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[FIRB] Essential Knowledge for International Students, 485/491 Visa Holders, and Foreign Investors (Non-PR/Non-Citizens) Buying Property in Australia!

June 22, 2022 · Mingqiang

[FIRB] Essential Knowledge for International Students, 485/491 Visa Holders, and Foreign Investors (Non-PR/Non-Citizens) Buying Property in Australia!

FIRB stands for Foreign Investment Review Board, a body established under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) (“FATA”) that reports to the Treasurer. FATA requires that certain investments in Australian businesses, entities, or land be reviewed by FIRB beforehand. Its main purpose is for the government to monitor foreign investment and ensure such investments benefit Australia. Restricting purely foreign investors from acquiring existing property is intended to prevent speculative buying that would drive housing prices up unreasonably.

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Hitting or Assaulting Someone at Random? The Consequences in Australia Can Be Very Serious

June 17, 2022 · Mingqiang

Hitting or Assaulting Someone at Random? The Consequences in Australia Can Be Very Serious

A recent incident at a barbecue restaurant in which people were beaten has drawn strong public condemnation. The reality is that hitting or assaulting someone can happen anywhere. When living overseas, it is extremely important to know which assault-type behaviours can breach the local criminal law. You may even have been subjected to some form of assault yourself without realising that, in Australia, such conduct actually constitutes a crime. Today we will briefly look at some of the laws that may be relevant to the barbecue-shop case, and focus on what offences hitting or assaulting someone in Australia may give rise to, and what serious consequences may follow.

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In Australia, Under What Circumstances Can a Contract Generally Be Terminated?

June 15, 2022 · Mingqiang

In Australia, Under What Circumstances Can a Contract Generally Be Terminated?

We often hear of the “spirit of contract”. What is the spirit of contract? In essence, the spirit of contract means that both parties to a contract perform their respective obligations in good faith with regard to the matters agreed upon in the oral or written contract. In reality, however, there are many situations in which a party is unable to honour a promise or perform an obligation for one reason or another.

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No Income After Divorce? You May Be Able to Apply for Spousal Maintenance!

June 9, 2022 · Mingqiang

No Income After Divorce? You May Be Able to Apply for Spousal Maintenance!

Australian family law provides that, where a marriage — including a de facto relationship — breaks down, one party may be entitled to require the other to pay spousal maintenance. So: In what circumstances can you apply for spousal maintenance? Is there a time limit for applying? How long can spousal maintenance last? Can you continue to receive spousal maintenance if you remarry?

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Australia set for the biggest minimum wage rise in years!? A rundown of the most basic but important rights you need to know when entering the Australian workplace

June 8, 2022 · Mingqiang

Australia set for the biggest minimum wage rise in years!? A rundown of the most basic but important rights you need to know when entering the Australian workplace

Since the fuel price surge not long ago, prices in Australia have continued to climb. An iceberg lettuce that used to cost less than $5 has shot up to $12 in some supermarkets. Even KFC can’t keep up — they’ve notified customers that, due to supply issues across the country, they are temporarily using a mix of lettuce and cabbage in their Victorian, NSW, Queensland, ACT and Tasmanian stores.

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Labor Takes Office: What “Major Changes” Lie Ahead for Australia? A Rundown of Labor’s Campaign Pledges

June 1, 2022 · Mingqiang

Labor Takes Office: What “Major Changes” Lie Ahead for Australia? A Rundown of Labor’s Campaign Pledges

Australia’s federal election has just concluded, with the Labor Party winning the vote. Labor leader Anthony Albanese has replaced Liberal leader Scott Morrison to become Australia’s 31st Prime Minister. Before this, the Liberal-National Coalition had been in government for nine years. Labor made many commitments during the campaign, including increasing budgets for childcare, aged care, housing, healthcare, infrastructure and education, raising the minimum wage, reducing workplace discrimination and sexual harassment, and protecting the climate and environment, among others. This article will walk through and summarise the commitments Labor made during the election.

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