The Family Law Act 1975 has been amended to codify a party’s duty of disclosure relating to financial or property matters. These changes clarify existing obligations and mark a shift toward greater accountability and transparency in family law proceedings.
In a significant boost to tax planning arrangements and intergenerational wealth management, Queensland trusts will be able to run for 125 years from 1 August 2025. This change, introduced under the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld), will increase the current maximum life of trusts (called the perpetuity period or vesting period) by 45 years to 125 years (up from the existing 80-year limit).
Pets are now elevated to a specific category of property in family law property proceedings following amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) which took effect on 11 June 2025. Will these reforms result in a more just and equitable division of property between separating couples or exacerbate conflict and extend proceedings?
Two franchisors have recently paid penalties after the ACCC issued infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Franchising Code. This serves as an important reminder to franchisors to comply with their obligations under the Franchising Code to annually update their information on the Franchise Disclosure Register.
A recent Fair Work Commission decision reaffirms the ability of employers to direct employees to undergo medical examinations and clarifies when employee refusal can amount to serious misconduct.
Confidentiality applies to communications made to approved family counsellors, but there are exceptions to be aware of where a counsellor’s notes may be disclosed in a family law dispute.
Australian business owners and intellectual property rights holders are advised to remain vigilant amid a surge in email scams impersonating law firms.
On 10 June 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission unveiled reforms aimed at revitalising the ASX listing pipeline, marking a substantive structural development to IPO regulation in Australia.
The Queensland Government has released a consultation paper on significant proposed reforms to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Water Act 2000 across key areas such as environmental authorities, progressive rehabilitation and underground water management.
Under latest changes to the WHS Regulation, employers must prepare a written prevention plan addressing the risk of sexual and sex or gender-based harassment.
A recent decision involving a long-serving teacher provides a timely reminder for employers about the importance of procedural fairness and the value of appointing external investigators when investigating misconduct.
The Supreme Court recently held that an employee with 10 years of continuous service in another jurisdiction and just 18 days of service in Queensland satisfied the requirements for long service leave under Queensland’s Industrial Relations Act.