News Centre
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
When entering the Australian workforce, your minimum wage depends on industry, experience, age and duties. Full-time and part-time employees have four weeks of annual leave each year. On termination, accrued unused annual leave must be paid out, including any applicable annual leave loading.
June 2, 2022 · Mingqiang
“We’ve broken up — give me back the things I gave you!” Can you legally reclaim gifts given to an ex after a break-up?
Want to reclaim gifts given to an ex after a break-up? Voluntary, unconditional gifts cannot be recovered. Engagement rings given on condition of marriage follow different principles: who refuses to marry, whether both parties agree to end the engagement, and whether there is an agreement all affect their return.
June 1, 2022 · Mingqiang
Labor Takes Office: What “Major Changes” Lie Ahead for Australia? A Rundown of Labor’s Campaign Pledges
Concerned about family costs, buying a home and earnings? In the 2022 Australian election, Labor pledged higher childcare subsidies, support for eligible homebuyers and a higher minimum wage, alongside increased spending on aged care, healthcare and education.
May 31, 2022 · Mingqiang
A Guide to the Rights and Duties of Executors and Beneficiaries of a Will, and How to Handle Disputes Between Them
Executors must administer the estate, repay debts and protect beneficiaries’ interests. Disputes over estate administration can first go to mediation, then to court if mediation fails. The court can direct the executor to act and hold them accountable if they cause financial loss.
May 27, 2022 · Mingqiang
Looking at the “Trial of the Century” – What Conduct Constitutes “Defamation” in Australia (NSW)?
In NSW, spoken or written material that is untrue or unfounded and harms another person’s reputation may prompt defamation proceedings. An individual suing must prove actual or possible serious harm and first send a written notice. Publishers may offer to make amends within the applicable time limits.
May 26, 2022 · Mingqiang
Australia Has a New Prime Minister — But His “First Lady” Isn’t His Wife!? A Look at How Seriously Australia Treats De Facto Relationships
De facto relationships and legal marriages carry similar property rights, but different deadlines after breakdown: 2 years from separation for the former and 12 months from the divorce order for the latter. De facto partners can also sign a property agreement before or during cohabitation.
May 23, 2022 · Qiqi
“The elderly gentleman was this close to being sent back home alone!” The law is not without compassion — a memorable successful AAT appeal
An elderly man with an eye condition had a visitor visa refused after a delayed renewal payment and an overstay. At the AAT hearing, the member found the process was not fully within his control, that he met the relevant PIC 3004 provisions, and directed reconsideration by the Department of Home Affairs.
May 23, 2022 · Mingqiang
Dealing with a Difficult Tenant as an Australian Landlord: How to Enforce Your Rights in a Commercial Lease Dispute
If a NSW commercial tenant uses premises in breach of the lease, the landlord can inspect under the rules or follow procedures to terminate the lease. Routine inspections require coordination of a time and advance notice; before requiring make good, check for an express lease clause.
May 20, 2022 · Mingqiang
As a sole trader in Australia, what do I need to start a small business?
To start a business as a sole trader in Australia, you need an ABN. Trading under a name other than your own requires ASIC registration. GST registration depends on turnover thresholds and specific circumstances, and relevant business licences are generally also required.
May 19, 2022 · Mingqiang
Thinking of Starting a Business? Sole Trader, Partnership, or Company? Pros and Cons of the Three Main Structures
Starting a business in Australia involves choosing a structure that affects liability, costs and management. Sole traders control the business and have unlimited liability; partners share debts and losses. A company is a separate legal entity, with higher establishment costs and more record-keeping and reporting requirements.