safety or quality updates will […]
Major Shake-Up for Domestic Building Contracts in Victoria
For many families, their home is the single biggest investment of their lives. As Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos noted in the second reading speech introducing the reforms, a home is “the foundation of their future,” which makes it essential that Victoria’s laws around domestic building contracts are “clear, effective and modernised” to protect […]
Conveyancer or Solicitor? Understanding the Differences in Conveyancing Matters
Buying or selling property is one of the most significant financial decisions we make. One of the most important steps in that process is conveyancing. In Australia, both conveyancers and solicitors can handle conveyancing work. However, while they perform similar tasks, there are differences between the two that are important to understand before deciding […]
What is an ABN and Do You Need One?
Starting a business in Australia can feel like stepping into a world of acronyms – GST, BAS, ACN, TFN. But one of the most important of them all is the ABN, or Australian Business Number. Behind those 11 digits lies the foundation of how your business is identified, taxed, and recognised by both the […]
What should you expect from your lawyer under the new AML laws?
Overview The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) was passed by Parliament in November 2024. It updates the existing AML/CTF Act 2006 to strengthen Australia’s ability to prevent and respond to money laundering and terrorism financing, and to align with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). […]
Understanding Whistleblowing in Australia’s Legal Landscape
Speaking up should be simple. In a just system, exposing misconduct or abuse of power ought to be encouraged – not punished. Yet for many whistleblowers, doing the right thing can quickly become a stressful, risky, and costly ordeal. What is whistleblowing? Whistleblowing refers to a person who reports an individual or organisation […]
Can a Solicitor Also Be a Litigation Guardian? Exploring the Exception to the Rule in Victoria
In Victoria, the general rule is that a litigation guardian must act through a separate solicitor, to avoid any conflict of interest. However, in limited cases, such as where it’s cost-effective or no one else is available, the court may allow the same person to act as both solicitor and litigation guardian, provided there’s […]
Don’t Get Caught Out: Common ACNC Compliance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
For many small charities in Australia, compliance with regulatory obligations can feel like an overwhelming burden. Between chasing funding, managing volunteers, and delivering community programs, administration and record-keeping can easily slip down the priority list. But failing to comply with ACNC requirements can lead to serious consequences, including loss of registration, reputational damage, and […]
Owners Corporation Disputes in Victoria: A Reconfigured Jurisdiction
Over the past year, a series of Magistrates’ Court decisions has upended common practice in owners corporation levy recovery. These rulings confirm that such disputes must now be brought exclusively in VCAT, reshaping the jurisdictional landscape in Victoria. Background Over the past twelve months, a sequence of significant decisions[1] rendered by the Magistrates’ […]